Oklahoma public schools will soon require teachers from California and New York to pass a new test proving they share the state’s conservative values.
Regardless of subject or grade level, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of “the biological differences between females and males” and agree with Oklahoma’s American history standards. Those standards include the claim that Democrats stole the 2020 election from Donald Trump—a statement widely disputed by fact-checkers.
The test will be administered by PragerU, a nonprofit known for producing conservative educational content. Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s superintendent of public schools, said the measure will protect classrooms from “radical leftist ideology.”
“As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded,” Walters said. He added that California and New York schools promote ideas “antithetical to our standards,” and the new exam—dubbed an “America First certification”—will ensure new teachers uphold Oklahoma values.
The state released five sample questions from the 50-question test, including one asking for the first three words of the U.S. Constitution and another about why freedom of religion is important to America’s identity. Walters said the full test will roll out “very soon.”
Critics, including the American Federation of Teachers, argue the mandate is unnecessary and harmful. Union president Randi Weingarten called it “a MAGA loyalty test” that will further discourage teachers from moving to Oklahoma, a state already facing shortages.
Despite pushback, Oklahoma is offering bonuses up to $50,000 to attract out-of-state teachers. Walters claims this has already sparked a surge of interest in relocating to the state.
Supporters see the reforms as a way to restore what they call “honest, pro-America education.” Opponents warn it could deepen political divides and worsen the teacher crisis Oklahoma is trying to solve.