Oklahoma now requires teachers from California and New York to pass a 34-question “America First” certification test developed with PragerU. State Superintendent Ryan Walters asserts the exam protects Oklahoma classrooms from “radical leftist ideology” by ensuring teachers reflect “American values.” The test includes questions on civics, history, gender, and identity, and critics view it as a political loyalty test, potentially worsening the teacher shortage. The initiative, which has already garnered interest from other states, has been met with warnings from opponents who fear the impact on recruitment.
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Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
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Three employees of Houston’s historically black high schools have been arrested in a scheme where people certified to teach paid to have someone else take their state certification exams. The ringleaders identified include Vincent Grayson, a teacher and basketball coach, Nicholas Newton, an assistant principal, and LaShonda Roberts, another assistant principal, alongside two people not employed by the district. Those involved in the scheme, which prosecutors allege has earned over $300,000, face felony counts of engaging in organized criminal activity based on money laundering and tampering with government records. Investigations into the scheme revealed at least 400 tests were taken, resulting in at least 200 teachers being falsely certified. The Houston Independent School District, the largest in Texas and eighth-largest in the country, are now attempting to track down these teachers.
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John Q. Hosedrinker