Walters’ ‘America First’ teacher test could overstep Oklahoma law

Summary:

– Out-of-state teachers may face a new ideological test targeting progressive states.

– State law grants commission authority to approve competency exams, not political assessments.

– Critics warn the test could worsen Oklahoma’s teacher shortage and may be illegal.

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Department of Education likely would contradict state law if it implements an ideological test for teachers coming from certain states, said the leader of another state agency that oversees teacher assessments.

Requiring an “America First” assessment for teachers moving from progressive states like California and New York, as state Superintendent Ryan Walters pledged to do , would step outside the authority Oklahoma law grants to the state Department of Education , w