Oklahoma High School Curriculum Update
Oklahoma high school students learning about history will cover topics like the industrial revolution, women’s suffrage, and the country’s growing influence in global affairs. Starting this school year, they will also delve into conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 presidential election.
These new social science standards for K-12 public schools, which already include mentions of the Bible and local pride, have been modified under the guidance of state school principal Ryan Walters. Republican officials aim to eliminate what they consider “unpleasant” content in schools, expressing support for President Donald Trump while pushing back against teachers’ unions and local education leaders.
Walters has openly criticized what he perceives as leftist indoctrination, stating, “We’re actually moving it to understand history…and I won’t apologize for it.” The previous guidelines on the 2020 elections merely suggested examining issues and outcomes. The updated version is more detailed, urging students to identify results from the election, including claims about voting irregularities.
Even among some Republican law-makers, last-minute additions, such as language linking Covid-19 to a Chinese lab, raised eyebrows before the state board of education’s vote.
A group of parents and educators recently filed a lawsuit challenging these new standards, arguing that they have not been adequately reviewed and present a skewed perspective on social studies.
Mixed Reactions from Educators
While many Oklahoma teachers are frustrated by the revised standards, some believe they still allow for effective teaching regarding the 2020 election without spreading misinformation. Aaron Baker, a high school government teacher in Oklahoma City, voiced concerns about the influence of conservative ideologies on students’ perspectives.
“If anyone would welcome the influence of far-right organizations, that’s troubling,” Baker remarked. A resolution to reject the new standards by Republican legislators failed to garner enough support. Some hesitation to oppose the changes may come from pressure exerted by pro-Trump groups. These groups have been known to hold Republicans accountable for not aligning with their views.
Advocating for Critical Thinking
Walters contends that these new standards are designed to encourage critical thinking. Following consultations with parents and educators, he formed a review committee that included conservative experts from outside the state. His focus appears to be on promoting American exceptionalism and integrating the Bible as an educational tool.
In defense of the changes, Walters asserted that the standard does not dictate beliefs but instead encourages students to analyze real events. However, critics point out that these standards are riddled with misleading phrases and could manipulate discussions in a specific direction.
Critics, including Democrats, perceive this move as another political maneuver by Walters, who may be eyeing a potential gubernatorial run in 2026. Concerns have also been raised about the politicization of educational content. National education experts have noted that Oklahoma’s historically strong social studies standards are now at risk.
Moreover, excessive references to Christianity may obscure the nuanced history of the nation’s founding, which adds another layer to ongoing debates about educational content. David Griffith from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute criticized the new standards as an unfortunate departure from Oklahoma’s previous curriculum strengths, particularly highlighting the inappropriateness of promoting unfounded theories in education.
