Overview

• Oklahoma’s education department began administering the 50-question America First certification exam to teachers relocating from California and New York on August 15.
• The PragerU-linked assessment probes knowledge of state biology guidelines on male-female differences and American history standards that include debunked election fraud claims.
• Superintendent Ryan Walters implemented the exam unilaterally without seeking approval from the Oklahoma State Board of Education to guard against perceived classroom “indoctrination.”
• Democrats, teacher unions and civil rights groups have condemned the requirement as an ideological litmus test and announced plans to mount constitutional legal challenges.
• Walters has indicated the certification could expand to applicants from as many as eight other states, broadening his conservative vetting initiative.