Oklahoma ranks second worst in education, amidst new curriculum controversy

Tulsa, Okla. (KTUL) — State Superintendent Ryan Walters has issued guidance on the requirement for Oklahoma school districts to implement the bible in their curriculum.

Walters announced in these guidelines that every Oklahoma teacher will be provided a physical copy of the bible, the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the 10 Commandments as resources.

“We’re gonna make sure that the Bible in its historical context is back in the classroom here in Oklahoma,” said State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Walters issued guidance on Bible usage in historical, and literacy contexts, saying that every Oklahoma teacher will have a Bible for instructional use in their classroom.

“My concern back then, as it is today, is these actions by the state superintendent is it does nothing to improve education in Oklahoma,” said Michael Horn, President of Jenks Classroom Teachers’ Association

Horn says he thinks these actions by Walters are a distraction.

“It’s not about what happens in the classroom, what teachers are doing. It’s a way to infuse a lot of emotions,” said Horn.

WalletHub released a report showing that Oklahoma has the 2nd worst school system in America.

Walters says the poor education system in Oklahoma is the reason they’re throwing the teachers’ unions out of schools.

“They have absolutely run our education system into the ground and that’s where you’ve seen our dramatic reforms,” said Walters.

Union Public Schools sent NewsChannel 8 a statement saying they are compliant with the academic standards approved by the Oklahoma legislature.

They said they are studying the new guidelines and have several questions, saying they will always be respectful of the religious beliefs of their students.

Walters says he’s had some school districts speak out against this new requirement.

“These administrators will comply. I will hold them accountable and my message to them is clear. Do not test me,” said Walters.

Walters, however, did not specify the ramifications if a district did not comply. He said it would be taken case by case.

Tulsa Public Schools and Jenks Public Schools also sent issued statements.

TPS said, “This morning, Oklahoma school districts received new guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education regarding classroom curriculum and foundational texts.

While we will continue to review the memo to better understand the expectations, the district carefully selects its instructional materials based upon the State Board of Education’s subject matter standards. This is because state law vests the State Board of Education with sole authority to specify the content of subject matter standards—just as it vests districts with exclusive authority to determine the instruction, curriculum, reading lists, textbooks and other instructional materials for use in the district’s schools. Okla. Stat. tit. 70, 11-103.6a(E), (F).

Given this authority as a local district, Tulsa Public Schools will continue its planned course of instruction and curriculum developed with adherence to state law.”

Jenks Public Schools said, “As stated in a message to our staff and parents earlier this week, Jenks Public Schools’ current curriculum and resources are already aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards approved by the Oklahoma State Legislature. The guidelines distributed today by the State Department of Education lead to more questions than answers. JPS administrators will take time to review and digest this guidance. We will continue to make decisions based on JPS Board Policy and state law. Jenks Public Schools will always respect the religious beliefs of all students and staff members while fostering a safe, inclusive learning environment.”