New Bible-Based Standards Proposed for Oklahoma’s K-12 Social Science Curriculum
Oklahoma’s State Department of Education has proposed new standards for the instruction of social science lessons in K-12 public schools. The new standards would require schools to base teaching on biblical ideals, covering topics such as history, geography, economics, and civics instruction. Although officials will approve and implement the new standards, each school is free to develop their own lesson plans.
The standards aim to introduce biblical teachings in public school classrooms, stating that “Oklahoma is putting the Bible and the historical impact of Christianity back in school.” State Superintendent Ryan Walters wants students to learn “the full and true context of our nation’s founding and of the principles that made and continue to make America great and exceptional.”
Walters has sought to eradicate what he considers “radical woke influences” since taking office, stating earlier this year that every public school classroom should have a copy of the Bible, with Biblical teachings incorporated into history, literature, and fine arts lessons. In fact, the administration spent $25,000 on copies of Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA Bible, which were then distributed to local schools.
These new standards intend to put an end to what Walters describes as “woke, radical indoctrination,” as well as “racially divisive, hyper-sexualized, watered down, weak curriculum that has left us with the worst public education outcomes in our history.” The standards are still open to comments and criticism from the public as officials seek to have them approved by 2025, when Oklahoma’s academic standards for social studies and science lessons will be reviewed.
