Walters Talks Education Reform, Defends New Standards and Charter School Shifts

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters joined News On 6 to address sweeping changes underway in the state’s K-12 education system, from teacher shortages and student migration to charter schools, to new, controversial standards in history instruction.

Walters said the state is embracing a model of “school choice,” which he views as a fundamental principle for modernizing education.

“We’re going to be a school choice state,” Walters said. “Parents get to choose where their kids go to school.”

Charter School Layoffs Seen as "Free Market" in Action

The superintendent downplayed concerns over recent layoffs affecting more than 300 teachers and staff at Epic Charter Schools, calling it part of the “free market at work.”

“When parents choose a charter school like Epic, Epic grew. They hired more folks. They hired more teachers," said Walters. "Well, when parents have also said, 'you know actually,' a lot of parents have chosen to put their kids back in Tulsa Public Schools becuase of the improvements there."

He said the changes are the free market at work, and he thinks they create competition for high-quality educators and could result in better teacher recruitment across all schools.

Related Story: Epic Charter Schools cuts 357 staff members, phases out Learning Centers

New History Standards Promote "American Exceptionalism"

Walters also celebrated what he called a major legislative win: the adoption of new history standards that emphasize "American exceptionalism" and mandate the inclusion of the Bible in the curriculum.

“Now, Oklahoma has the best history standards in the country,” Walters said. “These history standards will make sure your kids understand what makes America exceptional. We put the Bible back in the standards so kids can understand the role that Judeo-Christian values played in American history, specifically the Bible.”

He said students will explore founding documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and claimed other states may look to Oklahoma as a model.

"I think every state you're going to see across the country is going to be looking at these standards in the future to start emulating those things. So, Oklahoma is going to be a leader," he said.

Related Story: Debate over social studies standards: Lawmakers weigh revisions and approval

Pushback on Bible in Curriculum

The move to include the Bible has caused debate among parents concerned about the separation of church and state. Walters dismissed that criticism as ideological censorship.

“We’re going to have the Bible back in every classroom this fall,” he said. “It's the most read book in American history. It’s the most cited book in American history. I don’t know how you understand anything about our society or government if you don’t understand the Bible and the role that it played.”

“Whether you like it or not, where you a Christian or not, whatever your faith may be that’s American history,” he added. “Our kids need to understand American history that so we can continue to be this great country.”

Related Story: Oklahomans React To Proposed Classroom Bible Budget

Non-Christian Religious Leaders React To Walters' Bible In Classroom Mandate

Looking Ahead

While the state still faces teacher shortages and shifting student enrollment patterns, Walters remains optimistic.

“I’m very proud that our kids are going to get that kind of education,” he said. “And I’m very proud for the future of our country.”

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Oklahoma's National Education Ranking

Despite these reforms, Oklahoma continues to face challenges in education. The state ranks 48th out of 51 in overall public school rankings, considering factors like K-12 performance, funding, higher education quality, and safety.

Additionally, the 2024 Kids Count report placed Oklahoma 49th in education, highlighting ongoing issues in the state's educational outcomes.

NAEP ranked Oklahoma 47th in fourth-grade reading and 48th in eighth-grade reading. For math, Oklahoma ranked 44th in fourth grade and 45th in eighth grade.