Ryan Walters cannot be the only thing wrong with Oklahoma’s education system; we have been ranking in the high 40s for years, and the problem is deeper and more complex than one person.
Education Reform
- Encourage early education in American history, civics, and constitutional governance ideas.
- Encourage the teaching of original founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers to foster a profound respect for our country’s history.
- Support the growth of school choice measures, such as charter schools, vouchers, and tax credits, to allow parents to select the best educational options for their children.
Civic Engagement
- Encourage active participation in local and state government by offering programs that promote civic engagement and volunteerism.
- Support activities that facilitate voter education and registration, ensuring citizens and students understand the electoral process and their voting rights.
- Advocate for civic education standards in high school and college curricula, which will provide future generations with the information and skills needed for responsible citizenship.
Constitutional Literacy
- Increase the teaching of constitutional law and jurisprudence in secondary and higher education institutions, resulting in a better understanding of the concepts of limited government and separation of powers.
- Support initiatives to equip educators with resources and training in order to effectively teach constitutional ideas in the classroom.
- Advocate for constitutional literacy exams in standardized testing frameworks to ensure students graduate knowing their rights and obligations as citizens.
Protection of Free Speech and Academic Freedom
- Defend students’ and teachers’ First Amendment rights on public school and college campuses, ensuring that various opinions are welcome and recognized.
- Oppose initiatives to limit free speech and expression in educational institutions, such as so-called “speech codes” and “safe spaces” that impede open debate and intellectual research.
- Support academic freedom for teachers and academics, allowing them to investigate controversial issues and ideas without fear of censorship or reprisal.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Advocate for financial conservatism in education spending, ensuring that taxpayer funds are spent efficiently and effectively to help students learn.
- Support initiatives to increase transparency and accountability in education spending, allowing people to track how their money is spent and hold politicians, school districts, and teachers accountable for the results.
- Oppose unnecessary government expenditure and inefficient bureaucratic processes in education, and advocate for reforms that prioritize student outcomes and academic accomplishment.