THE TEACHER SHORTAGE CRISIS - THE BILLIONAIRES PLAYBOOK STRIKES AGAIN: BILLIONAIRES -1 PUBLIC SCHOOLS - O

THE TEACHER SHORTAGE CRISIS 

THE BILLIONAIRES PLAYBOOK STRIKES AGAIN

BILLIONAIRES -1 PUBLIC SCHOOLS - O 

As schools across the United States open their doors for the new academic year, they are faced with a major problem: teacher shortages. And while some may see this as the big payoff for following the billionaires' playbook for privatizing schools, it's hard to ignore the fact that it's causing chaos in the education system.

Let's be honest, the billionaires' plan was pretty simple: bash the teachers, defund the colleges that teach them, defund the public schools that pay them, and put out propaganda that tech will do a better job teaching your kids. And let's not forget the role of Citizens United in all of this. Thanks a lot, Supreme Court!

But now we're left with a situation where schools are struggling to find qualified teachers, and they're having to resort to hiring under-qualified teachers and long-term substitutes. It's like trying to fix a leaky faucet with duct tape - sure, it might work for a little while, but eventually, it's going to break down completely.

The consequences of this crisis are catastrophic for some districts. Some have had to switch to four-day weeks, while others have had to shut down mid-year. It's like trying to run a marathon with a broken leg - you might make it a few steps, but eventually, you're going to collapse.

So, what caused this mess? Well, it's pretty simple: billionaires buying politicians and spewing propaganda. It's like a bad game of Monopoly - they bought up all the property and now they're trying to charge us rent.

But let's not dwell on the negative. Instead, let's focus on some of the solutions that could help fix this mess. For starters, we could increase teacher pay. After all, teachers are often paid less than other professionals with similar levels of education and experience. It's like paying your dentist less than your plumber - it just doesn't make sense.

We could also improve working conditions for teachers. This includes reducing class sizes, providing more support for teachers, and creating a more positive work environment. It's like giving your employees a raise and a pat on the back - it makes them feel valued and appreciated.

And let's not forget about increasing respect for teachers. This includes raising awareness of the importance of teachers and their work, and supporting teachers in their efforts to improve the quality of education. It's like giving your mom a hug and telling her you appreciate everything she does - it makes her feel loved and valued.

Of course, these solutions won't be easy. They'll require time, effort, and money. But if we want to fix this mess, we need to start somewhere. It's like cleaning up your room - it might be overwhelming at first, but once you start, you'll feel better about yourself.

In conclusion, the teacher shortage in the United States is no laughing matter. But sometimes, when faced with a crisis, all we can do is laugh. So let's laugh at the billionaires' plan to privatize schools, let's laugh at the politicians they bought, and let's laugh at the propaganda they spewed. And then let's get to work fixing this mess.

Teacher shortages in US: How do vacancies compare in your state? https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/24/teacher-shortages-in-us-compare-your-state/70660263007/ 

Teacher shortages have gotten worse. Here’s how schools are coping. - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/24/teacher-shortages-pipeline-college-licenses/ 

Back to School: Despite lower vacancies, Wake County has nearly 300 teacher vacancies ahead of school year https://www.wral.com/story/back-to-school-despite-lower-vacancies-wake-county-has-nearly-300-teacher-vacancies-ahead-of-school-year/21014392/ 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

The teacher shortage in the United States is a complex issue with many contributing factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• * **Low pay:** Teachers are often paid less than other professionals with similar levels of education and experience. This makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified teachers, especially in high-cost areas. According to the National Education Association, the average salary for a public school teacher in the United States is \\$63,000. This is lower than the average salary for other college-educated professionals, such as lawyers and engineers.
• * **Unfavorable working conditions:** Teachers often have to deal with large class sizes, difficult students, and paperwork. This can lead to burnout and make it difficult to attract and retain teachers. The average teacher has a class size of 24 students. This can be challenging to manage, especially for teachers who are not experienced or who do not have the support of their colleagues.
• * **Lack of respect:** Teachers are not always respected by parents, students, or the public. This can make it difficult to attract and retain teachers who are passionate about their work. According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, only 37% of Americans have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in the public school system. This is down from 46% in 2018.
• * **The COVID-19 pandemic:** The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the teacher shortage. Many teachers have left the profession due to stress, burnout, or health concerns. The pandemic has also made it more difficult to attract new teachers, as many people are hesitant to work in a school setting where there is a risk of exposure to the virus.

The teacher shortage is worst in certain states and school districts. According to a 2023 report by the Learning Policy Institute, the states with the worst teacher shortages are:

• * Washington
• * Arizona
• * Hawaii
• * Indiana
• * District of Columbia
• * Virginia
• * Montana
• * Nebraska
• * New Mexico
• * South Dakota
• * Wyoming

These states are all located in the western and southwestern United States. They tend to have lower pay and less favorable working conditions than other states. They also have a higher proportion of students from low-income families, which can make teaching more challenging.

The teacher shortage is a serious problem that is having a negative impact on the quality of education in the United States. There are a number of things that can be done to address the shortage, such as increasing teacher pay, improving working conditions, and increasing respect for teachers.

Some of the specific things that can be done to address the teacher shortage include:

• * Increasing teacher pay: This is one of the most important things that can be done to attract and retain qualified teachers. The federal government could provide funding to states to increase teacher pay.
• * Improving working conditions: This includes reducing class sizes, providing more support for teachers, and creating a more positive work environment. States and school districts could make changes to their policies and practices to improve working conditions for teachers.
• * Increasing respect for teachers: This includes raising awareness of the importance of teachers and their work, and supporting teachers in their efforts to improve the quality of education. Parents, students, and the public can all play a role in increasing respect for teachers.

The teacher shortage is a complex issue, but it is one that can be addressed. By taking steps to increase teacher pay, improve working conditions, and increase respect for teachers, we can make the teaching profession more attractive and ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education.

FROM BING AI

Schools opening with teacher shortages, where it is worse, and what caused it.

Schools opening with teacher shortages

As the 2023-2024 school year ramps up, schools districts across the country are confronted with yet another year of staff shortages. From four-day school weeks, expanded teacher certificate programs to recruiting custodians and lunchroom workers, schools are finding creative short-term solutions to address the ongoing crisis².

The demand-supply ratio has been skewed for several years - but the pandemic has been especially hard. Teachers had to figure out new tools to keep students engaged during online learning and deal with an increased workload. Many teachers also cited low pay, overbearing bureaucracy and lack of respect as reasons for their unhappiness[^10^].

According to the National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) School Pulse Panel, 42% of all principals said that teachers and staff leaving the profession became a "more pressing concern" during the last school year. Trends in staff shortages are even worse for schools with large numbers of minority students. About four in 10 schools with more than 75% minority populations have multiple teaching vacancies, according to NCES².

Where is it worse?

The teacher shortages vary by region and subject area, but some states have more severe teacher shortages than others. These include: California, Nevada, Washington, Washington D.C., Indiana and Arizona⁹. These states have some of the lowest teacher-to-student ratios across the nation, according to Scholaroo —an education research firm. Their 2023 report shows these western states fall in the bottom 25% of teacher shortages².

Nevada has one of the smallest teacher-to-student ratio with approximately 44 teachers available per 1,000 students enrolled in the state. That's one teacher for every 23 students². In contrast, Vermont has the highest ratio with about 97 teachers per 1,000 students, or one teacher for every 10 students².

Some states are also facing more acute shortages in certain subject areas, such as physical and special education and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). For example, Virginia had more than 3,500 full-time teacher vacancies for the 2022-2023 school year, with about half of them in special education, elementary education and middle education².

What caused it?

The teacher shortage is a complex and multifaceted problem that has no simple solution. However, some of the factors that have contributed to it are:

• - Low wages: Teachers earn about 20% less than other college graduates with similar experience and education levels, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). This wage gap has grown over time and varies by state. For example, in Arizona, teachers earn about 36% less than their peers in other professions¹³.
• - Reduced interest among young people: Fewer college students are choosing to major in education or pursue teaching careers. According to a report by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), enrollments in teacher preparation programs declined by more than one-third between 2010 and 2018. The number of bachelor's degrees awarded in education also dropped by 22% during the same period¹¹.
• - High cost of student debt: Many teachers have to take on significant student debt to finance their education and certification requirements. According to a survey by NEA Today, nearly half of new teachers reported having more than $25,000 in student debt. This debt burden can make it harder for teachers to afford living expenses, save for retirement or buy a home¹³.
• - Lack of support: Teachers often face challenging working conditions, such as large class sizes, inadequate resources, high-stakes testing and lack of autonomy. They also report feeling isolated, overwhelmed and undervalued by administrators, parents and policymakers. According to a survey by the Learning Policy Institute (LPI), about one-third of teachers who left the profession cited dissatisfaction with their working conditions as a major reason¹³.
• - Health and safety concerns: The pandemic has added new health and safety risks for teachers and their families. Many teachers have expressed concerns about contracting or spreading COVID-19 in schools, especially with the emergence of new variants and low vaccination rates among children. Some teachers have also faced harassment or threats from parents or community members over mask mandates or curriculum issues¹².

Bing, 8/24/2023

• (1) 2023 teacher shortages: What to know about vacancies in your region.. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/education/2023/08/24/teacher-shortages-in-us-compare-your-state/70660263007/.
• (2) How Covid deepened America's teacher shortages - BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-59687947.
• (3) States with the worst teacher shortages in the US | Teach Away. https://www.teachaway.com/blog/teacher-shortages-us.
• (4) The Teacher Shortage Is Real and about to Get Much Worse. Here's Why. https://fee.org/articles/the-teacher-shortage-is-real-and-about-to-get-much-worse-heres-why/.
• (5) What's behind the teacher shortage in US schools? - Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2022-09-teacher-shortage-schools.html.
• (6) Why is there a teacher shortage? Schools struggled nationwide in 2022. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2022/12/21/why-there-teacher-shortage-schools-struggled-nationwide-2022/10882103002/.
• (7) Teacher shortages have gotten worse. Here’s how schools are coping.. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/teacher-shortages-have-gotten-worse-here-s-how-schools-are-coping/ar-AA1fInxY.
• (8) 2023 teacher shortages: What to know about vacancies in the South. https://news.yahoo.com/2023-teacher-shortages-know-vacancies-111005029.html.
• (9) Teacher shortages have gotten worse. Here’s how schools are coping .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/24/teacher-shortages-pipeline-college-licenses/.
• (10) Teacher shortages in US: How do vacancies compare in your state?. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/08/24/teacher-shortages-in-us-compare-your-state/70660263007/.
• (11) From ‘crisis’ to ‘catastrophe,’ schools scramble once again to find .... https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/economics/crisis-catastrophe-schools-scramble-find-teachers-rcna98083.
• (12) Plagued by Teacher Shortages, Some States Turn to Fast-Track Credentialing. https://news.yahoo.com/plagued-teacher-shortages-states-turn-130100237.html.
• (13) Most of the US is dealing with a teaching shortage, but the data isn't .... https://abcnews.go.com/US/map-shows-us-states-dealing-teaching-shortage-data/story?id=96752632.

FLORIDA SCHOOL PROMISES TO FEED KIDS IF THEY DO BETTER ON STANDARDIZED TEST

 

FLORIDA SCHOOL PROMISES TO FEED KIDS IF THEY DO BETTER ON STANDARDIZED TEST

In a shocking turn of events, Bunnell Elementary in Florida has promised to feed its students if they perform better on standardized tests. Yes, you read that right. The school has resorted to bribery to boost its grades. And if that wasn't enough, they have also promised to let their students sleep instead of taking Adderall if they do really well on these tests. Talk about incentives!

In a secret meeting, the school board came up with this brilliant plan to motivate their students. They must have thought, "Why bother with actual teaching and engaging our students when we can just offer them a burger from McDonald's?" It's like they took a page out of the "how to run a successful business" handbook and applied it to education. Bravo, Bunnell Elementary. Bravo.

But wait, it gets better. The school's assembly was not only a showcase of their questionable tactics but also a display of their subtle racism. The black students were separated from the others and told that they had "underperformed" on standardized tests over the past three years. The presentation was facilitated by two black teachers and an in-school suspension supervisor. It's like they thought, "Hey, we'll get some black people to do the talking so we don't seem racist." Sorry, Bunnell Elementary, it doesn't work like that.

The school's solution to this problem was for each student to "commit to earning at least a Level 3 or higher on all standardized assessments" and make at least a 75% in all areas of their curriculum. Because apparently, setting realistic goals and providing actual support is too much work. Instead, they have opted for the "you better do well or else" approach.

And let's not forget about the school's "F.A.S.T. Challenge." The challenge encourages students to "matchup" against their peers to win a meal from McDonald's. Because nothing says "education" like promoting unhealthy eating habits and pitting students against each other for a burger.

Parents have rightfully criticized the school's tactics and the Flagler Schools spokesperson confirmed that parents were not informed about the assembly. It's almost like they knew what they were doing was wrong.

In conclusion, Bunnell Elementary's approach to education is questionable at best and downright ridiculous at worst. If they want their students to perform better on standardized tests, they should focus on actual teaching and support instead of resorting to bribery and questionable tactics. And maybe, just maybe, they should consider offering something more substantial than a burger from McDonald's as a reward.

Florida Elementary School Removes Black Students From Class For Covert Assembly on Low Test Scores | News | BET https://www.bet.com/article/4dan4t/bunnell-elementarys-black-students-targeted-for-low-scores 

FROM BING AI

Bribing kids to do better on standardized testing is a practice that some schools and parents have resorted to in order to motivate students to perform well on high-stakes exams. These exams, such as the SAT, ACT, and Common Core assessments, are often used to determine college admissions, scholarships, school rankings, and funding. However, bribing kids to do better on standardized testing has many ethical and educational problems, such as:

• - It undermines the intrinsic value of learning and education. Bribing kids to do better on standardized testing sends the message that the only reason to study and learn is to get a reward or avoid a punishment, not because of curiosity, interest, or passion. This can reduce students' motivation, engagement, and enjoyment of learning in the long run¹².
• - It creates an unfair advantage for wealthy students and families. Bribing kids to do better on standardized testing can widen the achievement gap between rich and poor students, as wealthy families can afford to pay for expensive tutors, test prep courses, and even illegal schemes to cheat or bribe their way into elite colleges. Meanwhile, low-income students may lack the resources, opportunities, and support to prepare for and take these tests²³.
• - It encourages cheating and dishonesty. Bribing kids to do better on standardized testing can tempt students to resort to unethical means to boost their scores, such as copying answers, using prohibited devices, or hiring someone else to take the test for them. This can erode students' academic integrity and honesty, as well as compromise the validity and reliability of the test results³⁴.
• - It puts too much pressure and stress on students. Bribing kids to do better on standardized testing can make students feel anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed by the high expectations and stakes of these exams. This can negatively affect their mental health, well-being, and performance. Moreover, bribing kids to do better on standardized testing can also distract them from other important aspects of their education, such as developing critical thinking skills, creativity, and social-emotional competencies¹²⁴.

Therefore, bribing kids to do better on standardized testing is not a good idea. Instead of relying on extrinsic rewards or punishments, educators and parents should focus on fostering intrinsic motivation and interest in learning among students. They should also provide students with meaningful feedback, guidance, and support to help them improve their skills and knowledge. Furthermore, they should advocate for more equitable and holistic ways of assessing student learning that go beyond standardized tests¹²⁴.

Bing, 8/24/2023

• (1) How schools are ‘bribing’ kids to take Common Core standardized tests .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/03/09/how-schools-are-bribing-kids-to-take-common-core-standardized-tests/.
• (2) Rich students get better SAT scores—here's why - CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/03/rich-students-get-better-sat-scores-heres-why.html.
• (3) Prosecutors Say Parents Went Extreme Lengths to Get Kids Into ... - Insider. https://www.insider.com/college-admissions-scandal-parents-allegations-2019-3.
• (4) Schools offer ‘incentives’ to fire up kids to take standardized tests .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/03/08/school-offers-incentives-to-get-kids-to-take-common-core-standardized-test/.

READING WRITING AND RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATION: SSPI RYAN WALTERS' BIG PLAN FOR CHRISTIAN REVIVAL IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

READING WRITING AND RELIGIOUS INDOCTRINATION: SSPI RYAN WALTERS' BIG PLAN FOR CHRISTIAN REVIVAL IN OKLAHOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, has recently announced his new Christ Complex, and it's causing quite a stir. Walters, a Republican, has vowed to turn Oklahoma into a theocracy if he's elected governor, and he's pushing for more religious teachings in public schools.

Walters' new Christ Complex has caused many to question his motives and qualifications as an educator. Critics argue that his push for prayers in public schools and the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms blurs the line between church and state. Walters has also proposed rules to ban books with "sexually explicit" material and LGBTQIA+ titles, opposed teaching critical race theory in schools, and threatened to downgrade the accreditation of Tulsa Public Schools over poor academic performance.

But Walters' supporters believe that his ideologies could catch on in other states with conservative education leaders. They see him as a champion of Christian education and parental rights, promoting traditional values in a world that's becoming increasingly secular.

However, Walters' Christ Complex has also drawn criticism from some Republicans, who believe that more serious work needs to be done to improve Oklahoma's education system. State Representative Jeff Boatman has called for a focus on improving reading scores and getting more schools off the state's "F" list, rather than promoting religious indoctrination.

Despite the controversy surrounding his ideas, Walters remains committed to promoting Christian education in Oklahoma schools. He's a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and believes that the Bible should be the foundation of all education. He's also said that schools should be allowed to teach about creationism alongside evolution.

But Walters' Christ Complex isn't just a problem in Oklahoma. It's part of a larger trend of white Christian nationalism that's been on the rise in the United States in recent years. This ideology combines white supremacy with Christian nationalism, asserting that white Christians are superior to other races and cultures, and that the United States should be a Christian nation.

White Christian nationalism has a significant impact on US education, promoting a distorted version of American history that glorifies white Christian heroes and erases or demonizes people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ people. It also opposes scientific theories such as evolution and climate change, and seeks to undermine the separation of church and state by promoting school prayer, religious displays, and vouchers for religious schools.

To combat white Christian nationalism in schools, it's important to promote accurate and inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity and complexity of American history and society. It's also important to uphold the constitutional principle of church-state separation that protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans regardless of their religion or belief. And it's important to foster a culture of dialogue and respect among different groups and perspectives, encouraging civic engagement and social justice among students and educators.

In conclusion, Ryan Walters' new Christ Complex is a funny yet concerning situation for Oklahoma's education system. While some may see him as a champion of Christian education and parental rights, others view him as a threat to democracy, diversity, and human rights. As educators and citizens, we must continue to promote accurate and inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity of our society while upholding the constitutional principles that protect our rights and freedoms. And maybe we can all have a good laugh at Ryan Walters' expense along the way.

Church vs state: Oklahoma superintendent pushes Christianity in schools https://www.newsnationnow.com/religion/oklahoma-superintendent-religion-public-classrooms/ 

How Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing Christianity in schools https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ryan-walters-oklahoma-schools-superintendent-tulsa-rcna101235 

Oklahoma schools head takes aim at Tulsa district, critics say his motives are politically | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/oklahoma-schools-head-takes-aim-at-tulsa-district-critics-say-his-motives-are-politically-driven 

What to know before Tulsa Public Schools accreditation meeting | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/what-to-know-before-tps-accreditation-meeting 

2nd Bomb Threat Made To Ellen Ochoa Elementary; Parents Check Students Out Of School https://www.newson6.com/story/64e621b903ab320727ee9b8a/2nd-bomb-threat-made-to-ellen-ochoa-elementary-parents-check-students-out-of-school 

Tulsa police respond to 2nd bomb threat at Union elementary school | KTUL https://ktul.com/news/local/tulsa-police-respond-to-second-bomb-threat-at-union-elementary-school 

THE DEFT DIVE 

FROM BARD AI

Ryan Walters is the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Education. He is a Republican who has been in office since 2021. Walters is a strong supporter of Christian education and has been outspoken about his belief that schools should be allowed to teach Christianity.

In 2022, Walters signed an executive order that allows schools to teach about the Bible and other religious texts. The order also allows schools to allow students to pray in school, as long as it is not disruptive.

Walters's order has been met with criticism from some who believe that it is a violation of the separation of church and state. However, Walters has defended the order, saying that it is simply a way to allow schools to teach about different cultures and religions.

Walters is not the only one who is pushing for more Christianity in Oklahoma schools. In recent years, there have been a number of efforts to introduce religious curriculum into schools. In 2021, a bill was introduced in the Oklahoma legislature that would have required schools to teach creationism alongside evolution. The bill was ultimately defeated, but it is a sign of the growing influence of Christian nationalism in Oklahoma.

The presence of Christianity in Oklahoma schools is a complex issue. There is a long history of Christian education in the state, and many people believe that it is important for schools to teach about Christianity. However, there are also concerns about the separation of church and state, and about the potential for religious discrimination.

It is too early to say what the long-term impact of Ryan Walters's executive order will be. However, it is clear that he is committed to promoting Christian education in Oklahoma schools. This is likely to be a controversial issue for years to come.

Here are some additional things to know about Ryan Walters and Christianity in Oklahoma schools:

• * Walters is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention, one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States.
• * He has said that he believes that the Bible should be the foundation of all education.
• * He has also said that he believes that schools should be allowed to teach about creationism alongside evolution.
• * Walters's views on Christianity in schools have been praised by some and criticized by others.
• * The issue of Christianity in schools is likely to remain a controversial one in Oklahoma for years to come.

White Christian nationalism is a belief system that combines white supremacy with Christian nationalism. It is a racist ideology that asserts that white Christians are superior to other races and cultures, and that the United States should be a Christian nation.

White Christian nationalism has been on the rise in the United States in recent years. This is due in part to the election of Donald Trump, who has been accused of promoting white nationalist views. White Christian nationalists have also been active in school board meetings and other local political forums, where they have sought to influence curriculum and policies.

There are a number of ways in which white Christian nationalism can manifest itself in schools. For example, white Christian nationalists may try to ban books that they deem to be "CRT" (critical race theory) or "woke," or they may try to censor discussions of race and racism. They may also try to promote Christian prayer or religious instruction in schools.

The presence of white Christian nationalism in schools can have a number of negative consequences. It can create a hostile environment for students of color, LGBTQ students, and other marginalized groups. It can also lead to the suppression of free speech and academic freedom.

There are a number of things that can be done to combat white Christian nationalism in schools. School administrators can adopt policies that promote diversity and inclusion, and they can provide training for staff on how to identify and address bias. Parents and community members can also get involved in school board elections and other local political forums to ensure that schools are not being influenced by white Christian nationalist ideology.

Here are some specific examples of how white Christian nationalism has manifested itself in schools:

• * In 2019, a school board in Tennessee voted to ban the teaching of critical race theory, which is an academic framework that examines the ways in which racism is embedded in American institutions.
• * In 2020, a group of parents in Florida filed a lawsuit against a school district, alleging that the district was promoting "wokeness" by teaching students about racism and sexism.
• * In 2021, a teacher in Texas was placed on administrative leave after she read a book about Martin Luther King Jr. to her students. The book was challenged by parents who objected to its discussion of racism.

These are just a few examples of the ways in which white Christian nationalism can manifest itself in schools. It is important to be aware of this ideology and to take steps to combat it, in order to create schools that are safe and welcoming for all students.

FROM BING AI

White Christian nationalism (WCN) is a term that refers to a political and religious ideology that combines white supremacy, Christian fundamentalism, and American exceptionalism. WCN claims that the United States was founded as a Christian nation by white Christians, and that its laws and institutions are based on biblical principles. WCN also asserts that America has a divine mission to spread Christianity and democracy around the world, and that any threat to its dominance or purity must be resisted by any means necessary¹².

WCN has a long history in the United States, dating back to the colonial era, when some Puritans saw themselves as the chosen people of God who had to conquer the native inhabitants of the land². WCN has also been influenced by various movements and events, such as the Great Awakening, the Civil War, the Scopes Trial, the Cold War, the Moral Majority, the 9/11 attacks, and the election of Barack Obama¹².

WCN has a significant impact on US education, both in public and private schools. WCN advocates for teaching a distorted version of American history that glorifies white Christian heroes and erases or demonizes people of color, immigrants, religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ people³⁴⁵. WCN also opposes scientific theories such as evolution and climate change, and promotes creationism and intelligent design as alternatives⁴⁵. WCN also seeks to undermine the separation of church and state by promoting school prayer, religious displays, and vouchers for religious schools⁴⁵.

WCN poses a serious threat to democracy, diversity, and human rights in the United States and beyond. WCN is often associated with violence, extremism, and terrorism, as evidenced by the January 6th attack on the Capitol². WCN also fuels hatred, bigotry, and discrimination against anyone who does not conform to its narrow vision of America¹². WCN also undermines the values of pluralism, tolerance, and critical thinking that are essential for a healthy and vibrant society⁴⁵.

To counter WCN in US education, it is important to expose its falsehoods and harms, and to promote accurate and inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity and complexity of American history and society. It is also important to uphold the constitutional principle of church-state separation that protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans regardless of their religion or belief. It is also important to foster a culture of dialogue and respect among different groups and perspectives, and to encourage civic engagement and social justice among students and educators⁴⁵.

 Bing, 8/24/2023

• (1) Understanding White Christian Nationalism | Institution for Social and .... https://isps.yale.edu/news/blog/2022/10/understanding-white-christian-nationalism.
• (2) White Christian Nationalism: The Deep Story Behind the Capitol Insurrection. https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/white-christian-nationalism-the-deep-story-behind-the-capitol-insurrection.
• (3) Americans United says Florida is inserting white Christian nationalism .... https://baptistnews.com/article/americans-united-says-florida-is-inserting-white-christian-nationalism-in-the-classroom/.
• (4) White Christian Nationalists: Who Are They? What Do They Want? Why .... https://www.au.org/the-latest/church-and-state/articles/white-christian-nationalists-who-are-they/.
• (5) Column: Christian nationalism threatens US education. https://www.vnews.com/Column-White-Christian-nationalism-on-the-rise-38826105.

Ryan Walters is the current State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Oklahoma, and a vocal advocate of Christianity in Oklahoma schools. He was elected in 2022 as a Republican, and has since pursued a number of controversial policies and initiatives that aim to promote Christian values and beliefs in the state's education system. Here are some of the main aspects of his agenda and actions:

- He wants to establish a faith-based advisory committee to help protect the right of students and teachers to pray and worship in public schools. He also supports displaying the Ten Commandments in every classroom, and has called the separation of church and state a "false narrative" that needs to be changed¹²³⁴⁵.

• - He has adopted regulations that prohibit school libraries from circulating books with "sexualized content", which could include books that feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes. He has also required educators to inform parents if their child changes their gender identity, and has opposed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in the curriculum¹².
• - He has questioned the value of sending Oklahoma students to the state's colleges, which he claims are indoctrinating them with "ideologies" that are contrary to Christian principles. He has also criticized the teaching of critical race theory, which he views as a way of making students hate their country and their heritage²⁴.
• - He has threatened to take over Tulsa Public Schools, the state's largest district, for allegedly failing to meet academic standards and comply with state mandates. This has led to the resignation of Tulsa's superintendent, who accused Walters of politicizing education and undermining local control¹.

Walters' actions have drawn support from some conservative groups and activists, who see him as a champion of parental rights and Christian values. However, they have also sparked criticism and opposition from many educators, parents, students, civil rights organizations, and religious leaders, who see him as a threat to democracy, diversity, and human rights. They argue that Walters is violating the constitutional principle of church-state separation, which protects the rights and freedoms of all Americans regardless of their religion or belief. They also contend that Walters is imposing his personal beliefs on public schools, which should be places of learning, not indoctrination. They also claim that Walters is harming the quality and reputation of Oklahoma's education system, which already faces many challenges and needs¹²³⁴⁵.

Bing, 8/24/2023

• (1) How Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing Christianity in schools. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/ryan-walters-oklahoma-schools-superintendent-tulsa-rcna101235.
• (2) State Superintendent of Public Instruction - Ryan Walters | Oklahoma .... https://sde.ok.gov/superintendent-public-instruction-ryan-walters.
• (3) Oklahoma's Ryan Walters wants to explore prayer in public schools. https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-ryan-walters-prayer-public-schools-faith-based-advisory-committee/43061575.
• (4) Walters sets up committee to protect prayer in schools ... - KOSU. https://www.kosu.org/education/2023-02-24/walters-sets-up-committee-to-protect-prayer-in-schools-ridicules-oklahoma-colleges-for-ideologies-on-campus.
• (5) Some see a chance to promote Christian faith in Oklahoma schools. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/politics/government/2023/06/24/ryan-walters-christianity-oklahoma-schools-ten-commandments-analysis/70350204007/.
•