How are Oklahoma schools teaching social studies amid court challenges?

Following the State Supreme Court’s temporary block of the state’s new social studies standards, school districts have weighed in on the conversation. Some metro schools are balancing an uncertain future as the legal process continues. 

Why did the State Supreme Court block OSDE’s new social studies standards?  

This week, the State Supreme Court blocked the State Department of Education’s new social studies standards until the conclusion of a lawsuit. Several Oklahoma parents and religious leaders filed a lawsuit challenging the content in the standards. 

The lawsuit also alleges the passage of the standards violated the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. The new academic standards would have required lessons about the Bible and Christianity, and touting conspiracy theories like identifying “discrepancies in the 2020 election results.” 

How will schools teach social studies in the meantime? 

Teachers will use the current standards that were approved back in 2019 for now. In a statement, a Moore Public Schools spokesperson said, “Over the summer, MPS made minor adjustments to curriculum pacing guides reflecting the new social studies standards. However, no new standards training for teachers had occurred before the Oklahoma Supreme Court decision this week. The previous pacing guides, created around the 2019 standards, were digitally reloaded and accessible to teachers the morning after the ruling. No new curriculum had been purchased. The state purchasing cycle for social studies materials is scheduled for this spring. MPS continues to follow the approved Oklahoma State Academic Standards and curriculum requirements.” 

How have school districts prepared for potential social studies changes? 

Officials at Putnam City said teachers were ready for both scenarios. Putnam City communications director AJ Graffeo said teachers in his district prepare for every outcome. 

“A lot of it is just kind of taking it day by day,” Graffeo said. “We’re just seeing the process play out. Our students are still getting quality content from quality teachers. “They’re doing that work behind the scenes to make it seamless in the classroom, no matter what the standards might be.” 

Graffeo said teachers worked during their off time during the summer to learn how to implement the new standards. 

 “They roll with the punches,” Graffeo said. “They’re good sports about it.” 

Who handles the training for new curriculum changes?  

This depends on each district and its staffing levels. Putnam City Schools employs curriculum coordinators who help teachers prepare for the school year. 

How will teachers navigate controversial topics if the new standards become official? 

Graffeo said his district is aware of the controversy. However, he said his staff focuses on what’s best for students so they can grow as individuals. 

“It doesn’t dictate how they teach it. It just says that it will be taught,” Graffeo said. “The district has our teachers’ back.”

Graffeo said they tune out the outside noise regarding OSDE and focus on building walls where students can blossom. 

“Focus on the good things that are happening in our district and in our classrooms, and the rest will fall into place,” Graffeo said. “The best job of a teacher right now is to support them in forming their opinions. Teachers’ jobs are to support and allow students to critically think about issues that are going on. This is no different.”