Oklahoma officials say they’re eager for new social studies standards

OKLAHOMA CITY — State lawmakers and education officials say they’re eager for a retry on Oklahoma’s academic standards for social studies after last-minute changes last year caused significant controversy and were thrown out in court.

In a news conference Thursday, Oklahoma State Department of Education staff said they’re now grappling with major complications to essential functions after the agency’s former leadership added polarizing content, some of which was inserted the day before a board vote. The agency has since proposed a revised version.

Leaders in the state Legislature said they welcome a set of standards free of last year’s frustrations.

“Social studies standards should not be that controversial,” Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said. “I’m glad we’re getting another bite of that apple.”

Oklahoma officials say they’re eager for new social studies standards • Oklahoma Voice