Education (Curriculum)

To amend sections 3313.603, 3314.03, 3326.15, and 3328.22 and to enact sections 3313.6034 and 3313.6035 of the Revised Code to require school districts to offer, and students to complete, at least one high school computer science course.

HB 485, titled the Baby Olivia Act, requires Ohio public schools to include human growth and development instruction within health education courses. This policy change directly affects K-12 students and school districts by mandating specific curriculum content. The bill amends several education-related sections of the Revised Code and adds new Section 3313.6034 to implement this requirement. The key provision is the inclusion of age-appropriate human growth and development education as part of standard health curriculum.

HB 486, the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act, changes Ohio state education laws to allow teachers in public schools and state colleges to teach about Christianity's influence on U.S. history and culture. It amends specific sections of the Revised Code to explicitly permit this curriculum content in classrooms. The bill directly affects public school educators and faculty at state universities by expanding allowable teaching topics. This policy change modifies current restrictions on classroom instruction regarding religious influences in historical and cultural contexts.

SB 34 requires Ohio public schools to display certain historical documents in designated areas, directly affecting all K-12 public schools statewide. The bill amends specific sections of Ohio's education code to establish this requirement, mandating that schools display documents such as the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Key provisions specify that displays must be permanent, visible to students, and include educational materials explaining the documents' significance. This policy change alters school curriculum practices by formally integrating these historical documents into public school environments.