Curriculum Change Divides Statehouse

Ohio high school students would face more stringent requirements to read the state and federal constitutions, the Declaration of Independence and other historical documents under a bill under consideration in the Ohio House. State curriculum and proficiency test standards already require classroom instruction on such fundamental documents, beginning in fourth grade. The Ohio Christian Alliance and other critics say the information is filtered through summaries and analysis that give a flawed view. They're backing the new "founding documents" bill, which would require children to read the original texts. Opponents object to the bill's failure to list the Bill of Rights, Emancipation Proclamation and other historical texts. Others say it will mean extra work and cost for school districts and teachers.