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Ohio Superintendent Faces Heated Curriculum Grilling

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. rintendent-faces-heated-curriculum-grilling.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 14:11 GMT by Michigan Advance
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Columbus, OH - February 17th, 2026 - Ohio State Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Baker endured a rigorous grilling today before a Republican-led House committee, signaling a deepening divide over the direction of public school curriculum in the state. The hearing, lasting nearly four hours, focused heavily on concerns surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, textbook selection, and the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs.

Lawmakers, particularly those aligned with the conservative wing of the party, repeatedly questioned Dr. Baker about the content being presented to students, specifically probing whether materials were "age-appropriate" and aligned with "parental values." Several committee members cited an increasing number of complaints received from constituents regarding perceived ideological biases within the curriculum. Representative David Miller, a key figure in the questioning, stated, "Parents are rightly concerned about what their children are being taught. They want to ensure the curriculum reflects their community's values, not a politically motivated agenda."

The questioning moved beyond general anxieties to specific examples of curriculum materials. Dr. Baker was asked to detail the review process for textbooks, explain the criteria used for selection, and provide assurances that materials were free from "divisive concepts." She defended the current process, stating that it involves multiple layers of review by educators, subject matter experts, and, increasingly, public feedback forums. However, committee members argued that these safeguards are insufficient and that a more robust vetting process is needed to address parental concerns.

Social-emotional learning also came under scrutiny. While proponents argue that SEL programs help students develop crucial life skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution, critics on the committee expressed concerns that these programs could be used to promote specific ideologies or undermine parental authority. Dr. Baker explained that SEL is integrated into the curriculum to support students' overall well-being, but acknowledged the need for transparency and ongoing dialogue with parents regarding its implementation. "We believe SEL is vital for creating a positive learning environment," she said, "but we also understand the importance of parental involvement and respecting diverse viewpoints."

The hearing underscored a national trend of increased parental involvement - and often, intense scrutiny - of public school curriculum. This has been fueled, in part, by the politicization of education, with issues of DEI and critical race theory becoming flashpoints in culture wars. Similar debates are playing out in state legislatures across the country, as conservative lawmakers seek to exert greater control over curriculum and ensure it aligns with their values.

Education experts suggest that this increased scrutiny, while understandable, can also have a chilling effect on educators. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of educational policy at Ohio State University, noted, "Teachers are already facing immense pressure. This constant oversight and fear of backlash can stifle creativity and discourage them from addressing important, yet potentially controversial, topics." She added that a balanced approach is needed - one that respects parental rights while also allowing educators the academic freedom to prepare students for a diverse and complex world.

The tension between the Superintendent's office and the lawmakers is not solely focused on DEI or SEL. There's an underlying power struggle about control of the educational direction of the state. The committee's questions often implied a distrust of the expertise within the Department of Education, suggesting a desire to shift decision-making power away from professional educators and towards elected officials.

Looking ahead, several possible outcomes are emerging. The committee indicated it may consider legislation to further tighten curriculum standards and increase parental involvement in textbook selection. Dr. Baker, for her part, emphasized the importance of collaboration and finding common ground. "We are committed to working with lawmakers and parents to ensure that all Ohio students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success," she stated. However, given the depth of the ideological divide, a compromise may prove elusive. The Ohio Department of Education is expected to release a detailed report outlining the curriculum review process and addressing the concerns raised during today's hearing, in hopes of easing some of the tensions.