COLUMBUS, OH – A new bill introduced in the Ohio Senate would require middle and high schools to teach students about the “Success Sequence”—a life path that emphasizes graduating high school, securing a job, getting married, and then having children as steps toward financial stability.
State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), the bill’s sponsor, argues that teaching this concept in grades 6 through 12 could help students make informed life choices that reduce their risk of poverty.
“By doing those three things, you create the opportunity for success,” Cutrona said.
What is the Success Sequence?
The Success Sequence is a concept that has gained popularity over the past decade, with research suggesting that individuals who follow this order are significantly less likely to experience poverty. Though not religious-based, the idea has been promoted by conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute.
The Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) has expressed strong support for the bill.
“The goal of this legislation is simple. When we invest in building strong children, we can save some of the expense of rebuilding broken adults,” said CCV Policy Director David Mahan.
How Would the Bill Work?
The legislation, just two pages long, would require the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to develop statewide standards and a model curriculum for schools to implement. While schools would be mandated to incorporate the Success Sequence into their curriculum, they would have flexibility in how they teach it.
The bill also calls for parent and local school district involvement, ensuring that educators, families, and school boards have a say in how the curriculum is developed and delivered.
“We want local input, local control,” Cutrona said. “Let’s figure out some curriculum and move forward as a state.”
Where Does the Bill Stand?
The bill has been introduced and assigned to the Senate Education Committee for review. It follows a growing national trend, with Tennessee recently passing a similar measure and Utah signing it into law. Meanwhile, states like Texas, Kentucky, and Mississippi are considering similar proposals.
If passed, Ohio schools could soon be required to teach students about the Success Sequence—a structured path that lawmakers believe could lead to greater financial stability and personal success for future generations.
