When: Monday, April 8, 2013 at 1 p.m.

Where:
Administration Building
1380 East Sixth Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Board Meeting Room

Background:
Superintendent Ross, Mayor Jackson and CEO Gordon will host a press conference regarding the Academic Distress Commission for the Cleveland Municipal School District according to the Ohio Revised Code (“O.R.C.”) Section 3302.10.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
April 5, 2013  

State Board of Education to Meet April 8 and 9 at Ohio Department of Education

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The State Board of Education will conduct its monthly meeting starting at 9 a.m. on April 8 and 9, at the Department of Education, 25 S. Front Street, Columbus.

Monday’s session will open with the formal swearing in ceremony of new State Superintendent of Public Instruction Richard A. Ross by Justice Sharon Kennedy, Supreme Court of Ohio.

On Tuesday morning, the board will recognize Ohio’s Blue Ribbon Schools and in the afternoon the board will vote on a resolution to adopt rule 3301-35-15 of the Administrative Code entitled Standards Concerning the Implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports and the Use of Restraint and Seclusion.

The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction, since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2013  

Ohio Department of Education
Announces 2011-2012 Schools of Promise

COLUMBUS – Dr. Richard A. Ross, superintendent of public instruction, announced today that 164 schools are named as Schools of Promise based on their 2011-2012 Local Report Cards. The award program recognizes schools attaining solid student achievement in reading and mathematics while serving a significant number of economically disadvantaged students.

“For years our Schools of Promise program has identified schools with great results despite facing challenging circumstances,” said Ross. “Our Schools of Promise do not let circumstance determine outcomes and do not let obstacles keep them from providing a quality education. Our Schools of Promise prove that there’s no reason why Ohio cannot be a national leader in providing a high-quality education in every district for every child.”

At the Schools of Promise, 75 percent or more of students score proficient or better on statewide achievement tests in reading and mathematics. The selected schools also are addressing achievement gaps, because the 75 percent proficiency measure applies to students in subgroups of 10 or more defined by race and economic disadvantagement. Schools of Promise have 40 percent or more of their students eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

To be selected for Schools of Promise status, school buildings also must have meet or exceed the expected growth for their students using the Value-Added measure for the most recent year. High schools also must have had an 85 percent graduation rate.

Now in its eleventh year, the Superintendent’s Schools of Promise program shows what is possible when students, educators, parents and community members come together and believe all children can succeed. The schools selected for this honor are choosing effective strategies and setting an example for others.

For a list of Schools of Promise by county, click here. The selected schools will be receiving a Schools of Promise banner to display in their buildings.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959
Jeff Robinson (614) 752-9487

For Immediate Release
March 27, 2013  

Ohio’s Early College High Schools Celebrated March 25-30

Board of Regents, Department of Education Observe Early College High School Week

COLUMBUS, OH, March 25, 2013 – The Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) are joining other education agencies across the country to celebrate Early College High School Week March 25-30.

The week is dedicated to more than 240 schools nationwide, including 10 in Ohio, created in an effort to increase high school graduation rates and college readiness among students – often low-income, minority and/or first-generation college students – through academic rigor and college-level courses, rather than remediation.

“Ohio is committed to the college- and career-readiness of all of our young people,” said Dr. Stephanie Davidson, Interim Chancellor of OBR. “These schools exemplify innovation and successful education reform by helping students who might otherwise miss out on going to college get through college and on to successful careers.”

“It is imperative that we prepare the boys and girls of this state for college and careers,” said Dr. Richard Ross, State Superintendent of Public Instruction at ODE. “We must connect kids with career opportunities to keep them interested and engaged in learning. We must do a better job of pointing Ohio kids to the jobs of the future. Preparing students for jobs of the future means we rethink what we teach and how we test. Early College High School can have a huge impact on individual students and on the future of our state.”

Nationally, early college high schools were launched in 2003 after an initial investment of $18 million in seed funding to nine schools by KnowledgeWorks and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Ohio has invested more than $20 million in early college high schools since 2006.

Currently, Ohio has 10 “founding” early college high schools that have had at least one graduating class – Akron Early College, Canton Early College High School, Charles School at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Columbus Africentric Early College, Dayton Early College Academy, Design Lab Early College High School in Cleveland, Lorain County Early College High School, Metro Early College High School in Columbus, Toledo Early College High School, and Youngstown Early College High School. In addition, Ohio has six “emerging” early college high schools – those still too young to have a graduating class – that have been funded largely by Race to the Top funding.

Among the emerging schools is the BELL Early College Academy at Reynoldsburg High School. The high school was the site of the swearing-in ceremony for Dr. Ross on Monday morning. Students at the BELL Academy can earn an associate degree from Columbus State Community College, which has a branch campus at BELL.

Statistics have shown Ohio’s early college high schools to be successful. Of the students at the original 10 early college high schools, 77 percent of their graduates enroll in college, as compared to 50 percent for low-income students nationwide and 68 percent for all students nationwide; 85 percent enroll in a public four-year institution; and 80 percent of graduates who start college return for their second year, besting the national average by 11 percentage points.

Ohio’s early college high school students have also, on average, earned 44 college credits by the time they graduate. Many Ohio students earn enough college credit at an early college high school to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

To learn more about early college high schools, log on to http://www.earlycolleges.org. For more information on Early College High School Week, log on to https://www.facebook.com/ECHSwk2013.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2013  

Ross Officially Takes Reins of Department of Education

New Superintendent of Public Instruction to be Inaugurated at Reynoldsburg High School

Newly selected State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Richard A. Ross will take his oath of office at a special swearing-in ceremony during his first official day on the job. The State Board of Education selected Ross to be Ohio’s top education official and the executive in charge of the Ohio Department of Education during the March meeting. The selection followed an extensive search and interview process.

What:         Inauguration of Richard A. Ross as the 37th Superintendent of Public Instruction. Oath of office will be issued by State Board of Education President Debe Terhar.
 
                   The Inauguration ceremony will be followed by a tour of the new facility that grew out of a partnership between Columbus State Community College and Reynoldsburg City Schools.

Who:          Richard A. Ross, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
                   Debe Terhar, President, State Board of Education.
                   Steve Dackin, Superintendent, Reynoldsburg City Schools.

When:       Monday, March 25, 2013
                  10:30 a.m.

Where:      Reynoldsburg High School 
                   6699 East Livingston Avenue
                   Reynoldsburg, Ohio 
 

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 21, 2013  

Ohio Educator Standards Board to Meet March 26

The Ohio Educator Standards Board will meet March 26 at the Quest Business Center, 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240. The full board convenes at 9 a.m. and the business meeting begins at 1 p.m.

The Ohio Educator Standards Board is a 10-member board comprised of teachers, administrators, local school board members and parents. It is appointed by the State Board of Education to develop state standards and professional development for teachers and principals at all stages of their careers.

An agenda is included with this release.

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Julia Simmerer, Director                                                                        Karen Winston, Chair
 
 
Ohio Educator Standards Board
Quest Business Centers
8405 Pulsar Place
Columbus, Ohio 43240

Monday, March 25, 2013
 
Cancelled

 
Ohio Educator Standards Board
Quest Business Centers
8405 Pulsar Place
Columbus, Ohio 43240

Tuesday, March 26, 2013
 
 
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.                   RESA update – Judith Monseur, ODE
 
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.                 PAR – Brinda Price, ODE
 
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                 Connect the Dots – Jim Herrholtz, Lori Lofton
                                                               
                                                            Public Comment
 
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.                    Lunch
 
1:20 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.                      OBR – Rebecca Watts
 
1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.                      Input on SGM information
 
2:00 p.m.                                           Business Meeting

Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 19, 2013  

State Board of Education Committee to Meet March 27 to Discuss Medicaid Schools Program

COLUMBUS – The Legislative and Budget Committee of the State Board of Education will meet on Wednesday, March 27, at 1 p.m., at the Ohio Department of Education, 25 S. Front Street, Columbus.

The topic of the meeting is the Medicaid Schools program.

The Legislative and Budget Committee is charged with reviewing existing budget and legislative policy recommendations and providing the full board with recommendations regarding new legislation.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction, since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 13, 2013  

Thousands of Career and Technical Students to Meet and Compete in Columbus

COLUMBUS – Thousands of students from across Ohio will meet and compete in Columbus this weekend as two high school career-technical student organizations – BPA and DECA – are hosting conferences between March 14 and 16.

The Business Professionals of America (BPA), Ohio Association, is holding their State Leadership Conference March 14-15, at the Hyatt Regency and Veterans’ Memorial. BPA provides business education students with leadership and professional development skills to prepare for career expectations. Teams from different schools will face each other in a variety of leadership and career-related skill competitions.

DECA, an organization for marketing education students, will host a Career Development Conference March 15-16, also at the Hyatt Regency. DECA team and individual competition will occur on March 16.

Categories of competition include broadcast news, entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising, financial literacy, global marketing and public speaking.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 12, 2013  

State School Board Selects Dick Ross to be Superintendent of Public Instruction

COLUMBUS – Today the State Board of Education voted to select Dr. Richard Ross to be the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ohio’s top education official and the executive in charge of the Ohio Department of Education.

The state superintendent runs the Ohio Department of Education, an independent state agency, and reports to the State School Board, a body of independent elected and appointed officials. In the position, Ross will oversee Ohio’s support, accountability and coordination efforts for the state’s elementary and secondary education system, which serves approximately 1.8 million students and employs roughly 190,000 educators.

The Ohio Department of Education plays a central role in developing and implementing state education policy and is working on a large number of major initiatives, including implementation of the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Assessments, implementation of a new teacher evaluation system, and the unveiling of a new Local Report Card.

“Dick Ross has deep experience on the frontlines of education and has distinguished himself by his child-first approach. He proved that with his outstanding leadership in Reynoldsburg and he’s proven that in his work in the Governor’s Office of 21st Century Education, where he’s helped shape education reform,” said State Board President Debe Terhar. “We are delighted he will provide us with strong leadership as we move forward with the important work of the Ohio Department of Education.”

The State Board of Education, working with a search firm, received 32 applications for the position and interviewed four candidates. Legislative education committee chairs Senator Peggy Lehner and Rep. Gerald Stebelton sat on the search committee, as did Jai Chabria from the Governor’s Office.

Dr. Ross has more than 60 years of education experience, having served for 20 years as superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools where he oversaw the operation of a district that earned “Excellent” or “Effective” ratings on their Local Report Cards the final eight years that Ross served the district. In his final year, eight of 10 buildings in Reynoldsburg City Schools were rated “Excellent” or “Excellent with Distinction.”

While at Reynoldsburg, the district built four new buildings and renovated six buildings while working within funding guidelines of the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission. Ross concentrated on serving children by improving the district’s efficiency and performance, eliminating unpopular and/or ineffective programs, and making focused staffing decisions.

In addition, Ross maintained low expenses, responded to the community’s changing cultural and economic conditions, championed open enrollment, improved the learning environment, and increased parent involvement by offering regularly scheduled events at the elementary and middle schools.

Ross previously was superintendent at Bryan City Schools and Ottawa-Glandorf Schools, was an instructor at Bowling Green State University and served as high school principal at Jonathan Alder School District.

He also served as chairman of the Youngstown Academic Distress Commission and was an instructor for the Ohio University Educational Leadership Program.

He currently serves as director of Governor John Kasich’s Office of 21st Century Education, where he has successfully moved several education initiatives through the legislative process. These include the Cleveland Transformation Plan, the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, revisions to the Teacher and Principal Evaluation Systems, and the A-F Local Report Card. He also has been involved in the development of the State Education Budget and the School Funding Model.

“I’m grateful to the board for the confidence they’ve shown in me with this appointment,” Ross said. “It’s a big job because it’s an important one — shaping the future of Ohio’s boys and girls. It’s a mission to which I’ve devoted my life and I’m excited to embrace the challenges that we’re facing.”

“The Department’s employees are deeply committed to serving Ohio’s children and my goal is to be a leader worthy of their commitment,” Ross added. “Helping all children achieve and reach their potential, regardless of their circumstance, is our mission and I look forward to working together with Ohio’s education community to build the world-class education system Ohio’s children deserve and which Ohio needs.”

Ross will begin his new role on March 25, 2013.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2013  

Ohio Department of Education Provides Broadcast Programing and Radio-Ready Releases

The Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Communications is making life easier for radio stations and online news sites by providing informative educational programming that is easy to access and user friendly. The Ohio Education Minute is a 60-second message from the Department of Education that will update listeners about the many reforms in education, as well as the successes that districts, schools and students are experiencing.

The Ohio Education Minute is available to be downloaded from the department’s website. The pre-recorded message can be used as part of a newscast, as a stand-alone message, or be uploaded as a podcast on a website.

In addition, the Office of Communications is distributing made-for-broadcast press releases that will include links to sound bites from department personnel. These “rip-and-read” releases also will be available on our website for quick access to a news story.

For more information about the new radio-friendly releases, please contact John Charlton, associate director of communications, Ohio Department of Education at (614) 728-5959. The Ohio Education Minute also is accessible from education.ohio.gov, keyword search: education minute.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
March 7, 2013  

Department of Education Seeks Sponsors for Summer Food Service Program

COLUMBUS – Last summer, on average more than 51,360 Ohio children received free meals on a daily basis through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). More than 3.7 million meals were provided for children during the course of the summer. This year, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) wants to see the number grow and is looking for local sponsors and sites to operate the program.

Nonprofit organizations offering summer activities for low-income youth or children living in low-income areas are encouraged to apply for the 2013 program. Sponsors receive cash reimbursements to provide nutritious meals to children at eligible sites.

Last summer, the program served children at 1,639 SFSP sites in Ohio. More than 199 sponsors participated in the program, which is funded through ODE by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The SFSP was created to ensure that children between the ages of 1 and 18 can continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer school break, when they do not have access to school lunches or breakfasts. Children with disabilities and an approved Individual Education Plan (IEP) may participate through age 21.

“Just as learning is a year-round activity, so is the need for good nutrition,” said Michael L. Sawyers, Ohio’s acting superintendent of public instruction. “When school is out, communities can offer the Summer Food Service Program to provide many children with the nourishment they need to continue to learn play and grow.”

Schools and nonprofit organizations may qualify to participate in SFSP if their program sites are in areas where 50 percent of children qualify for USDA’s free and reduced-price school meals. All new sponsoring agencies will be required to attend a training program in March and complete the application process by April 19.

Organizations interested in becoming sponsors, or sites with existing sponsors, should complete the SFSP potential sponsor survey on the ODE website. Potential sponsors interested in participating in the 2013 summer program should complete the survey no later than March 15. For more information, call toll-free (800) 808-6325 The USDA prohibits discrimination in the administration of its programs.

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Editor’s note: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877- 8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 27, 2013  

 Ohio Schools Make Gains But Have Room to Grow, Report Card Shows

2011-2012 will be last report card using current format as
Ohio begins transition beyond “minimal competency system”

COLUMBUS – Ohio’s 2011-2012 State Report Card finds that the state’s public schools are making steady academic gains as a new era of accountability approaches.

The state’s schools registered improvements in 14 of 26 indicators and met the state’s performance goal on 21 out of the 26 indicators. There were especially strong gains in eighth-grade math and science. The number of districts and schools exceeding expected growth in Value-Added also grew significantly.

Ohio schools still have much room to grow. The performance of Ohio’s economically disadvantaged students and minorities remains unacceptably low. Too many students drop out of high school and too many who enroll in college need to take remedial courses.

“We congratulate Ohio’s students, families and educators for making continued, solid academic progress,” said Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers. “But we will need to set the bar higher to ensure that all of our students are prepared for a future that will demand higher skills. Ohio’s minimal competency system must continue to reform for Ohio’s students to be competitive with their peers.”

Ohio’s accountability system will be changing in 2013. Starting this fall, the state will begin a transition to a new era of district and school performance reporting that will include an easy to understand A-F grading system. The new report cards will take a broader look at the key indicators of school effectiveness and will be based upon standards that ensure all students graduate ready for college and careers.

The current state-level totals include results for nine districts that were identified earlier this month by the Auditor of State as showing evidence that they “scrubbed” attendance data to potentially improve their report card results. The 2012 and 2011 report cards for those districts and all of their schools have had a watermark added, indicating that the results are subject to change pending further investigation by ODE.

The release of the final 2011-2012 State Report Card was scheduled for August 2012 but was postponed pending the conclusion of the investigation by the Auditor of State.
The information released this year includes a number of new ranking reports as stipulated in state law and Ohio’s May 2012 waiver from the U.S. Department of Education from certain elements of the No Child Left Behind Act. This report can be found at www.reportcard.ohio.gov and includes:

A list of 90 schools that have demonstrated either “High Progress” or “High Performance” while serving a significant number of economically disadvantaged students.

• A ranking of schools and districts based upon Performance Index scores. The index looks at the performance of every student, not just those who score proficient or higher.
• A ranking of districts based on Value-Added results, which show whether students meet the expected one year of growth for students in grades 4-8 in reading and math.

Go to www.reportcard.ohio.gov to read the full State Report Card, along with district and building report cards.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 26, 2013  

6th Annual Economic-Education Summit Brings Educators and Industry Leaders Together to Improve Ohio Workforce for Stronger Economy

What: The Ohio Economic-Education Summit  is focused on connecting career-technical educators with leaders of 10 industries in Ohio identified as critical to improving the state’s economy:  aerospace and aviation; agribusiness and food processing; automotive; biohealth; renewable and carbon-based energy development; financial services; health; information technology; manufacturing; and polymer sand chemical production.
 
When: Tuesday, Feb. 26, and Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013
 
Where: Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square
 
Who: The primary keynote presenter is Richard O’Sullivan, principal and founder of Change Management Solutions. O’Sullivan will lead a panel on reducing workforce skills gap through better communication between schools and employers at 5 p.m. today and provide the Wednesday morning presentation. Acting superintendent of public instruction Michael L. Sawyers will speak during lunch on Wednesday.  More information, including a detailed and downloadable agenda, is at www.economic.education.ohio.gov.
 
Background: The primary audience members for the summit are career-technical education leaders from high school, adult education and college settings who are seeking to enhance and add workforce development programming to better meet industry needs.  Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Career-Technical Education, the Summit is conducted in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, JobsOhio, the Ohio Development Agency, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education.  About 300 people are expected to attend. 
 
NOTE: Media packets can be picked up at the Summit registration table or from Pat Huston, Summit manager, who will be on-site and accessible at (614) 578-2549.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 22, 2013  

Public Meeting Notice Ohio Educator Standards Board to meet Feb. 25-26

The Ohio Educator Standards Board monthly meeting will be Feb. 25-26 at the Quest Business Center, 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240.

On Feb. 25, the Standards and Licensure committees meet at 6 p.m. On Feb. 26, the full board convenes at 9 a.m. and the business meeting begins at 1 p.m.

The Ohio Educator Standards Board is a 10-member board comprised of teachers, administrators, local school board members and parents. It is appointed by the State Board of Education to develop state standards and professional development for teachers and principals at all stages of their careers.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 22, 2013  

REVISED

State Board of Education Search Committee to Discuss Superintendent Position

Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education Search Committee will meet Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Conference Center, 25 S. Front St., Columbus to discuss the State Superintendent of Public Instruction position. The committee also will meet on March 4 at 10 a.m. in the Conference Center at ODE.

At both meetings, the committee will immediately go into executive session, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1), to consider the employment of a public employee or official. At the end of each executive session, the board will move into public session to vote on candidates to be interviewed in the next round of the search process.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction, since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 21, 2013  

School for the Blind Band Members Benner and Bump to Perform with Honors Band

COLUMBUS – Two eighth-graders at the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB), Crayton Benner and Olivia Bump, have been selected to play in the Ohio State University Middle School Honor Band concert on Saturday.

Benner (baritone horn) and Bump (flute) were nominated by their OSSB band director and selected for the Honors Band. Bump was selected for the Honors band last year as a trumpet player but switched to the flute this school year. Both band members have memorized the five concert band selections that will be performed during the concert.

The day of music includes rehearsals with guest conductor and composer Brian Balmages and lunch at the Huntington Club in “the Shoe” before the concert at 4 p.m. Saturday in Weigel Auditorium, 1866 College Road. This concert is free and open to the public.

Both Benner and Bump are members of the OSSB Marching Band, the only blind marching band in the world. The nationally recognized band, under the leadership of Director Dan Kelley and Music Director Carol Agler, has been recognized for their ability to both entertain and inspire.

Kelley and Agler hope that their instructional methods will be adopted by other band directors and will open doors for visually impaired students across the world.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 15, 2013  

Ohio Department of Education and Board of Regents Plan Events in Lima Prior to State of the State Address

What:               Recognition of Career Tech Month highlighting programs and partnerships at Apollo Career Center. Recognition will include Welding, Construction and Equipment Technology, Automated Manufacturing Technology, ABLE-Adult Work Force and Culinary Arts Programs.

Who:                 Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers, along with Interim Chancellor Stephanie Davidson, will recognize achievements and partnerships, then tour the facilities. Apollo Career Center Superintendent Judy Wells and several area business leaders will participate. 

When:              Tuesday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m.

Where:             Apollo Career Center
                          3325 Shawnee Road
                          Lima OH 45806-1454
                           
Background:   Career Tech Month is intended to raise the public’s awareness of the value of Career Tech Education programs for students, schools, communities, business and industry, and the economic well-being of our nation. The Department of Education and Board of Regents are hoping to help further raise that awareness with their visit.

__________

What:               Event highlighting the importance of internships and co-ops to the business community.

Who:                 Interim Chancellor Stephanie Davidson and Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers will highlight the importance of internships and co-ops. They will be joined by Rhodes State president Debra McCurdy; Dan Schoch, chair of the Cooperative Education and Internship Advisory Committee; and leaders of partnering companies. 

When:              Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m.

Where:             Rhodes State College
                          120 Keese Hall
                          4240 Campus Drive
                          Lima OH 45806-1454
                           
Background:   Rhodes State is among those Ohio colleges and universities that received a portion of a one-time, $11 million grant devoted to developing co-op and internship programs. The funding will be used to support the Honda-created Ohio Manufacturing Education Collaborative and support an additional 39 student internships.

__________

What:              Roundtable Discussion on College Attendance and Completion with special emphasis on DREAM (Dare to Reach Excellence, Achievement and Meaning) Program.

Who:                Board of Regents Interim Chancellor Stephanie Davidson
                         Department of Education Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers
                         Ohio State Lima Dean and Director Dr. John R. Snyder
                         Ohio State Lima Director of Admissions Sara Ambroza
                         Bryan Albright, Assoc. Director, Enrollment Services, Ohio State Lima
                           
When:              Tuesday, Feb. 19, 3 p.m.

Where:            The Ohio State University
                          Lima Visitor and Student Services Center
                          4200 Campus Drive
                          Lima, Ohio 45804
                           
Background:   Since 2007, the DREAM (Dare to Reach Excellence, Achievement and Meaning) program has helped dozens of at-risk Allen County high school students realize the dream of a college education. Each year, Ohio State Lima works with these students and their parents to explore opportunities in higher education and to complete their admissions and financial aid applications. After successfully completing a series of these preparatory sessions, each student receives a $1,500 scholarship, renewable for four years at Ohio State Lima.

__________

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 7, 2013  

State Board of Education to Meet Feb. 11 and 12 at Department of Education

Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education will conduct its monthly meeting Feb. 11 and 12, at the Department of Education, 25 S. Front Street, Columbus. Monday’s session begins at 9 a.m. with Tuesday’s session beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The location of the February board meeting has been changed. The Board voted in January to move the monthly meetings to the agency facility in downtown Columbus beginning in March when the new conference center was scheduled to be completed. Board leadership decided to change the location of the February meeting as the conference center project has been completed ahead of schedule.

Visitors planning to attend the meeting are required to present photo identification and should allow extra time to go through the building security process. Entry will be quicker for individuals who bring only small items. Backpacks, briefcases and bags are subject to inspection.

Agenda items include a discussion on social media, discussion of the superintendent search, a presentation on the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, and a school attendance audit presentation by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

The location of the Chapter 119 Rule Review Hearing has not been changed. It will be conducted at 8:30 a.m. on Monday at the Ohio State School for the Deaf, 500 Morse Road, Columbus.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction, since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
February 1, 2013  

State Board of Education Accountability Committee Announces Upcoming Meetings

COLUMBUS – The State Board of Education Accountability Committee will meet several times during the next five weeks. Accountability Committee meetings are scheduled for Feb. 6 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Feb. 11 from 3-5 p.m. (at Ohio School For The Deaf, 500 Morse Rd., Columbus, 43214); Feb. 20 from 3-5 p.m.; Feb. 27 from 3-5 p.m.; and March 6 from 3-5 p.m. All meetings except the Feb. 11 meeting are scheduled to be conducted at the Ohio Department of Education, 25 S. Front Street, Columbus, 43215.

The Accountability Committee, established at the January meeting of the Ohio Board of Education, is working on developing the new Local Report Card as outlined in House Bill 555. Meeting notices, documents and updates can be found here.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2013  

Accountability Committee to meet Jan. 30

COLUMBUS – The State Board of Education Accountability Committee will meet Jan. 30 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Education, 25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

The Accountability Committee, established at the January meeting of the Ohio Board of Education, is working on developing the new Local Report Card as outlined in House Bill 555. Meeting notices, documents and updates can be found here.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2013  

Ohio Educator Standards Board to meet Jan. 28-29

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Educator Standards Board monthly meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28-29 at the Quest Business Center, 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240.

On Jan. 28, the Standards Committee and the Licensure Committee will convene at 6 p.m. On Jan. 29, the full board will convene at 9 a.m. The business meeting will start at 1 p.m.

The Ohio Educator Standards Board is a 21-member board comprised of teachers, administrators, local school board members and parents who are appointed by the State Board of Education to develop state standards and professional development for teachers and principals at all stages of their careers.

For more information about the Educator Standards Board, please visit the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Educator Standards website.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
January 14, 2013  

Terhar Re-elected Board President, Gunlock Again to be Vice President

New Accountability Committee Created to Provide Direction in implementing HB 555

Columbus, OH – State Board of Education (SBOE) member Debe Terhar was re-elected as board president and member Tom Gunlock was re-elected as vice president during the opening session of January’s Board of Education meeting.

Terhar, an elected board member from the fourth district, which includes Hamilton and Warren counties, served as president the previous two years. Gunlock, from Dayton, an at-large member appointed by the Governor, served as vice president the previous two years. Both Terhar and Gunlock were elected by 18-0 votes.

“I am honored that my colleagues have elected me to lead the board of education during such a pivotal time in education,” Terhar said. “I am honored by their vote and the confidence they have shown in me by re-electing me as board president. “

In addition, 11 SBOE members were sworn in by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy. New board members sworn in today include Sarah Fowler, of Rock Creek, elected to represent the seventh district in northeast Ohio; Stephanie Dodd, of Hebron, elected from the ninth district representing parts of central Ohio; and at-large members Darryl Mehaffie, from Greenville and Mark A. Smith from Circleville who, were recently appointed to the Board by Ohio Governor John Kasich.

Also sworn in to second terms were Ann Jacobs (District 1); Bryan Williams (District 5); Michael Collins (District 6); Jeff Hardin (District 10); Mary Rose Oakar, (District 11); and at-large members Angela T. Bennett of East Cleveland and C. Todd Jones of New Albany, who were re-appointed by Gov. Kasich.

“We are pleased to have new board members and experienced board members sworn in today,” said newly elected president Terhar. “I am confident that this board has the best interest of Ohio’s students at heart and will serve them well.”

At the board meeting, President Terhar created an Accountability Committee that will provide policy direction to the Ohio Department of Education in implementing Am. Sub. H.B. 555 (signed into law Dec. 20, 2012). The law creates a new academic performance rating system for public schools; requires an alternative rating system for community schools with dropout prevention and recovery programs; and creates a new evaluation process for community school sponsors.

The committee will meet for the first time Tuesday, Jan. 15 immediately following the business meeting of the State Board of Education at the Ohio School for the Deaf.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

Note: Photos of Board members sworn into today are available.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
January 11, 2013  

State Board of Education to Meet Jan. 14 and 15

Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education will conduct its monthly meeting Jan. 14 and 15, at the Ohio State School for the Deaf, 500 Morse Road, Columbus. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. each day.

Agenda items include swearing-in of new State Board Members by Justice Sharon Kennedy, Supreme Court of Ohio; election of officers; a vote on the model policy for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and Restraint and Seclusion; and a vote on the restraint and seclusion proposed rules.

The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
January 4, 2013  

Ohio, Massachusetts Select Thinkgate to Provide Online Learning and Data System For Educators

COLUMBUS – Ohio’s schools will have access to a state-of-the-art system that lets teachers analyze student achievement and select the best learning resources under a contract awarded today.

Thinkgate, LLC. has been selected to provide an instructional improvement system (IIS) for schools in Ohio and Massachusetts. Both states’ education agencies agreed to create powerful online learning platforms as part of their federal Race to the Top grants and teamed up to conduct a competitive procurement.

As part of Ohio’s system, the Ohio Department of Education will collaborate with the Ohio Board of Regents (OBR) to incorporate iLearnOhio.org, a one-stop home for high quality K-12 content that is aligned with the state’s new learning standards. iLearnOhio is the product of a collaboration of the Ohio Resource Center, The Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology, and OBR.

“It has never been more important for educators to use modern technology to give students customized learning options based upon real data about their needs,” said Michael Sawyers, Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Creating a statewide instructional improvement system is truly the beginning of a new era in Ohio education.”

The IIS will enable teachers to accelerate and personalize the education experience by providing the following features:

“Our goal is provide educators immediate, relevant information that allows them to make instruction more personal for every student, every day”, shared Eric Waynick, Thinkgate CEO. “Our instructional improvement technology provides this benefit when used by committed educators. Ohio and Massachusetts have proven to be innovative leaders in education and we are excited about this partnership.”

“This new toolkit will allow our educators and students to more effectively engage in a teaching and learning partnership,” said Massachusetts Education Secretary Paul Reville. “By giving educators a way to track and assess student progress and facilitating consistent feedback between students and teachers on performance, we are helping close those gaps that prevent students from reaching their full potential in the classroom.”

Thinkgate was selected through a competitive bid process and an innovative procurement partnership between the Ohio and Massachusetts education agencies. By pooling purchasing, the states received better prices. Ohio’s split of the development cost is only $138,367. An additional $1.7 million is being spent to implement the IIS in Ohio which includes connecting the IIS to other resources in Ohio.

Under the contract, the Thinkgate IIS will be available to all Race to the Top (RttT) schools funded by the ODE using the RttT grant for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years. All schools could then pay a per-student price that will be based upon how many districts ultimately adopt the system. Estimates indicate that the cost will be between $2.75 and $5 per student. Use of the Thinkgate system is voluntary.

Integrating iLearnOhio.org into the new system will assist schools in selecting:

The new IIS is still being developed and tested but will be available to RttT school districts beginning next school year.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 18, 2012  

11 Southwest Ohio School Districts Earn AP Honor Roll Status

COLUMBUS — Thirty-seven of Ohio’s 614 public school districts earned a spot on the 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advance Placement (AP) courses, while at the same time increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. Eleven of those districts are in southwest Ohio

A total of 539 school districts across the U.S. and Canada are being recognized by the College Board, which administers the AP program. Achieving both of these goals is the ideal scenario for a district’s AP program because it indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit most from rigorous AP course work. More than 90 percent of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam — which potentially can save students and their families thousands of dollars in college tuition.

According to data released today by The College Board, the number of Advanced Placement tests taken by Ohio public high school students grew by 6.7 percent last year and 35.6 percent during the past five years. The number of students earning scores high enough to qualify for college credit grew by 9.2 percent last year and 43.2 percent in the past five years.

The number of African American students passing AP tests grew by 24.4 percent last year and 61.6 percent in the last five years. Growing minority participation is a key goal.

“I commend our schools for actively helping to raise awareness of Advanced Placement courses and exams and commend Ohio students for taking advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to them,” Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers said. “Earning college credit while still in high school gives students a head start when they enroll in college.”

To be included on the AP Honor Roll, a district must increase participation and access to AP courses, ensure that the percentage of minority students taking AP exams did not decrease, and improve performance levels of students scoring a 3 or higher over the past three school years.

Central Ohio school districts named to the AP Honor Roll are:

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to expand access and improve student performance simultaneously.

The complete 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll can be found here.

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About the Advanced Placement Program®

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue — skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought the most rigorous curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students. Each AP teacher’s syllabus is evaluated and approved by faculty from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, and AP Exams are developed and scored by college faculty and experienced AP teachers. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores — more than 3,600 institutions worldwide annually receive AP scores. In the last decade, participation in the AP Program has more than doubled and graduates succeeding on AP Exams have nearly doubled. In May 2012, 2.1 million students representing more than 18,000 schools around the world, both public and nonpublic, took 3.7 million AP Exams.

About the College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 18, 2012  

4 Northwest Ohio School Districts Earn AP Honor Roll Status

COLUMBUS — Thirty-seven of Ohio’s 614 public school districts earned a spot on the 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advance Placement (AP) courses, while at the same time increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. Seventeen of those districts are in northeast Ohio

A total of 539 school districts across the U.S. and Canada are being recognized by the College Board, which administers the AP program. Achieving both of these goals is the ideal scenario for a district’s AP program because it indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit most from rigorous AP course work. More than 90 percent of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam — which potentially can save students and their families thousands of dollars in college tuition.

According to data released today by The College Board, the number of Advanced Placement tests taken by Ohio public high school students grew by 6.7 percent last year and 35.6 percent during the past five years. The number of students earning scores high enough to qualify for college credit grew by 9.2 percent last year and 43.2 percent in the past five years.

The number of African American students passing AP tests grew by 24.4 percent last year and 61.6 percent in the last five years. Growing minority participation is a key goal.

“I commend our schools for actively helping to raise awareness of Advanced Placement courses and exams and commend Ohio students for taking advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to them,” Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers said. “Earning college credit while still in high school gives students a head start when they enroll in college.”

To be included on the AP Honor Roll, a district must increase participation and access to AP courses, ensure that the percentage of minority students taking AP exams did not decrease, and improve performance levels of students scoring a 3 or higher over the past three school years.

Central Ohio school districts named to the AP Honor Roll are:

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to expand access and improve student performance simultaneously.

The complete 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll can be found here.

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About the Advanced Placement Program®

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue — skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought the most rigorous curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students. Each AP teacher’s syllabus is evaluated and approved by faculty from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, and AP Exams are developed and scored by college faculty and experienced AP teachers. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores — more than 3,600 institutions worldwide annually receive AP scores. In the last decade, participation in the AP Program has more than doubled and graduates succeeding on AP Exams have nearly doubled. In May 2012, 2.1 million students representing more than 18,000 schools around the world, both public and nonpublic, took 3.7 million AP Exams.

About the College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 18, 2012  

17 Northeast Ohio School Districts Earn AP Honor Roll Status

COLUMBUS — Thirty-seven of Ohio’s 614 public school districts earned a spot on the 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advance Placement (AP) courses, while at the same time increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. Seventeen of those districts are in northeast Ohio

A total of 539 school districts across the U.S. and Canada are being recognized by the College Board, which administers the AP program. Achieving both of these goals is the ideal scenario for a district’s AP program because it indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit most from rigorous AP course work. More than 90 percent of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam — which potentially can save students and their families thousands of dollars in college tuition.

According to data released today by The College Board, the number of Advanced Placement tests taken by Ohio public high school students grew by 6.7 percent last year and 35.6 percent during the past five years. The number of students earning scores high enough to qualify for college credit grew by 9.2 percent last year and 43.2 percent in the past five years.

The number of African American students passing AP tests grew by 24.4 percent last year and 61.6 percent in the last five years. Growing minority participation is a key goal.

“I commend our schools for actively helping to raise awareness of Advanced Placement courses and exams and commend Ohio students for taking advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to them,” Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers said. “Earning college credit while still in high school gives students a head start when they enroll in college.”

To be included on the AP Honor Roll, a district must increase participation and access to AP courses, ensure that the percentage of minority students taking AP exams did not decrease, and improve performance levels of students scoring a 3 or higher over the past three school years.

Central Ohio school districts named to the AP Honor Roll are:

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to expand access and improve student performance simultaneously.

The complete 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll can be found here.

-30-

About the Advanced Placement Program®

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue — skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought the most rigorous curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students. Each AP teacher’s syllabus is evaluated and approved by faculty from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, and AP Exams are developed and scored by college faculty and experienced AP teachers. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores — more than 3,600 institutions worldwide annually receive AP scores. In the last decade, participation in the AP Program has more than doubled and graduates succeeding on AP Exams have nearly doubled. In May 2012, 2.1 million students representing more than 18,000 schools around the world, both public and nonpublic, took 3.7 million AP Exams.

About the College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 18, 2012  

5 Central Ohio School Districts Earn AP Honor Roll Status

COLUMBUS — Thirty-seven of Ohio’s 614 public school districts earned a spot on the 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to Advance Placement (AP) courses, while at the same time increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. Five of those districts are in central Ohio

A total of 539 school districts across the U.S. and Canada are being recognized by the College Board, which administers the AP program. Achieving both of these goals is the ideal scenario for a district’s AP program because it indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit most from rigorous AP course work. More than 90 percent of colleges and universities across the U.S. offer college credit, advanced placement or both for a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam — which potentially can save students and their families thousands of dollars in college tuition.

According to data released today by The College Board, the number of Advanced Placement tests taken by Ohio public high school students grew by 6.7 percent last year and 35.6 percent during the past five years. The number of students earning scores high enough to qualify for college credit grew by 9.2 percent last year and 43.2 percent in the past five years.

The number of African American students passing AP tests grew by 24.4 percent last year and 61.6 percent in the last five years. Growing minority participation is a key goal.

“I commend our schools for actively helping to raise awareness of Advanced Placement courses and exams and commend Ohio students for taking advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to them,” Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers said. “Earning college credit while still in high school gives students a head start when they enroll in college.”

To be included on the AP Honor Roll, a district must increase participation and access to AP courses, ensure that the percentage of minority students taking AP exams did not decrease, and improve performance levels of students scoring a 3 or higher over the past three school years.

Central Ohio school districts named to the AP Honor Roll are:

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to expand access and improve student performance simultaneously.

The complete 3rd Annual AP District Honor Roll can be found here.

-30-

About the Advanced Placement Program®

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies — with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue — skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Taking AP courses demonstrates to college admission officers that students have sought the most rigorous curriculum available to them, and research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students. Each AP teacher’s syllabus is evaluated and approved by faculty from some of the nation’s leading colleges and universities, and AP Exams are developed and scored by college faculty and experienced AP teachers. Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States grant credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores — more than 3,600 institutions worldwide annually receive AP scores. In the last decade, participation in the AP Program has more than doubled and graduates succeeding on AP Exams have nearly doubled. In May 2012, 2.1 million students representing more than 18,000 schools around the world, both public and nonpublic, took 3.7 million AP Exams.

About the College Board

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2012  

Statement Regarding School Shooting in Connecticut

(the following statement can be attributed to Acting Superintendent Michael Sawyers)

“On behalf of all the educators, parents and citizens of Ohio, I offer our deepest sympathies and prayers for everyone touched by the unspeakable horror at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Our hearts ache for you. Ohio, too, has known the horror of a recent school shooting and this senseless tragedy reminds us that we must all work together as a nation to make schools the safe places they should be.”

Reminders About School Safety

The events of today remind us of our responsibilities to keep our students safe.

We remind each local board of education that it is required by state law to adopt a school safety plan for each building under its control and update the plan at least every three years.

The plan must include protocol for addressing serious threats to safety of school property, students, employees or administrators and protocol for responding to emergency events that may occur.

Copies of the school safety plan and blueprints must be filed with local law enforcement agencies and the fire department. The current plan must be filed with the Attorney General’s office through their Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The Ohio Department of Education encourages all school districts to go beyond the minimum requirements of the law to create a system of learning supports that will work together to develop and implement a school safety plan that addresses the prevention of, the preparation for, the response to and the recovery from a crisis.

Schools cannot do this without a partnership between parents, communities and local safety officials. Please continue to be proactive in doing everything possible to protect students.

A number of resources are available on the Department of Education website. You may access those by clicking here.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2012  

Toledo Area Schools to be Recognized for High Performance and Advance Placement Success

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
December 5, 2012  

State Board of Education to Meet Dec. 10 and 11

Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education will conduct its monthly meeting on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Ohio School for the Deaf, 500 Morse, Columbus. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. each morning.

Agenda items include a presentation on the Restraint and Seclusion Policy and updates on HB 555 and federal sequestration.

The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
November 28, 2012  

Three Ohio Proposals Selected as Finalists in Federal Race to the Top Local Grant Competition

COLUMBUS – Cleveland Municipal Schools, Reynoldsburg City Schools and the Ohio Appalachian Personalized Learning Network Collaborative are among 61 school groups named as finalists in the 2012 Race to the Top-District (RttT-D) competition.

“We are incredibly proud of this collaborative and these two districts and impressed by the innovative ideas they have put forward as part of the rigorous application process,” said Acting State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers. “They are examples of the creativity and drive to think differently about learning that can inspire schools across our state.”

The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) will provide nearly $400 million to support locally developed plans to personalize learning, directly improve student achievement and educator effectiveness, close achievement gaps and prepare every student for success in college and careers.

USDOE expects to select 15-25 winning applications for four-year awards that will range from $5 million to $40 million, depending on student population. Awards will be announced by the end of December.

Reynoldsburg’s application calls for personalizing instruction by increasing choice for parents and students, deploying blended learning in all classrooms, expanding the use of analysis of student data and growing college and real-world experiences for all students via a community-wide education partnership.

The Cleveland Municipal School District application includes plans for expansion of the district’s Portfolio Strategy, which currently includes 13 New and Innovative Schools, which were created in 2006. Portfolio schools incorporate specific individual student academic goal-setting and employ teamwork and project-based learning.

The Ohio Appalachian Personalized Learning Network Collaborative, a network of 15 rural school districts in southeast Ohio, would use the grant to offer everyday use of online and on-demand learning platforms. Additionally, the grant would expand offering dual enrollment courses, which provide students both high school and college credit.

"These finalists are setting the curve for the rest of the country with innovative plans to drive education reform in the classroom," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "This competition was designed to support local efforts to close the achievement gap and transform the learning environment in a diverse set of districts, but no matter whom wins, children across the country will benefit from the clear vision and track records of success demonstrated by these finalists."

The 61 finalists, which represent more than 200 school districts, were selected from 372 applications the Department received in November. The RttT-D competition asked applicants to demonstrate how districts could personalize education for students and provide school leaders and teachers with key tools that support them to meet students’ needs.

Ohio was awarded a statewide $400 million Race to the Top (RttT) grant in 2010. Last year, Ohio also received a $70 million award a separate RttT competition for efforts to improve early learning programs.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
November 20, 2012  

Ohio Board of Regents, State Board of Education, ODE Agree on Plan to Offer College/Career Readiness Test and Replace High School Graduation Tests With Course-Specific Exams

COLUMBUS, OH, Nov. 20, 2012 – Education leaders in Ohio have reached an agreement that will transform the current high school testing system from minimal standards to a system of higher expectations that will clearly define college and career readiness for Ohio’s graduates.

A nationally standardized college readiness test and 10 end-of-course/year exams in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies will replace the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT).

The Ohio Board of Regents and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) are developing requirements to seek bids for a nationally standardized assessment to measure student preparation for postsecondary education and the workforce. The agencies signed a memorandum of agreement last month as required by state law.

“This is a major step forward in our reform efforts to ensure all Ohio students have the knowledge and skills necessary to leave school remediation-free and ready for their postsecondary experience in higher education or workforce training,” said Michael Sawyers, ODE’s acting superintendent of public instruction.

“Our goal is to advance degree completion in the state. One of the key ways to accomplish this goal is to ensure students are college and career ready. Eliminating the OGT and replacing it with a better gauge of college readiness will help students to be more successful,” said Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Jim Petro.

The new assessment will be required of all high school sophomores beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. However, pending the outcome of the competitive bid process and the availability of sufficient funding, ODE and the Regents agree that implementation in the 2013-2014 school year is possible. The nationally standardized assessment will be provided free to all Ohio schools.

“In addition to the higher expectations, participation in the new assessments will give all students and families the information they need to make informed decisions regarding their future in time to make adjustments,” Sawyers said. “This new provision of state law will permit all students to have access to this information, regardless of the ability of individual school districts to be able to afford this option for students.”

Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, the OGT will be replaced by a series of end-of-course/year exams in core high school subjects, including English I, II and III; Algebra I; Geometry; Algebra II; Biology; Physical Science; American History; and American Government.

Student performance on these required tests is expected to be part of the student’s course grade and a factor in Ohio’s revised accountability system. A transition plan is being finalized for full implementation of the new requirements for Ohio’s students and schools.

“We cannot expect our students to be post-secondary ready for college or careers if we do not increase our minimal standards to allow our students to successfully compete,” said Debe Terhar, president of the State Board of Education. “The higher expectations and next generation of assessments coming to Ohio and many other states is long overdue for our students.”

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959

For Immediate Release
November 19, 2012  

Crystal Dozier Surprised with 2012 Milken Award

GOSHEN, OH – Crystal Dozier, a third-grade teacher at Spaulding Elementary School, was surprised this afternoon with a 2012 Milken Educator Award. The honor, one of education’s most prestigious recognitions, comes with an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000.

The award was presented by Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers from the Ohio Department of Education and Chief Learning Officer and Executive Vice President of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Jason Culbertson, who will represent the Milken Foundation.

“I am thrilled to be here today to recognize such an outstanding educator. Mrs. Dozier is certainly deserving of this award,” Sawyers said. “I am particularly impressed with how she uses data to drive instruction and integrates technology into her daily lessons.”

Dozier holds high expectations for her students and encourages them to challenge themselves. She promotes a culture in which everyone can succeed. In a testament to her and her colleagues’ talent, Spaulding Elementary third-graders exceed state averages on the Ohio Achievement Assessments 93.2 percent of their students scored proficient or above in reading, and 94.4 of these reached this level in mathematics.

Beyond the classroom, Dozier is a member of the Race to the Top transformation team and the Technology Evaluation team. She currently is taking gifted endorsement classes at the University of Cincinnati, where her professor shares a video of her teaching as an example for other students.

The Milken Educator Award is not intended as a lifetime achievement award. Recipients are selected in early to mid-career for what they have achieved…and for the promise of what they will accomplish in the future. Encompassed in the recognition is the responsibility to stretch their professional practices and leadership to even higher levels.

New recipients are invited to join the Milken Educator Network, a group of distinguished educators whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education.

The Milken Family Foundation has been recognizing teachers through the Milken Educator Awards for 26 years. Since first presented to a dozen California teachers, the program has honored more than 2,500 K-12 teachers, principals and specialists with more than $63 million in individual, unrestricted $25,000 awards.

More than $135 million in funding has been devoted to the overall program, which includes professional development opportunities throughout the recipients’ careers in education. The exponential impact of Milken Educators is helping to improve American K-12 education.

The Awards alternate yearly between elementary and secondary educators. Each participating state department of education appoints an independent blue ribbon committee to review candidates through a confidential process and recommends candidates to the Foundation.

“Our public education system is at the heart of America’s promise and is essential in safeguarding the American dream for future generations,” said Lowell Milken, chairman and co- founder of the Milken Family Foundation. “With research confirming that effective teachers represent the single most important school-related factor in raising student achievement, it is important to honor them, learn from them and inspire more capable people to join the profession. As the program’s motto extols, the future belongs to the educated.”

See the Milken Educator Awards website for more information, or call the Foundation at (310) 570-4775. In addition, connect with the Foundation on their Twitter, Facebook and YouTube sites. www.youtube.com/milkenaward.

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An education reformer for three decades, Lowell Milken created the Milken Educator Awards to recognize exemplary teachers and established the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) to generate more talented teachers, www.niet.org. NIET houses TAP™: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement and the Best Practices Center. Lowell Milken recently provided the founding gift for the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy at UCLA School of Law. For more information about Lowell Milken visit www.lowellmilken.com .

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Media May Contact:
Chan Cochran (614) 224-0600

For Immediate Release
November 14, 2012  

New Study of Excellent Public Schools in Ohio Shows Kids in Poverty Can Learn At High Levels

COLUMBUS – A new study by the national education research and public engagement organization Public Agenda of nine high-performing public schools shows that Ohio public schools are capable of gaining excellent results even though high percentages of their student bodies come from poverty.

“We want to express our appreciation to the Ohio Business Roundtable for leading this effort and praise the schools featured in the study for helping students overcome barriers and achieve academic success,” said Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers. “These schools show that while there are many challenges, all schools can be successful.”

The study looked at three elementary schools, three middle/junior high schools, and three high schools. The schools were identified by the Ohio Department of Education as among the highest performing high needs schools in the state in terms of student outcomes. Each school had a student poverty level above 50 percent. It was sponsored by the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio State University, and the Ohio Business Roundtable, and paid for using Race to the Top assessment funds.

Schools studied include: East Garfield Elementary School in Steubenville, Eastmoor Academy in Columbus, Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School in Cincinnati, Northwest High School in McDermott, River Valley Middle School in Bidwell, Citizens Academy in Cleveland, Hannah J. Ashton Middle School in Reynoldsburg, Grove Patterson Academy Elementary School in Toledo, and MC^2 STEM High School in Cleveland.

Dr. Carolin Hagelskamp, vice president and director of research at Public Agenda, directed the research, which showed among other major findings:

• Constituents of the schools reported all of the same problems often cited as barriers to providing good education, but rather than seeing them as barriers, saw them as challenges to be overcome. Each school ran on the principle of “failure is not an option.”

• Strong leadership is a distinguishing feature of each of the schools studied. Constituents of the schools, including parents, teachers, community leaders and students themselves cited a litany of strong leadership characteristics in their principals.

Methodology included extensive interviewing at each school. “Many people often cite problems to excuse student failure, things like not enough money, indifferent parents, kids arriving at school not ready to learn, and bureaucracy resulting from state rules and union contracts,’ Hagelskamp said. “We found these schools were not somehow escaping these influences; instead, each of these schools has established a culture that says ‘No matter what the problems, we still won’t allow failure.’”

Leadership emerged as a major factor. Hagelskamp said, “All nine principals were praised for characteristics that included high expectations, leading by example of high dedication, connecting on a personal level to students and parents, maintaining school wide discipline, using data to track progress and measure results, and granting autonomy to staff in return for commitment to results (Complete list at p. 11 of study report). It is noteworthy that these are characteristics of all great leadership, not just educational leadership.”

Alesia Gillison, principal of Eastmoor Academy, a Columbus high school that was one of the schools studied, said, “We, the staff, and parents have high expectations and we are believers that by working together our students can reach their full potential of being college and career ready. 132 of 140 of our graduates were accepted to college last year, and earned 3.7 million dollars in scholarship monies. This year our students have earned more than $800,000 in scholarships.”

Richard Stoff, president and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable, said, “My members believe this study sends a message of hope and optimism that with the right commitment, we can make rapid progress in education. More importantly, it shows that leadership makes the difference, a principle well-understood in business. Leadership establishes culture at any institution, whether school or business, and we know that culture eats strategy for lunch every day of the week. We believe going forward that wide scale, high quality leadership training is the single best effort we can make as a state to improve our educational system,” Stoff concluded.

Dr. Herb Asher, special assistant to the President of The Ohio State University, said, “Any challenge is best met by first looking at who is doing the enterprise well. By focusing on these high performing schools, we learn both that we can be hopeful of progress, and that there are steps that can be followed to maximize our chances.”

The study will be forwarded to state policymakers and other organizations interested in education improvement.

Link to the Public Agenda website containing a link to the reporter http://www.publicagenda.org/pages/failure-is-not-an-option.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959 or (614) 307-8512

For Immediate Release
November 8, 2012  

State Board of Education to Meet Nov. 12 and 13

Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education will conduct its monthly meeting on Nov. 12 and 13, at the Ohio School Boards Association’s Capital Conference at the Columbus Convention Center, 400 North High Street, Columbus.  Sessions begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 12 and at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 13.

Topics to be discussed include the Ohio Race to the Top Year 2 Review and breakout meetings with urban, rural and suburban school board members. The State Board also will participate in the Student Achievement Fair in Exhibit Hall D on Nov. 13.

The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.
 

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959 or (614) 307-8512

For Immediate Release
November 2, 2012 

Ohio To Improve Schools Using Students’ Views and My Voice
Pearson Foundation and Race to the Top Grants Help Educators Better Understand Conditions for Student Success

COLUMBUS – Results from a new survey of Ohio school students and teachers will help school districts improve their educational environments.

The Ohio Department of Education, the Pearson Foundation and the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations (QISA) recently released a report summarizing the responses of nearly 54,000 students and approximately 2,700 teachers and other staff members.

“One of the best tools that an educator can utilize to facilitate a better learning environment is the art of listening to student and teacher feedback,” said Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers. “Many of the challenges facing our schools happen outside of the classroom and make a huge impact on a student’s ability to learn.”

The Ohio My Voice Initiative is the largest state-led initiative to track and analyze student engagement and to highlight its connection to progress in academic performance. Made possible by a grant from the Pearson Foundation and funding from Ohio’s Race to the Top (RttT) federal grant award, My Voice eventually will engage more than one million Ohio students in grades 6-12.

The survey was completed by students in RttT schools in districts across the state, including Ada Exempted Village School District, Akron Public School District, Dayton Early College Academy, Maysville Local School District, Northmont City School District, and South Euclid-Lyndhurst City School District as well as other schools throughout the state. My Voice is available at no cost to all schools in Ohio, including non-RttT schools, private and parochial schools.

My Voice helps students articulate their school-inspired sense of self-worth, engagement, and purpose. The results of this initiative will provide educators and administrators with detailed student data, which will be used to improve teaching and learning. In partnership, the Ohio Department of Education, the Pearson Foundation, and the Quaglia Institute are training Ohio educators to use the results to improve learning outcomes through a series of workshops, professional development, and other supporting programs that tie to QISA’s “8 Conditions That Make a Difference” in a student’s life.

Student responses will be part of the Pearson Foundation’s Million Voice Project, the national public interest campaign intended to gauge students’ perceptions of school across the United States. This approach to understanding school by using ‘student voice’ is part of a broadening national movement that has been supported by teacher and administrator organizations such as the American Association of School Administrators, the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Catholic Educational Association, National Education Association and the National School Board Association.

“We know that our students’ success begins with them knowing they are valued and respected,” said Larry W. Petry, Jr., principal, Firestone High School. “The My Voice survey was a starting point for us to understand how our students felt. We discovered there was some work to be done around relationships between faculty and students. As a result of what we learned, we are implementing a freshman mentoring program where a new student is paired with a faculty member. We want our students to succeed and give them the resources to do so.”

“The student voice is essential for academic achievement,” said Pearson Foundation President and CEO Mark Nieker. “Education is all about the students – helping them to achieve in and outside school and be confident, responsible members of society. We must ensure that each and every student has the opportunity to achieve and reach his or her full potential.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support Ohio schools as they deepen their ability to listen and respond to student voice,” said QISA President and Founder Dr. Russell J. Quaglia.

To learn more about the Ohio My Voice Initiative, review the Annual Report and register for the survey visit http://myvoice.pearsonfoundation.org/ohio

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959 or (614) 307-8512

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2012 

Public Meeting Notice Ohio Educator Standards Board to meet Oct. 22-23

The Ohio Educator Standards Board monthly meeting will be Oct. 22-23 at the Quest Business Center, 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240. On Oct.22, the Standards and Licensure Committees will meet at 6 p.m. On Oct. 23, the full board convenes at 9 a.m. and the business meeting begins at 1:15 p.m.

The Ohio Educator Standards Board is a 10-member board comprised of teachers, administrators, local school board members and parents. It is appointed by the State Board of Education to develop state standards and professional development for teachers and principals at all stages of their careers.

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Media May Contact:
John Charlton (614) 728-5959 or (614) 307-8512

For Immediate Release
October 17, 2012 

Ohio Seeks Feedback on New Early Learning Program Standards

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Ohio departments of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and Education (ODE) have proposed new quality standards for child care providers and preschool operators. As part of Ohio’s Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge grant, the state is expanding the successful Step Up To Quality rating system for child care providers to include all state-funded programs.

Once finalized, the new standards will apply to programs in school districts, child care facilities and private homes funded by ODJFS or ODE. The expansion will improve the quality of all early learning programs that serve children with high needs from birth to 5 years old.

“These draft program standards reflect the elements research shows makes a difference in the quality of early learning and development programs,” said Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael L. Sawyers. “The standards also draw attention to the importance of an appropriate curriculum aligned to Ohio’s content standards, to ensure children are provided with experiences that will further their progress in all areas of development.”

Child care and preschool programs will receive a rating of one to five stars depending on the program’s ability to meet stringent performance standards in each of four domains.

“These proposed Step Up To Quality standards will produce better outcomes for children because they will require teachers to be trained and qualified, will require frequent child assessments, and will reward evidence-based curricula and more comprehensive early education experiences,” said ODJFS Director Michael Colbert. “The star rating system also helps guide parents to the highest quality programs.”

The new Step Up To Quality measures will rate Ohio’s early learning programs in four domains:

• Learning and Development: Is the program using research-based curricula aligned to Ohio’s new early learning and development standards from birth to kindergarten entry?
• Staff Qualifications and Professional Development: Have administrators, teachers and assistant teachers obtained required credentials and ongoing professional development hours?
• Administrative and Leadership Practices: To what extent does the program adhere to an annual continuous improvement process? Family and Community Partnerships: How well does the program engage families and community partners to support children while they are enrolled in the program and as they transition into and out of the program?

  ODJFS and ODE will implement the new standards beginning in July 2013. Participation for all publicly funded programs will be phased in and will be mandatory by 2020.

  Early education teachers, child care administrators and staff, parents, and other interested Ohioans are encouraged to read the proposed standards and submit comments and suggested improvements at build-ohio.org.

  
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959 or (614) 307-8512
  
  For Immediate Release
  October 17, 2012 

  Additional Preliminary 2011-12 District and School Report Card Data Released
  
  

  Additional preliminary Local Report Card data for district, traditional school, community school and STEM schools were released Wednesday by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). The updated spreadsheet includes preliminary district/school ratings, Performance Index and attendance rate information.
  
  Spreadsheets containing preliminary results can be found by clicking here.  
  

  This spreadsheet will include all the data elements released previously, the additional items mentioned above, plus SAT and ACT mean scores and other enrollment data.
  

   “During the last few weeks, ODE employees have worked diligently to upload and verify remaining data for school improvement purposes,” said Michael L. Sawyers, Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction. “As we wait for additional information related to the investigation by the Auditor of State, ODE remains committed to sharing existing data so that students, parents, educators and the public can be informed about the progress of our schools.”
  
  Schools and districts have had access to preliminary student achievement data on standardized assessments throughout the summer. The August release of Local Report Cards was delayed by the State Board of Education because of an ongoing investigation by the Auditor of State into allegations of data manipulation by some school districts.
  
  ODE will not publish the official Local Report Cards until the investigation by the Auditor of State is concluded or as otherwise agreed upon by the State Board of Education. The information released today is preliminary and remains subject to revision.
  
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  October 01, 2012 

  State Board of Education to Meet Oct. 8 and 9
  

  Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education will conduct the public portion of its monthly meeting on Oct. 8 and 9, at the Ohio School for the Deaf, 500 Morse Road, Columbus. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. each day.

  Topics to be discussed include the Auditor of State’s Interim Report on Student Attendance Data and the Accountability System and Ohio’s Early Learning Standards. The State Board also will recognize the 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year, Carole Morbitzer and the four other finalists for the award.

  The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

  The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  October 01, 2012

   Carole Morbitzer Selected as 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year

  (COLUMBUS) – Carole Morbitzer, a mathematics teacher at Hamilton Township High School, was announced as the 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year Wednesday evening as part of the schools “Volley for the Cure” event, in conjunction with the school’s volleyball game.

  Morbitzer, who is the girls’ varsity volleyball coach, was surprised by the announcement during the pre-game ceremonies. Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers was on hand to recognize Morbitzer and present her with the award.

  “I am thrilled to be here tonight to recognize such an outstanding educator. She is certainly deserving of this award,” Sawyers said. “I am particularly impressed with how Mrs. Morbitzer not only establishes high expectations for her math students, but also how she inspires them to meet and surpass those expectations.”

  The praise comes from the local administration as well.

  “Carole relishes teaching students who dislike math,” Principal Jim Miller said. “She discards many traditional methods and embraces technology to guide her in watching her students’ progress to adjust her instruction as she is teaching. Carole does this seamlessly while building confidence in her students that they can do math.”

  And they can do math. This past school year, 93% of sophomores passed the math portion of the Ohio Graduation Test.

  “There are exemplary teachers; there are amazing teacher leaders; there are extraordinary community partners… Carole is the best of all three.” said Miller in his nomination of Morbitzer.

  Morbitzer, a teacher in the area since 1995 and at Hamilton Township High School since 2006, has been a leader in the educational community. She recently participated in the National Conversation about the Teaching Profession with Ohio teacher leaders and the U.S Department of Education; presented at the 2012 National Honor Society Ohio State Conference; led the Hamilton Local Schools math teachers in a K-12 Academic Content Standards and Common Core State Standards comparison; and trained all Hamilton Local teachers on how to use a SMART Board, to give a few examples.

  Morbitzer recently won 2011 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; has been nominated for the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, George B. Chapman Jr. Teacher Award for Excellence in Mathematics several times; and has previously been nominated for the Ohio Teacher of the Year award.

  As a volleyball coach, Morbitzer was named 1999 Ohio Capital Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year, the 2006 Central District Volleyball Coach of the Year, and was named the 2011 National Federation of State High School Association’s Coach of the Year for Volleyball in Ohio.

  She has been inducted into both the Hamilton Township Athletic Hall of Fame (2004) and the Hamilton Township High School Alumni Hall of Fame (2011).

  In 2010, she was named the Komen Columbus Volunteer of the Year and in 2011, was named the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for leading the school district’s Race for the Cure initiative. Hamilton has won the Komen high School Challenge five consecutive years and has raised more than $100,000 for breast cancer.

  Teacher of the Year Finalists

  The 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year was selected from nominations submitted by schools across the state. Nominations were reviewed by a statewide panel of representatives from a range of professional organizations and school constituencies, including teachers who have been recognized for their excellent performance in the classroom.

  The review panel chose five finalists and interviewed each of them before selecting Morbitzer. The four other finalists for the 2013 Ohio Teacher of the Year are:

  • Thomas Gregory, Gahanna Lincoln High School, Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools;
  • Paul LaRue, Washington High School, Washington Court House City Schools;
  • Holly Lavender, Liberty Union High School, Liberty Union-Thurston Local;
  • Jim Mamer, Rockway Elementary/Middle School, Clark-Shawnee Local.

  The Ohio Teacher of the Year program was initiated by ODE in 1969 to honor and promote excellence in teaching and the teaching profession and to build a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in school improvement initiatives.

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  October 01, 2012

  SUCCESS ON THE GED TEST IS NOW JUST CLICKS AWAY IN OHIO

  (COLUMBUS) In striving to provide more adult learners throughout the state with a high school credential and basic technology skills, several testing centers in Ohio are partnering with GED Testing Service to offer the GED test on computer. Online registration and scheduling are already available to test-takers and testing will begin today.
  

   
  As society integrates technology into almost every facet of life, and the job market continues to be shaped by technology, adults will need basic technology skills to be successful, said Randy Trask, president of GED Testing Service. Moving the GED test to computer helps adults demonstrate necessary basic technology skills and makes their testing process easier and more efficient. We are so pleased that Ohio is our partner in this important endeavor.
   
  Several new services will streamline the testing process and benefit adult learners who often need to move quickly into jobs or training programs. These benefits include:
  

  • Online scheduling and registration that is available 24/7;
  • More testing flexibility for test-takers; they can choose when and where to take their test;
  • Instant unofficial score reports; faster results mean adults can apply for jobs or begin studying immediately if they need to retake a subject area;
  • Enhanced test security.

   
  According to state GED program leadership, the computerized test initially will be offered in five locations across Ohio before its eventual expansion. The testing centers are located at:
  

  • Greene County Career Center, Xenia;
  • Marion Technical College, Marion;
  • Owens Community College, Toledo-area Campus, Perrysburg;
  • Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland;
  • Belmont College, St. Clairsville.

   
  Since the launch in January, more than 12,000 computerized GED tests have been delivered in at least 26 states, including the District of Columbia, and test-takers have taken advantage of the new benefits. The computer test was easy to use and the instant score report helped motivate me to finish the rest of the sections, said Eric Martinez, who was one of the first individuals in Nebraska to take the GED test on computer. GED Testing Service expects more than half of all states to offer the test on computer by the end of the year.
   
  The GED test on computer is the same test currently offered using paper and pencil. Whether a candidate takes the test on paper or computer, he/she must take it in person at an official GED testing center. The GED test is never offered online.
   
  States currently offering the GED test on computer are preparing for the new 2014 GED test, which will be available only on computer. Offering the test on computer before January 2014 allows testing centers to become familiar with the new system and better prepare test-takers.
   
  For adults interested in taking or learning more about the GED test on computer, please visit www.GEDtestingservice.com.

  Additional resources
  
  • Video short  Great Things in Motion; Why the GED testing program is changing www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/great-things
  • Video short The GED test is not online www.GEDtestingservice.com/notonline
  • State-specific statistics can be found on our website www.GEDtestingservice.com/educators/historical-testing-data
  About GED Testing Service
  The GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for more than 18 million graduates since 1942. Last year nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the one official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high school diploma. GED Testing Service is a joint venture between Pearson and the American Council on Education (ACE).
  
  

   

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  September 26, 2012

   

  Preliminary District and School Report Card Data Released

  Preliminary district, traditional school, community school, and STEM school results on Ohio’s 2011-2012 state tests and several related measures were released Wednesday by the Ohio Department of Education.

  Spreadsheets containing preliminary results can be found here.

  “ODE is committed to releasing data when available so that students, parents, educators and the public can be informed about the progress of our schools,” said Michael L. Sawyers, Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Schools and districts have had access to preliminary student achievement data on standardized assessments throughout the summer. It is time to share this preliminary information with others, with the understanding that the data is not yet final.”

  Earlier this month, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to release many of the preliminary data elements for the 2011-2012 Local Report Cards in spreadsheet format. Additional report card data for districts and schools will be released at a later date, pending the progress of an investigation by State Auditor David Yost into alleged irregularities in the reporting of student attendance by local districts.

  Other data elements released Wednesday for districts and schools include

  • Value-Added results, which show whether students meet the expected one year of growth for students in Grades 3-8 in reading and math.
  • Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), which is a federally required component that measures achievement of each student subgroup, including racial and ethnic components.
  • Graduation rates for districts and high schools. The rate is calculated using a method required by federal law that more closely tracks when students transfer to or from a school.

  Data for attendance rates, the Performance Index and overall school and district ratings, such as "Excellent" or "Effective" are not yet finalized because of the State Auditor’s ongoing review of data.

  The information released today is preliminary and remains subject to revision.

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  September 25, 2012

  Ohio Seeks Nominees for Green Ribbon Schools Recognition
  
  

  Ohio schools that combine environmentally conscious practices with their curriculum are eligible to represent the state in the 2012-2013 U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) Green Ribbon Schools competition. Interested schools must apply no later than Nov. 15.
   
  A selection committee with representatives from the Ohio Departments of Education and Health, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio School Facilities Commission and the Environmental Education Council of Ohio (EECO) will choose up to four schools to nominate for the national recognition.
   
  “Ohio schools that are going above and beyond to provide opportunities for students to learn about reducing environmental impact and cost through instruction that incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways deserve recognition at our state and national level,” says Michael Sawyers, acting superintendent of public instruction. “I encourage those schools to participate in this exciting program to compete for this distinction.”
   
  Now in its second year, the Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools that are exemplary in reducing environmental impact and costs, improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and providing effective environmental and sustainability education. In the inaugural year of the program, two of Ohio’s nominees, Loveland High School and North Adams Elementary School, were among 78 schools across the country designated as Green Ribbon Schools.

  “Schools that practice, as well as teach, sound environmental principles are doing more than instilling a strong environmental stewardship ethic in their students,” said Brenda Metcalf EECO Executive Director. “Just as important, they are preparing students with the 21st century skills and sustainability concepts needed in the growing global economy.”
  

  Links to the application and other program resources, including the applications from last year’s Ohio winners are available online at /GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=122&ContentID=118849
  
  

  
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  September 25, 2012

  Number of Advanced Placement Test Takers Increases in Ohio
  

  COLUMBUS – Strong growth in the number of Ohio public high school students taking and passing Advanced Placement (AP) courses is good news as Ohio works to encouraging college and career readiness for students in high school.

  According to data released today by The College Board, the number of Advanced Placement tests taken by Ohio public high school students grew by 6.7 percent last year and 35.6 percent during the past five years. The number of students earning scores high enough to qualify for college credit grew by 9.2 percent last year and 43.2 percent in the past five years.

  The number of African American students passing AP tests grew by 24.4 percent last year and 61.6 percent in the last five years. Growing minority participation is a key goal.

  “I commend our schools for actively helping to raise awareness of Advanced Placement courses and exams and commend Ohio students for taking advantage of the opportunity that has been afforded to them,” Acting  Superintendent of Public Instruction Michael Sawyers said. “Earning college credit while still in high school gives students a head start when they enroll in college.”

  The AP program offers courses and exams that provide high school students the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at colleges and universities. The objectives of the AP Program are to:
  

  • Increase access to AP opportunities for all students, especially low-income, rural and urban students.
  • Focus on developing and expanding AP programs and participation in the core academic areas of English, mathematics, science and foreign language.
  • Develop and expand Pre-AP courses or programs to provide middle and high school students with the critical thinking skills, content knowledge and study habits necessary for successful participation in their educational career, as well as AP courses and exams.

  ODE also has other initiatives to help students take and pass AP courses. Through its Race to the Top (RttT) Initiative the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) is working to provide increased opportunities for Ohio students to take AP courses. RttT’s Virtual Learning Grants expand virtual learning options and provide assistance for underserved student populations to take AP classes. Schools selected to receive this mini grant will use funds to provide academic and financial support, which will expose students to online AP coursework not offered at their schools.

  Also through RttT, the ODE has developed the Advanced Placement Mentor Network to build and expand AP courses and provide professional learning opportunities to strengthen Advanced Placement programs in both urban and rural districts. The Advanced Placement Mentor Program supports the professional growth of network teachers by using the expertise of veteran Advanced Placement teachers.

  For more information about the Advanced Placement Program, the Virtual Learning Grant or the Advanced Placement Mentor Network, visit the ODE website at www.education.ohio.gov and click on the School Options link in the menu bar.
  

  
  
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  September 20, 2012

  Public Meeting Notice Ohio Educator Standards Board to meet Sept. 24-25
  

  The Ohio Educator Standards Board monthly meeting will be Sept. 24–25 at the Quest Business Center, 8405 Pulsar Place, Columbus, Ohio 43240.
  
  On Sept.24, an orientation for new board members will start at 3 p.m., followed by meetings of the Standards and Licensure committees at 6 p.m.  On Sept.25, the full board will convene at 9 a.m.
  

  The Ohio Educator Standards Board is a 10-member board comprised of teachers, administrators, local school board members and parents and appointed by the State Board of Education to develop state standards and professional development for teachers and principals at all stages of their careers.
  
  
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  September 13, 2012

  Blind Marching Band to Perform Locally
  

  The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band, the only blind marching band in the world, will perform at several events this fall. The nationally recognized band, under the leadership of Director Dan Kelley and Music Director Carol Agler, has been recognized for their ability to both entertain and inspire.
  The band performs half-time shows at area football games, assisted by volunteer marching assistants. More than a fourth of the band’s members have "perfect pitch," as do Kelley and Eaton’s own Amanda Gabbard. Both have been blind since birth. A person with perfect pitch, when hearing a musical note such as B-flat, has the innate ability to name that note correctly or to sing that note when requested without any assistance.
  

  Kelley and Agler hope that their instructional methods will be adopted by other band directors and will open doors for visually impaired students across the world.
  

  “Blindness does not mean you can't – it just means you do things differently,” Agler said of the band members. 
  The band was awarded the prestigious National Citation by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Fraternity for changing music in America and demonstrating excellence.  The band marched in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, — the first band comprised of people with disabilities to do so.
  The band’s upcoming appearances include:

  Friday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Arlington High School football game (vs. Thomas Worthington), 1650 Ridgeview Rd., Columbus1650 Ridgeview Rd, Columbus, OH 43221-2962.
  Saturday, Sept. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the Preble County Pork Festival Parade, Eaton.
  Friday, Oct. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bexley High School football game, Bexley.
  Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Buckeye Invitational at Ohio State University, Columbus.
  Thursday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m. at the Circleville Pumpkin Show Parade, Circleville.
  Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the OCALI Conference, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus.
  Thursday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m.  at the Ohio State School for the Blind Holiday Concert, Columbus.
  

  The band already has participated in several events including the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival Parade, a Northland High School football game and Otterbein/Cardinal Band Invitational, where they were the feature band. The group also has played for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
  
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  September 6, 2012

  State Board of Education to Meet Sept. 10 and 11
  

  Columbus, OH – The State Board of Education will conduct its monthly meeting on Sept.  10 and 11, at the Ohio School for the Deaf, 500 Morse Road, Columbus.  Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. each day.
  Topics to be discussed include the proposed FY2014-2015 budget recommendations and Third-Grade Reading Guarantee policy.
  The full schedule, voting agenda and meeting materials can be found here.

  The State Board of Education has set education policy and directed the planning and evaluative functions of Ohio’s public schools, as well as appointed and evaluated the superintendent of public instruction since 1956. The vision of the State Board is for all students to graduate well prepared for success. The State Board is made up of 19 members, including 11 elected and eight appointed members. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as ex officio members.
  

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  August 17, 2012

  STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO HOLD EMERGENCY MEETING AUG. 23

  COLUMBUS, OH - The State Board of Education President has called an emergency meeting of the Board’s Executive Committee on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the Ohio Department of Education, 25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, in the Franklin B. Walter conference room.
  
  The purpose of the meeting is to establish the process and criteria and expectations for selecting the next State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
  

  Emergency Meeting of State Board of Education Executive Committee
  Thursday, Aug. 23, 2012 - 1 p.m.
  Franklin B. Walter Conference Room – Ohio Department of Education
  Agenda
  

  • Convening of the Emergency Meeting of the SBOE Executive Committee
  • Items for Discussion:
    • Search Process for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction
    • Ohio Procurement Requirements and Options
    • Discussion of Search Firm Selection Process
    • Discussion of Board Expectations for next State Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Adjournment of the Emergency Meeting of the State Board of Education Executive Committee
    

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  August 17, 2012

  STATE BOARD EDUCATION OF OHIO TO MEET AUGUST 20

  COLUMBUS, OH - The State Board of Education of Ohio will meet on Monday, August 20 at 10 a.m. at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, 2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

  Meeting Agenda

  10 a.m.	Call to Order Roll Call* * There will be no public business conducted by the Board at this time. The Board will take roll call and immediately move into Executive Session. Executive Session to discuss the appointment and employment of a public employee or official. Reconvene Public Session Full Board Discussion Process and Procedures for Superintendent Search 2011-12 Local Report Cards Adjourn
  1:30 p.m.	Legislative and Budget Committee Meeting

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  Media May Contact:
  John Charlton (614) 728-5959
  
  For Immediate Release
  August 15, 2012

  STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF OHIO TO MEET AUGUST 20
  

  Columbus, OH – The Legislative and Budget Committee of the State Board of Education will meet on Monday, Aug. 20, from 1:30-2:30 p.m., at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, 2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

  The agenda includes discussions on early childhood education, technical infrastructure investments and proposed 2014-2015 budget scenarios.

  The Legislative and Budget Committee is charged with reviewing existing budget and legislative policy recommendations and providing the full board with recommendations regarding new legislation.

  
  

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  Adults opt for new benefits that come with testing on computer