Uncertainty surrounds DOPR school policy
Against the backdrop of the release of a State Board work group report, a legislative committee schedules, then cancels, its first meeting. READ MORE

Remediation rates continue to decline
The Ohio Department of Higher Education's 2019 Ohio Remediation Report shows a decline in the percentage of Ohio high school graduates who needed remedial coursework in math or English at state public colleges and universities. READ MORE

English language arts I & II sample tests available
Full-length sample tests for Ohio’s State Tests for English Language Arts I and II are now available in the Student Practice Site of Ohio’s State Test portal.

Each sample test reflects the length of the operational test, meets blueprint expectations and is of similar difficulty. These sample tests give educators insight into the kinds of questions students experience and are a useful tool to inform classroom instruction.

Both teachers and parents can use the resources to help students know what to expect on state tests. Access the resources online at: Ed Connection

State Library launches family literacy activity calendar
The Day By Day Ohio Family Literacy Calendar is a tool families, caregivers, educators and librarians can use at home, on the go, and in the classroom. The calendar has monthly themes that highlight videos, suggested books, songs and activities for each day.

Day By Day Ohio offers resources to further develop early literacy skills that help young children prepare for and improve in school. Children enjoy fun, positive learning experiences that support school success and, ultimately, lifelong learning.

Day By Day Ohio is a service of the State Library of Ohio in collaboration with Ohio Ready to Read and is funded, in part, by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. Access resources online at: Day By Day

Literacy grant information now available
As previously reported, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) was awarded $42 million for a Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue its work to improve language and literacy development in Ohio’s children. Nearly 95 percent of the award will go directly to districts, schools and early childhood education programs to improve literacy outcomes for children from birth through grade 12.

The four-year subgrant will focus on developing model literacy sites in early childhood education programs and district preschools, as well as elementary, middle and high schools across the state. The model sites will concentrate on implementing practices outlined in Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement. The grant will also support professional learning and coaching.

Details - including the grant proposal narrative, eligibility requirements, steps to apply, frequently asked questions and intent to apply – are available online at: Literacy Grant

Get involved in Statistics in Schools
The U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistics in Schools brings school subjects to life using real-world data to create materials for use year after year at all grade levels.

Schools can help shape the future of students by teaching them about the importance of being counted in the 2020 Census. Statistics in Schools (SIS) resources – including videos and teacher activities guides for elementary, middle and high schools, and English language learners — are available online.

The Census Bureau is sending every school in the country large wall maps of the U.S. and a booklet for teachers that explains and promotes the SIS program. Learn more online at: Get Involved