Today, the Ohio House Education Committee voted unanimously to favorably report Senate Bill 19. The legislation, which Senate lawmakers passed unanimously last November, includes critical reforms aimed at turning around Ohio’s sluggish performance in mathematics. In 2024-25, just 55 percent of students statewide achieved proficiency in math, a rate that falls 6 percentage points below pre-pandemic marks. Just over one in four Ohio students score “limited”—the state’s lowest achievement mark—on state math exams.
SB19 requires the following:
- Schools will provide targeted academic intervention when students score “limited” on state math assessments;
- The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will identify and publish a list of high-quality math curricula;
- Schools with low math proficiency rates will develop a schoolwide math improvement plan and use curricula on the department’s approved list;
- Prospective elementary teachers will need to pass the math section of the state licensure exam before teaching the subject;
- High-achieving math students will be automatically enrolled in advanced math opportunities as early as fourth grade with a goal that all such students complete Algebra I by the end of 8th grade.
“Too many Ohio students are falling behind in math,” said Chad L. Aldis, Vice President for Ohio Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. “Students struggling in math will have difficulties demonstrating the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for 21st century success. Some students may even struggle to complete routine tasks that require basic measurement and computational abilities. To its credit, the House Education Committee has recognized the urgent need to strengthen math instruction and ensure that all students achieve their potential in this critical area. We commend the leadership of Education Chair Fowler Arthur, and urge swift passage of SB19 by the full Ohio House of Representatives.”
