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- In case you somehow missed it earlier this week (although I don’t know how you could have given the breadth of coverage!), Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted exhorted schools and districts statewide to “have the courage” to ban or otherwise restrict student cellphone usage on campus. With an able Zoom assist by my Fordham colleague Dan Buck. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/13/24) The context for this exhortation was a roundtable discussion held in Dublin where various district leaders explained how they have encouraged, regulated, or mandated student cellphone use—from voluntary abstinence at certain times to classroom bans to straight up disablement via magnetic pouch. We’ll see where it goes from here, with plenty of media coverage guaranteed. (Cleveland.com, 3/13/24)
- Speaking of things the governor cares a lot about, the Department of Education and Workforce gave an update earlier this week on the effort to put 100 literacy coaches in low-performing schools. This Gongwer piece is subscriber-only, of course, but is unfortunately the only coverage I’ve seen so far, and it seems important. The big news: DEW literacy chief Melissa Weber-Mayrer reported that 33 ReadOhio coaches have already provided more than 2,600 coaching sessions at 53 school districts and 12 charter schools across the state since December. And more are coming. Sounds awesome! (Gongwer Ohio, 3/14/24)
- Journalist Avery Kreemer traveled from Dayton to Columbus to cover the big Military Signing Day we were talking about on Wednesday. Kudos for that effort, for interviewing a new recruit and her family, and for that awesome photo. (Dayton Daily News, 3/12/24) Two recruits from Toledo who couldn’t make it to Columbus were instead celebrated at their high school that day. Story, quotes, and photo are all worth a look. (Toledo Blade, 3/12/24)
- News from cyberspace: The principal of Steubenville High School has no fear of or qualms about online SATs. His kids can handle the test in whatever form it comes, the technology is good to go, and the benefits of online testing are clear to him. (Fox 9 News, Steubenville, 3/12/24)
- News from the prep line: Here’s a great look at the recent ProStart Invitational, a cooking competition for high school culinary students from around central Ohio. The kids seem to have already mastered the art and science of mise en place, appear well able to take whatever heat comes their way, and have their eyes firmly on a future in the food and hospitality industry. Congratulations and best wishes to them all! (Columbus Dispatch, 3/13/24)
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