Pathway to Success: Towpath Trail High School gives students the tools to build a better future
Lyman MillardAccording to a recent What Works Clearinghouse review, the most effective dropout-prevention strategy is to directly connect schoolwork to students’ career aspirations.
Sidestepping accountability, the sequel: The sad similarities between graduation requirements and academic distress commissions
Jessica PoinerOhio education policy has seen its fair share of controversy in recent years, but there are two policies in particular that have dominated news cycles: graduation requirements and academic distress commissions (ADCs).
Testimony given before the Ohio Senate Education Committee – 5/29/19
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today the Ohio Senate’s Education Committee heard testimony on the state’s current academic distre
Testimony given before the Senate Finance Committee – 5/29/19
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today, the Senate Finance Committee heard testimony on HB 166, the state’s new biennial budget bill.
The other side of the story: Senate testimony offers another perspective on what’s happening in Lorain
Jessica PoinerIf you live in Ohio and pay attention to education-related news, you’ve probably heard about academic distress commissions (ADCs), a mechanism that
When it comes to charter accountability, Ohio should mend it not end it
Aaron ChurchillIn a concerted effort to improve sector quality, Ohio has wisely strengthened its charter school laws.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.24.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderCharter school helps talented music student shine
Testimony given before the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education – 5/16/19
NOTES: On Thursday, May 16, 2019, the CEO of Lorain City Schools testified before the Ohio Senate Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education on
Papering over school failure is no way to attract businesses to Ohio
Aaron ChurchillIn a recent floor debate, Representative Phillip Robinson made an Orwellian “pro-business” case for eliminating state interventions in chronically low-performing districts, saying: “When businesses are looking to come to Ohio, they want to go into competitive co
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.17.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderCharter school celebrates its Seniors and Kindergarteners
Tackling Ohio’s toughest education challenges: Refine school report cards
Ohio Education GadflyEditor’s Note: Back in September 2018, awaiting the election of our next governor, we at the Fordham Institute began developing a set of policy proposals that we belie
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.10.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderTreasurer Sprague visits Ohio Construction Academy
Media Statement on School Report Card Changes in State Budget
Ohio Education GadflyThe Ohio House of Representatives today passed HB 166, the biennial budget bill. The legislation includes language that would drastically alter the way Ohio produces overall school report card ratings.
Another attack on accountability from the Ohio House, this time on school ratings
Aaron ChurchillPlease note the update posted on May 15th at the bottom of this blog post.
A better path ahead for Ohio’s graduation requirements
Jessica PoinerOver the next month or so, thousands of Ohio students will cross the stage and receive diplomas at their high school graduation ceremonies.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.3.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderOhio charters recognized in U.S. News best high schools rankings
Fordham Institute media statement on passage of House Bill 154
Ohio Education GadflyThe Ohio House of Representatives, after rushing the legislation through the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee late last night, passed House Bill 154 today.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 4.26.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderSolving the charter school facilities conundrum
Solving the charter facilities conundrum
Aaron ChurchillCharter school students deserve every opportunity to learn in facilities built to meet their needs. Sadly, however, many of them attend schools lacking the amenities that parents normally expect—things like playgrounds, gymnasiums, science labs, and cafeterias.
Written testimony provided to the Ohio General Assembly’s Joint Education Oversight Committee – 4/25/19
Chad L. AldisThe General Assembly’s Joint Education Oversight Committee has begun a series of hearings looking at all of the various components of Ohio’s school report cards. One component will be examined per meeting. Today, JEOC members reviewed testimony on the achievement component.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 4.19.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderHow Governor DeWine’s budget supports charters
The promises and pitfalls of House Bill 154’s ADC revisions
Jessica PoinerThe past few weeks have seen a flurry of legislative activity related to Academic Distress Commissions (ADCs), Ohio’s mechanism for intervening in low-performing school districts.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 4.12.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderCharter advocates testify in support of House Bill 166
Ohio needs to reignite charter school growth
Aaron ChurchillWith less red tape to launching new schools, the charter model encourages bold, enterprising leaders to turn high-performing schools into successful networks.
Testimony given before the Ohio House Primary and Secondary Education Committee on HB 127 – 4/9/19
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today the Ohio House of Representative’s Primary and Secondary Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 127, a measure which would put a moratorium on new Academic Distress Commissions being enacted for consistently low-performing
Testimony given before the Senate Education Committee on SB 110 – 4/9/19
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today the Ohio Senate’s Education Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 110, a measure which would alter the state’s current academic distress framework for consistently low-performing school districts.
Senate Bill 110 is a step in the right direction toward mending ADCs
Jessica PoinerUnless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the increasingly loud kerfuffle surrounding academic distress commissions, or ADCs. Often referred to as “state takeovers” by the media, ADCs are a mechanism in law that calls for state intervention in low-performing school districts.
Three cheers for Governor DeWine’s support of quality charter schools
Aaron ChurchillSince Ohio’s first charters opened in 1998, students attending these independently operated public schools have found themselves at the short end of the funding stick.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 4.5.19
Chad L. Aldis, Madison YoderCharter schools and a new funding formula