2021 PIRLS test results starkly illustrate global learning loss
Jeff MurrayThe first pandemic-influenced data from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) test are in. Unsurprisingly, an initial analysis says the news is bad.
Fordham Institute statement on Ohio’s school report cards
Ohio Education GadflyThis morning, the Ohio Department of Education released its annual school report cards based on results from the 2022-23 school year. This year’s iteration makes clear that the impacts of the pandemic on student learning are still being felt, especially for students from less advantaged backgrounds.
Despite steady gains, much work remains on Ohio’s academic recovery
Vladimir KoganNOTE: The Thomas B. Fordham Institute occasionally publishes guest commentaries on its blogs. The views expressed by guest authors do not necessarily reflect those of Fordham.
Here’s how Governor DeWine and Ohio lawmakers expanded CTE access this legislative session
Jessica PoinerCareer and technical education (CTE) was a huge priority for Ohio lawmakers during the recent budget cycle.
Are students more likely to cheat on unproctored online exams?
Jeff MurrayWhen classes moved abruptly online at Iowa State University in March 2020 as part of Covid-mitigation actions statewide, psychology professor Jason Chan expected big changes in student behavior. Specifically, he worried about his students being easily able to cheat on unproctored online exams.
A tiny provision in the budget could have a big positive impact on Ohio students who exercise school choice
Jessica PoinerBetween expanded voucher eligibility, funding increases for charter schools,
Student acceptance of computer-adaptive testing
Jeff MurrayComputer-adaptive testing (CAT) is on the rise in K–12 schools, from Seattle to Virginia
An in-depth analysis of the I Promise School’s troubling academic results
Jessica PoinerIn 2018, basketball superstar LeBron James opened the I Promise School (IPS) in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. IPS is a joint effort between Akron Public Schools (APS), the I Promise Network, and the LeBron James Family Foundation. It’s overseen and operated by APS, the state’s seventh largest school district.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 7.28.23
Jeff MurrayThe time to close charter funding gaps is now
How Ohio helps students into tech-based internships
Jessica PoinerSince he took office in 2019, Governor DeWine has consistently prioritized work-based learning and workforce development.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 7.21.23
Jeff MurrayPraise for school choice expansion in Ohio
Even school choice opponents should support open enrollment
Jessica PoinerNow that the latest state budget is officially in the books, it’s safe to say that school choice stole the show.
Ohio lawmakers gut the third grade reading guarantee. What now?
Aaron ChurchillEnacted in 2012 under the leadership of Governor John Kasich, Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee included a retention requirement aimed at ending “social promotion,” the
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 6.30.23
Jeff MurrayBudget conference committee continues
Lorain schools don’t deserve special treatment in the budget bill
Jessica PoinerIt’s been a very busy budget season in Ohio.
One size does not fit all: Alternative education campuses in the charter sector
Jeff MurrayOne purpose of charter schools is to serve as laboratories of innovation for public education—a deliberate effort to do things differently than the long-entrenched traditional district model.
Don’t weaken accountability for Ohio’s charter sponsors and online schools
Aaron ChurchillAs this year’s budget process races to the finish line, state lawmakers are the midst of making decisions about what stays and what goes. The current, Senate-passed version of the budget bill has dozens of provisions that would move K–12 education in the right direction.
Lawmakers can still go further in Ohio’s historic effort to narrow charter funding gaps
Aaron ChurchillDespite serving tens of thousands of students each year—most of whom are low-income—Ohio has a regrettable track record of underfunding its public charter schools.
Lots of new schools. How much innovation?
Jeff MurraySince the 1980s, education reform efforts have sought to shake up the stodgy, traditional landscape of public schooling in the United States. One way to do that is to start schools from scratch that can introduce innovative new education models and push traditional systems to improve.
Senate takes aim at some CTE funding boosts proposed by Governor DeWine
Jessica PoinerThe Ohio Senate recently introduced its version of the state budget for fiscal years 2024 and 2025.