CREDO got it wrong: Ohio’s charter sector is strong and getting better
Stéphane LavertuNOTE: 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.
Fordham Institute statement on Ohio Senate’s FY 2024-25 state budget plan
Ohio Education GadflyToday, the Ohio Senate unveiled its version of the biennial state budget (Substitute House Bill 33). Among the K-12 education highlights from the upper chamber’s bill include: Increasing accountability for the state education agency to rigorously implement education laws through much-needed governance reforms;
Impacts of charter authorizer and operator type on student achievement
Jeff MurrayOne of the more variable aspects of charter school operation around the country is the system by which schools are authorized and managed.
Charter sponsors need to be accountable for the performance of their schools
Aaron ChurchillWith the budget bill speeding to the finish line, the Statehouse rumor mill is cranking into high gear. Among the rumblings is an effort by a few charter advocates to weaken the state’s sponsor evaluation system.
For teachers, Ohio is one of the most affordable places to live and work
Jessica PoinerAs districts across the nation struggle with teacher shortages, policymakers and advocates continue to debate how best to draw more talent into the profession. Increasing salaries inevitably comes up in these discussions, and understandably so, as teachers do a difficult job that’s extremely important.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.19.23
Jeff MurrayOne more story from National Charter Schools Week
Do Ohio’s teacher preparation programs follow the science of reading? How stronger teacher preparation and curricula policies can ensure scientifically based reading instruction in Ohio
Shannon HolstonThis study takes a look at Ohio's elementary-school teacher preparation programs and the extent to which they're training candidates in the science of reading. Based on analyses of programs' course materials and syllabi, the report identifies exemplary preparation programs that cover the five components of the reading science. Other programs, however, are lagging behind. The report offers recommendations that will better ensure that all incoming teachers are well-trained in the science of reading.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 5.12.23
Jeff MurrayAnother Charter Schools Week is in the books
New state data offer tantalizing clues about Ohio’s teacher shortages
Jessica PoinerTeacher shortages have been a hot topic over the last few years.
Reinventing Ohio’s Charter School Sector, 2015–2023: Ohio’s successful charter turnaround—and what’s needed next
Aaron ChurchillFor more than two decades, the charter school movement has aimed to provide parents with more public-school options, empower educators to launch innovative schools, and boost student achievement. This report looks at the progress Ohio is making toward achieving these ambitious goals. It includes an overview of the landmark reforms that state lawmakers enacted in 2015 to strengthen accountability for charter school performance, as well as the improvements the sector has made since then. The report also discusses the large funding disparities that public charter schools in Ohio still face, and how legislators can work to bridge those gaps.
The Ohio House’s education budget gives something for everyone
Aaron ChurchillEarlier this week, the Ohio House of Representatives passed its version of the state budget bill for FYs 2024 and 2025. The House legislation follows up on Governor DeWine’s budget introduced in February. Included in this massive legislation are hundreds of provisions affecting K–12 education. How did the lower chamber do?
Ohio has a golden opportunity to expand Medicaid-funded health services in schools
Jeff MurrayThe state budget bill that was passed by the House this week contains a provision that, if enacted, would be a boon to some of Ohio’s most vulnerable children and a vital support to the schools that serve them.
Will “temporary” guarantees persist under Ohio’s new school funding formula?
Aaron ChurchillA basic principle of school funding is that dollars ought to follow students to the schools they actually attend. Funds shouldn’t be directed to the schools that children attended last year or the year before. That’s because the schools serving students today bear the responsibility—and costs—of educating them today.
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 4.7.23
Jeff MurrayKudos to charters and their staffers across Ohio
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 3.31.23
Jeff MurrayGood news of the week—brick-and-mortar edition
Four ways that Ohio lawmakers can bolster the early literacy push
Shannon Holston, Jessica Poiner, Aaron ChurchillGovernor DeWine recently unveiled a bold plan to significantly improve early literacy in Ohio.
Moving to “direct certification” will help Ohio better fund low-income students
Aaron ChurchillIn a series of articles, I’ve been looking at various issues
Testimony submitted on House Bill 33—3/14/23
Chad L. AldisNOTE: Today, the Ohio House's Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education Committee heard testimony on House Bill 33, legislation establishing the state’s budget for fis
Ohio Charter News Weekly – 3.10.23
Chad L. Aldis, Jeff MurrayIn case you missed it, Charter News co-author Chad Aldis is leaving Ohio and returning to his native Iowa for a big important job. This is his last edition of the news, but our weekly roundups will continue with Jeff Murray as solo author.
DeWine budget seeks to re-establish the student wellness and success fund
Jessica PoinerDuring his first term, Governor DeWine established a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at helping schools address the non-academic needs of students.