Ohioans are invited to participate in the Ohio Department of Education’s periodic update of Ohio’s Learning Standards, beginning with a review of standards in English language arts and mathematics. Through April 5, Ohio educators, parents and community members may submit comments and suggestions regarding these standards by completing an online survey.
“Ohio’s Learning Standards explain what students need to know and be able to do to graduate from high school and enjoy success in college, careers and life,” said Dr. Lonny J. Rivera, interim superintendent of public instruction.
The state adopted its current learning standards in 2010, following an international study of education standards in top-performing nations, as well as an extensive outreach and stakeholder involvement process in Ohio.
“We look at the review of English language arts and mathematics standards, and all of Ohio’s Learning Standards, as a way to fine-tune the benchmarks that were established in 2010,” said Rivera. “By conducting this review, we will be starting an ongoing improvement process so that standards will continue to reflect the most recent research, experience of educators and expectations of universities and employers.”
Ohio’s current learning standards in English language arts and mathematics are posted online, and the full text also appears as part of the online survey. Participants may review standards for one or more grade levels and/or subject areas – and they may submit documentation to support their suggestions.
The department is forming several committees to help analyze the survey feedback, starting with advisory groups for English language arts and mathematics. Representatives from Ohio educational organizations will serve as advisors who will provide direction to – and oversight of – standards revision working groups of educators. The working groups will propose standards revisions to the advisory committee.
Beginning today through March 11, Ohio educators from kindergarten through grade 12 and college-level settings who have expertise in the English language arts or mathematics standards may nominate themselves or colleagues to serve on these committees.
The department will hold a second comment period this fall for review of the draft revisions. The final draft will be presented to Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate education committees and the State Board of Education before adoption.
The department expects that Ohio educators will begin transitioning to the revised standards in English language arts and mathematics during the 2017-2018 school year. More information about the transition schedule will be released this spring. The department also will begin a review of the science and social studies standards this fall, followed by standards reviews in other subject areas in future years.
To receive email notifications on the latest news on standards revisions, sign up for the content area of interest under Ohio’s Learning Standards here. For more information, click here.
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