High-Quality Education System: Ohio

The Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 82 in June 2021, which brought about significant changes to the Ohio School Report Cards for schools and districts, as well as the SAT^®. These changes were made in an effort to improve the education system in Ohio and provide better information to students, parents, and the public.

One of the most significant changes included in the bill is the addition of new indicators to the Ohio School Report Cards. These indicators are designed to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the performance of a school or district. 

Ohio report cards will now:

• Include data on student attendance, graduation rates, and the number of students taking Advanced Placement^® (AP) exams

• Make it easier for the public to understand the performance of schools and districts 

• Be presented in a more user-friendly format, with clear and concise information about the school's or district's performance

• Now be available in multiple languages, making them accessible to a wider range of the public

Another major change included in House Bill 82 is the inclusion of the SAT^® as a graduation requirement for all high school students in Ohio. The SAT^® is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive and reliable college admissions tests, and its inclusion as a graduation requirement will ensure that all Ohio students have the opportunity to demonstrate their college readiness.

How students can demonstrate college readiness:

• Strong academic performance: High grades in challenging courses, such as honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, can demonstrate that a student is ready for college-level coursework.

• Standardized test scores: High scores on college admissions tests can indicate that a student has the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in college.

• Extracurricular activities: Involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and volunteer work, can show that a student has the time management and leadership skills needed to succeed in college.

• Writing ability: The ability to write well-structured and articulate essays can demonstrate that a student has the writing skills needed to succeed in college.

• Study skills: Good study habits, such as time management, organization, and effective note-taking, can demonstrate that a student is ready for the rigors of college coursework.

• Personal qualities: Characteristics such as motivation, independence, and resilience can indicate that a student has the qualities needed to succeed in college.

• College preparedness programs: Participating in college preparedness programs, such as college readiness courses or college visits, can demonstrate that a student is serious about their education and is actively preparing for college.

The SAT^® will also provide valuable data to the Ohio Department of Education, which will use this data to identify areas of need and target resources to support student success. This will help to ensure that all Ohio students are prepared for college and career success.

In conclusion, the changes included in House Bill 82 represent a significant step forward for the education system in Ohio. These changes will provide better information to students, parents, and the public, and help to ensure that all Ohio students are prepared for college and career success. By providing more comprehensive and accurate data, the Ohio School Report Cards and the SAT^® will help to support the development of a high-quality education system in Ohio.