House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
The committee heard sponsor testimony on House Bill (HB) 348, sponsored by Reps. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) and Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), which would establish pilot programs to increase student attendance and graduation rates through financial awards and incentives. 

The committee also heard sponsor testimony on HB 339, sponsored by Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery), which would establish the Nonchartered Educational Savings Account Program for eligible students enrolling in participating nonchartered nonpublic schools. 

Department of Education and Workforce 
The Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) met this week in a public meeting for the first time with Director Stephen D. Dackin. DEW staff conducted a presentation that addressed all new information the Department has about its significant new or existing initiatives, policies or guidelines; any change to state or federal law that affects the Department or education stakeholders; and any administrative rule the Director of Education and Workforce intends to adopt, amend or rescind. DEW has the following proposed rules open for public comment:

  • OAC 3301-16-08 State seal of biliteracy;
  • OAC 3301-51-09 Delivery of services;
  • OAC 3301-7-01 Standards for the ethical use of tests;
  • OAC 3301-8-01 Payment of debt charges under the state credit enhancement program;
  • OAC Chapter 3301-13 Proficiency tests;
  • OAC 3301-15-02 Exemptions from state statutory provisions and rules; 
  • OAC 3301-16-04 College and work ready assessment transition; 
  • OAC 3301-17 Reports for Statewide Education Management Information System;
  • OAC 3301-48 Open enrollment programs;
  • OAC 3301-51-15 Operating standards for identifying and serving students who are gifted; 
  • OAC 3301-61 Vocational education;
  • OAC 3301-52-01 Appropriate uses of early child education screening and assessment information;
  • OAC 3301-102-08: Standards for measuring sponsor compliance with applicable laws and rules;
  • OAC 3301-101 Jon Peterson special needs scholarship program. 

Click here to view the rules open for public comment.

Additionally, DEW has selected the American Institute of Research to conduct the study on the needs of Ohio’s economically disadvantaged students and the cost of supporting these students. The study is anticipated to be finished by the end of the calendar year. This study was included as a provision in the state’s biennial budget, HB 33. 

Posted by Scott Palider on 1/19/2024