Legislative reports - how are laws changing?
Stay informed about changing laws that directly impact the important work we do to serve children across Ohio. Check out OFT's legislative reports.
Stay informed about changing laws that directly impact the important work we do to serve children across Ohio. Check out OFT's legislative reports.
This legislative update is focused on a dangerous proposed bill that would gut funding for Ohio’s public schools if passed. Skip down to the bottom of the email for a quick way to take action on this issue!
School districts across the state are currently in the process of re-opening. While some are starting completely remote, others are either using a hybrid model or are completely in-person with safety modifications in place. In every situation, we are working on balancing the education needs of students with the health and safety needs of students, staff, and our communities. We recognize that in spite of our best efforts, this year is not going to be a normal year and that the changing circumstances are going to have an impact on teaching and learning. That is why we support the provisions in this bill that recognize that we need to focus on meeting the needs of students in a less than ideal learning environment.
OFT has compiled information for our members and other stakeholders on the student wellness and success funding that has been including in the new biennial state budget. Review this information so that you and your colleagues can have an informed voice in how student wellness and success funds are spent locally.
Need more resources for students in your schools and classrooms? See what the state legislature will do to help.
OFT’s higher education members responded firmly this week to address last-minute House Finance Committee amendments to the state budget to reduce sick leave, alter post tenure review and require financial discloses for faculty members who publish books.
While there might be some parts of House Bills 181 and 176 that are appealing, overall they are bad. These overhauls would require teachers and students to adapt to new standards and new assessments. Instead, we are working on fixing problems such as the high stakes testing attached to evaluations.
A requirement for teachers to do externships is gone and there's $80 million more for schools in amendments to the state budget but no news on graduation rates or evaluations as recommended by the Educator Standards Board on OTES.