Ohio Standards

Ohio recently enacted a bill that lays out a new vision and an aggressive timeline for the revision of its academic content standards. By June 30, 2010, the state board of education must adopt academic content standards in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies for grades K-12 that emphasize coherence, focus and rigor. The standards must include:

• Core academic content and skills that will allow each student to be prepared for postsecondary instruction and the workplace for success in the twenty-first century;
• Development of skill sets as they relate to creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication and collaboration;
• Development of skill sets that promote information, media and technological literacy;
• Development of skill sets that promote personal management, productivity and accountability, and leadership and responsibility;
• Interdisciplinary, project-based, real-world learning opportunities.

By March 31, 2011, the state board will adopt model curricula for English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies that align with the revised standards, demonstrate vertical articulation, emphasize coherence, focus and rigor and meet the needs of all students. Following the adoption of the first four sets of standards, the state board will adopt standards and model curricula in computer literacy, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, fine arts, foreign language and physical education.

Throughout the standards revision process, Ohio will utilize a several different resources to inform this work. An international benchmarking study that examined the curriculum practices, social and cultural influences and the status of the teaching profession of high-performing countries serves as the foundation of the standards revision work. The study‘s findings revealed a need for Ohio‘s standards to include greater focus, rigor and coherence, clearer learning progressions and greater emphasis on higher cognitive expectations such as critical thinking and problem solving.

Ohio is one of 49 states working on the common core standards in mathematics and English language arts. The development of the common core standards and the revision of Ohio‘s academic content standards are currently on parallel tracks; however, the expectation is that the two sets of standards will be similar enough that any differences can be resolved.

In addition, to better inform its standards revision work, Ohio will solicit feedback from a wide variety of Ohio stakeholders, national content experts and learned societies.