Measure Up 0809
is now available

How does your school measure up? a new data tool with the 2008-2009 Ohio LRC data MU Download Page

The new version of Measure Up includes historical LRC data as well as results from the latest OAT/OGT testing.

Move Ahead

Professional Development site for Districts and Buildings who want to begin using data. MoveAhead

Move Ahead can help administrators take the next step in analyzing the data that is reported on the local report card, use the information to work toward improving student achievement, and to communicate the results effectively to parents and the community.

Credit Flexibility

Senate Bill 311 requires that school districts, community schools and chartered nonpublic schools adopt a local credit flexibility policy in time for the start of the 2010-2011 school year. The plan enables students to earn units of high school credit based on a demonstration of subject-area competency, instead of, or in combination with, completing hours of classroom instruction.

To comply with the S.B. 311 requirements, ODE has posted several resources to help schools develop their plans. Visit the ODE Web site at www.education.ohio.gov, Select School Options; Select Credit Flexibility.

The Academic Content Standards Revision Process

Work continues on the revision of Ohio’s Academic Content Standards in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Information and updates on the revision process, are posted on ODE's Web site at www.education.ohio.gov, keyword search: revision.

Model Curriculum Teacher Team Meetings

Phase I in refining Ohio’s Comprehensive Educational System will be complete in June when the State Board is expected to adopt revisions to Ohio’s academic content standards in science and social studies, as well as the Common Core state standards in English language arts and mathematics.

In Phase II, ODE will provide instructional, curricular and assessment guidance and support through a Web-based Model Curriculum. To guide the development of this tool, Educational Service Centers are assisting ODE in holding meetings for teachers in July and early August throughout the state. At the meetings, teacher teams organized by content area in each of 16 regions are invited to suggest research-based instructional strategies and resources for the Model Curriculum.

Registration is now open for the teacher team meetings in STARS.

For more information, visit education.ohio.gov and search for keywords: Model Curriculum.

To provide further guidance within the Model Curriculum, ODE is collaborating with advisory and working group committees in preparing additional components. These components, as well as the instructional strategies and resources, will be posted online for public review this fall.

ODE Stimulus Updates

The Ohio Department of Education has created a Web site called the "Stimulus Updates" to provide information about the disbursement of federal education stimulus funds provided in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The web site will provide information about how to apply for the competitive grants; federal and state guidelines for using the funds; allocations for school districts and community schools; and accountability requirements for school districts and community schools.

Link: http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=520

ODE Releases Videos Defining Quality Middle-Grade Education

Five new online video programs focus on the students, staff, programs and communities of high-performing middle-grade schools. The videos highlight several of the 17 middle schools currently designated as Ohio Schools to Watch (OSTW). OSTW is a collaborative effort among ODE, the Ohio Middle Level Association, Ohio Federation of Teachers and Otterbein College.

The videos were made possible by a grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. A 10-minute overview video includes a self-study rubric that middle-grade schools can use to assess both their areas of strength and areas for improvement as they apply for the designation as an Ohio School to Watch. Four shorter videos each emphasize one of the main criteria for OSTW designation.

To view the videos or to find out more about applying to become an Ohio School to Watch, go to the ODE Web stie at www.education.ohio.gov, keyword search: OSTW.

Using Your Test Data

Diagnostic Test Support Web Site http://www.diagnostictestsupport.org/default.asp

ODE's Diagnostic Test Support Web site assists Ohio's Kindergarten - Grade 3 teachers navigate and use the Ohio Diagnostic Assessment System. The site includes guidance on which assessment to administer, assistance with interpreting results and over 500 short instructional activities aligned to the indicators being assessed.

Ohio's Statewide Testing Web Site

On Ohio's statewide testing Web site users will find information for the Ohio Achievement Assessments and the Ohio Graduation Tests (OGT). The site combines features from the Student Success Web site and OGT Tools for Teachers and Student Web sites.

Ohio's Statewide Testing Web site, http://portal.success-ode-state-oh-us.info/.

Measure Up 0809 is now available