- Part 2 of the Plain Dealer’s dig into the Ohio Department of Education’s email trove goes further into the issue of highly-mobile students. The story is mainly about e-schools, whose percentage of highly-mobile students is predictably high, but our own Aaron Churchill is quoted here with the proper sentiment: "To say these kids shouldn't count is not good policy." A link to Aaron’s recent blog post on the subject is also included. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/28/15)
- In between parts 1 and 2 of the PD’s series, editors there opined – as if on repeat – in favor of the passage of HB 2 now. There was also a bit about fracking, something else upon which Aaron has recently blogged. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/28/15) Editors in Akron also opined on charter schools this week, although I think reform is the last thing they really want. Interesting political history lesson, though, something upon which Aaron has yet to blog. (Akron Beacon Journal, 9/28/15)
- Speaking of charter law reform, the Ohio House of Representatives is back in session today after summer break and one of the first pieces of legislation they will take up is the aforementioned HB 2. Patrick O’Donnell takes a detailed look at the history of the bill and the issues still to resolve prior to its passage. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/30/15)
- Speaking of charter schools, Ohio was awarded a $71 million grant this week to expand and strengthen its charter school sector. Cue the howling, both nationally and locally. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/30/15)
- Meanwhile, in a Columbus courthouse, the so-called “Youngstown Plan” (really a strengthening of Ohio’s Academic Distress Commission protocols with a tight initial focus on Youngstown) got its first day in court yesterday. The case largely hinges on the process of the plan’s creation in the legislature, but yesterday’s arguments covered the gamut of complaint and defense. More arguments will be heard today. (Youngstown Vindicator, 9/29/15)
- Dayton is one of the school districts in which an “enhanced” Academic Distress Commission could be enacted. Avoiding a local version of the “Youngstown Plan” is part of the discussion among current candidates for Dayton’s school board. There are some differences of opinion on how to go about that, as you might imagine. (Dayton Daily News, 9/30/15)
- The second iteration of Ohio’s Straight A Grants program contains a few changes in process, including a more-efficient application. Let’s hope it still attracts a high caliber of innovative project. (Gongwer Ohio, 9/28/15)
- The possible Democratic candidates to replace a term-limited Southwest Ohio legislator include a labor organizer, a business owner, and the head of Teach for America’s Cincinnati branch. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 9/28/15)
