eBrief
November 2024
2024 Special Education Ratings Released
The Department of Education and Workforce released the 2024 Special Education Ratings for all districts and community schools on October 24, 2024. The Department calculates this rating using final data submitted through the Education Management Information System (EMIS).
If you have any questions or need help understanding your district or schools ratings, contact Lynn McKahan or Tara Shumaker.
Updates to Attendance Guidance and Law
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has new guidance for addressing attendance related to religious expression days, school-sponsored extracurricular events, and co-curricular activities. This language does not replace existing requirements for students to be excused for religious purposes. It does, however, allow parents to notify schools of up to three days for their child to be excused for religious expression.
Visit the Department’s website for more information on religious expression days and school-sponsored extracurricular events.
One Needs Assessment Questions released
With the release of the 2025 One Needs Assessment (ONA) questions, districts are encouraged to begin the pre-planning stage early to complete the One Needs Assessment and the One Plan. Now is an excellent time to review questions and gather data to help inform your ONA. Nicole Herbert, SST1 School Improvement Consultant, is offering monthly open office hours to answer questions, clarify the process, and support districts and schools through the EdSteps process from start to finish. Additional Information.
Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center Needs Participants for their Statewide Advisory Council
The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center is recruiting parents and caregivers of Ohio children from birth to grade 12 to be a member of their Statewide Advisory Council. The council meets 4 times a year (three virtual and one in Columbus, OH) to help create and share resources for families and educators that strengthen relationships between home, school and community. Participants need to apply by December 9, 2024. Additional information and application available HERE.
Ohio is fortunate to have a federally funded center, dedicated to research, innovation and professional development to support high quality family engagement across Ohio’s schools, districts, and communities. Visit the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University’s webpage for the latest resources for families, schools, parents and educators.
Purple Star Award
The Purple Star designation recognizes schools that show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to the nation’s armed forces. All applicants must demonstrate a commitment to meeting the unique wellness and academic needs of Ohio’s military-connected youth. For more information on the designation and to access the application, visit Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Purple Star Schools webpage.
LifeChanger of the Year Award
The LifeChanger of the Year award is a national recognition program from the National Life Group and National Life Group Foundation that recognizes and commends K-12 public school educators and employees who make a positive influence in the lives of their students by providing a nurturing environment that supports learning. Nominations are free and can either be signed or anonymous. Nominate a deserving educator or employee from an Ohio school.
