Changes to Ohio’s Testing, Graduation, and Accountability Systems: How Schools and Districts Can Prepare

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, Ohio introduced the Next Generation Assessments for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, replacing the Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAA) and the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT).  

These new assessments are developed to be more rigorous, aligning with Ohio’s updated learning standards. The aim is to better support teachers in guiding instruction and to better prepare students for post-secondary education and careers. The results will track students' progress toward college and career readiness and allow comparisons between local schools and state averages.

Developed by the Ohio Department of Education in collaboration with Ohio educators and the American Institutes for Research, the Next Generation Assessments can be administered in one or multiple sessions, depending on district preferences.

Changes in Graduation Requirements

For students graduating in 2023 and beyond, Ohio introduced new graduation standards that include:

• Course Completion: Students must complete at least 20 units, including specific units from each content area, with additional local requirements possible.

• Demonstrate Competency: Students must show proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics, or use alternative measures such as College Credit Plus, career-focused activities, ACT/SAT scores, or military enlistment.

• Demonstrate Readiness (Seals): Students need to earn two diploma seals that reflect academic and technical knowledge, as well as professional and leadership skills.

Additionally, beginning in 2023, high school students must pass six Ohio State End-of-Course Exams including: Algebra I, Geometry, English Language Arts II, American History, American Government, and Biology.

New Indicators for 2024-2025

The new College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness indicators include 11 readiness measures intended to estimate the preparedness of the graduation class to go on to postsecondary education, enter the workforce, or join the armed forces.  

1. ACT/SAT Remediation-Free Scores

2. Honors Diploma

3. Advanced Placement (AP) Credits Earned

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Credits Earned

5. Twelve or More Credential Points in a Single Career Field  

6. State-recognized License

7. Twelve or more College Credit Plus (CCP) Credits Earned

8. Enlistment in the Military  

9. Completion of a Pre-Apprenticeship or Apprenticeship

10. Acceptance into an Apprenticeship Program Post High School

11. OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal and 250 Hours of Internship

Shifts in the Ohio State Accountability System

The accountability system in Ohio was revamped in 2021 with HB 82 of the 134^th General Assembly. Highlights of these changes include:

• Moving away from the A-F grading system to a 5-star system which includes five components: Achievement, Progress, Graduation, Gap Closing, and Early Literacy—with a sixth component rating based on postsecondary readiness

• Inclusion of military enlistments and completion of work-based learning opportunities during HS

• Increased rigor for dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) test indicators, requiring at least 12 dual-enrollment credits or passing 3+ AP/IB exams – up from previous threshold of received credit when students earned just 3 dual-enrollment credits or passes on AP/IB exam

• Continued use of objective measures of performance on state exams, maintaining the performance index (PI) and value-added year-to-year growth measures and combining results in easy-to-understand summary to parents and communities

• Enhanced focus on high school post-secondary readiness  

• Enhanced focus on elementary student progress in reading

HB 82 also renamed the Ohio Department of Education to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, emphasizing the state’s commitment to workforce readiness.  

Starting in 2024-25, ratings will be called “College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness” rather than “Prepared for Success.”

Alignment with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Under ESSA, Ohio must publish annual test scores and accountability measures to ensure high academic standards and protect disadvantaged students in keeping with federal law. Ohio incorporates six components in this annual report card:  

1. Student achievement in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies

2. Student progress in tested subjects

3. Gap Closing component (an equity measure)

4. Early Literacy achievement (K–3)

5. Graduation rates

6. College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness indicator (included in ratings starting 2024-25)  

These ratings drive continuous improvement, identifying schools for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) if they fall into the bottom 5% of Title I schools based on achievement gaps and graduation rates.  

Targeted Support and Intervention (TSI) is for schools underperforming for specific student groups, while Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) addresses schools struggling with large achievement gaps.  

Ohio offers statewide support for CSI, TSI, ATSI, and Student Group Accountability to improve student performance within schools.  

What Schools and Districts Can Do

• Curriculum: Align the curriculum with the new Ohio Learning Standards and ensure it is taught with the appropriate rigor. Allocate time for teachers to adjust their instruction to meet new testing requirements.

• Testing: Provide each child with the appropriate allowable accommodations and track their use in local and state testing situations to ensure students have the right supports to perform at their highest level. Use and monitor the formative, interim, and local benchmark data for all students and those within each student group.  

• Graduation: Monitor students' progress toward meeting graduation requirements, including academic achievement, course completion, and seal acquisition. Collaborate with business and community members to provide internships and other relevant experiences.

• Post-Secondary Readiness: Utilize resources like OhioMeansJobs and other vendors for career exploration and planning before 8th grade. Work with students to develop and update their educational and career pathways and include parents in the process.  

For additional resources and guidance, refer to the Ohio Department of Education’s report cards and other provided materials.

References

• Ohio Department of Education Report Card Resources

• Fordham Institute Analysis