Ohio Graduation Tests: Taft pushes Ohio Core; Strickland resists

Today's news was full of stories about efforts by Governor Bob Taft to push his proposed Ohio Core curriculum plan (which includes a preparedness assessment something like the OGT) through the lame duck legislature. However, Governor-elect Ted Strickland and his fellow Democrats said "whoa," calling for a complete evaluation of Ohio Core.

Taft has been talking about Ohio Core for months, calling for a toughening of the state's current high school curriculum. All students would be required to take the Ohio Core in an effort to better prepare them for work or college. Students planning to attend a four-year state-funded university in Ohio would be required to complete the core for admission.

Among the proposed beefed-up requirements are: four years of math,including algebra II, four years of English, three years of a lab-based science, three years of social studies and two years of either foreign language, fine arts, career tech, business or technology.

Students who could not cut Ohio Core would be directed toward two-year colleges for remedial and developmental education.

While beginning in 2007, students must pass the Ohio Graduation Test in order to receive a high school diploma, Ohio Core adds another layer of assessment and accountability. All juniors would be required to take a college and work-ready assessment. Ohio Core would also add a measure to the school report card on how well graduates are prepared for college and work.

The governor wants to push Ohio Core now, making it effective for Ohio high schoolers beginning with the class of 2012.

Staffers of Governor-elect Ted Strickland didn't exactly say they were opposed to the plan. However, they would like to delay passage, pending further study and evaluation.

For the time being, OGT is the hurdle all Ohio graduates must cross. Preparing them for that measure is important. Professional educators and parents can register here for tips on how to select the right OGT preparation tool for their high schoolers.