Ohio’s State Highlights

Summary of Grades

Ohio scores at or above average in each of the four graded policy categories in Quality Counts.

The state earns its highest grade for policies related to standards and accountability. Ohio scores particularly well in the area of academic standards. Its standards for the four core subjects at nearly every grade span have been rated as clear, specific, and grounded in content by the American Federation of Teachers. The single exception is for elementary-level standards in social studies.

Ohio also posts a better-than-average grade in teacher quality. The state receives full credit for its measures related to professional support and training for teachers. Ohio is one of 15 states that require and finance mentoring for new teachers. However, Ohio loses points in the area of teacher education and qualifications because it does not require a minimum amount of student-teaching or other types of clinical experiences.

The state receives an average grade for school climate, with room for improvement on indicators related to parent involvement and student engagement. Ohio fares better on measures of class and school size. And it has a strong showing for school facilities because it tracks the condition of its schools and provides funds for school construction.

Ohio earns an average grade for resource equity. Ohio’s wealth-neutrality score shows that, as in most states, its wealthier districts tend to have higher per-pupil funding levels than its poorer districts.

Note: Details may not sum to totals due to rounding.