Ohio’s board of education last week approved a policy change that opponents say could gut elementary school music, art, nursing, and counseling offerings statewide.
The board eliminated the so-called “5 of 8” rule, which sets districts’ minimum number of art, music, and physical education teachers; counselors; librarians; nurses; social workers; and visiting teachers.
Board members opposed to cutting the policy said they’re concerned that cash-strapped districts will eliminate such positions because they might be considered irrelevant to standardized tests.
