Professional Report

on nationally standardized assessments; (2) Attain a minimum cumulative performance score set by the State Board on the end-of-course examinations; or (3) Attain a passing score, set by the State Board, on a nationally recognized job skills assessment and obtain either an industry- recognized credential or a state agency- or board-issued license for practice in a specific vocation. Ohio’s achievement assessments are to be administered in accordance with the following schedule:  English language arts: grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8  Mathematics: grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8  Social studies: grades 4 and 6  Science: grades 5 and 8 The average score for each of these assessments and the average for each of the subject areas of English language arts and mathematics at the high school will form the basis for the school and district performance index . Any school district with a three-year graduation rate of less than 75% is required to administer a practice copy of the Ohio Graduation Test to all students entering ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014. The practice test must be “of comparable length to the actual test.” It appears that the printing and scoring of this practice test will be the responsibility of the local school district. Students who are receiving special education services are not exempted from achievement testing. However, disabled students may be given the test with accommodations. Not more than 1% of the students scheduled to take a test at a given grade level can be given an alternate assessment. (Annually, the State Board of Education may petition the United States Department of Education for a higher percentage for the alternative assessment.) Also exempted from English language arts tests are “limited English proficient” (LEP) students, who are defined as students who have been enrolled in United States schools for less than one full school year. However, a board of education may not prohibit an “English-limited” student from taking an achievement test. Such LEP students may take any test “with appropriate accommodations, as determined by the department.” Individuals over the age of 21 who do not have a high school diploma may receive credit hours toward a diploma for work or life experiences pursuant to rules adopted by the state board as required by ORC Section 3313.611. The work experience may include volunteer work, or any other work that would provide adequate knowledge, or the completion of academic, vocational or self-improvement courses offered by a chartered or non-public school or any other educational institution. In addition, individuals aged 22 or older may also earn a diploma through a joint vocational school district that operates an adult education program. This pathway, termed the “competency-based educational program,” permits the student to enroll for two consecutive years. The student can receive credit based on demonstrations and assessments of their learning rather than the amount of time spent studying a subject. The emphasis is on accelerated learning and additional instructional support, as needed. A board of education may retain a student who does not take a required proficiency or achievement test.

3301.0710

3301.03

3301.0711

3301.0711

3301.0711 (E)

3313.611

3317.23