The Education Opportunity Act

Raising Student Achievement… Equalizing Opportunity… Increasing Accountability

In 2009, Governor Strickland and the state legislature passed the most comprehensive education reform law in the country. House Bill 1, known as the Education Opportunity Act, creates a foundation for Ohio’s long-term progress by investing in children and their education.

The law calls for system-wide reforms over the next ten years. It builds on the steady progress schools are making, but recognizes that we have a long way to go to realize the promise of a quality education for every child. Most importantly, the law prioritizes children by focusing on:

• teaching and learning in the classroom
• a new school funding system that provides equal opportunity
• stronger parent, school and community partnerships
• greater academic and fiscal accountability

The investment in world-class schools expands opportunities for all children – and all Ohioans – by providing the foundation for a stronger economy, better jobs that will keep young Ohioans in the state, and a better quality of life for all communities.

Education Opportunity Act Highlights

Prioritizes Teaching and Learning in the Classroom

• Emphasizes core subjects like reading, math and science
• Limits class sizes for grades K-3 to provide more individual attention
• Incorporates art, music, physical education and technology into the learning curriculum
• Integrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for the changing workplace
• Invests in quality teachers through better training, preparation and development
• Creates higher standards for teachers’ classroom performance
• Helps narrow the achievement gap by targeting early interventions to struggling schools

Equalizes Opportunity for All Children and Ties Reforms to Results

• Makes school funding more equal across the state regardless of where a child lives
• Invests funds in reforms that research shows are proven to work

Involves Families and Communities in Children’s Learning and School Improvement

• Creates stronger partnerships between parents, teachers, schools and communities
• Improves communications between parents and schools and involves families in student learning outside of the classroom

Guarantees Greater Accountability for Student Learning and Spending

• Requires school district to issue report cards that account for how they spend taxpayer funds
• Mandates that failing districts implement changes based on proven reforms
• Holds charter schools to the same academic and financial accountability standards as traditional public schools