Three Ohio DEW Initiatives Educators Should Know About for Back-to-School

As the 2024-2025 school year approaches, Ohio's Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) has implemented several innovative initiatives to enhance student learning and career readiness.

With a strong focus on evidence-based interventions and high-quality tutoring, these efforts aim to vet and identify high-quality programs that schools can leverage to support student achievement and ensure that students across Ohio are well-prepared for their future careers. 

Let's dive into these timely and impactful initiatives you should know.

Evidence-Based Reading Intervention Programs

One key initiative from the Ohio DEW is the release of approved evidence-based reading intervention programs. This effort is part of a broader strategy to improve literacy and reading comprehension among pre-K through grade 12 students. The approved programs have undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure they provide research-backed instruction aligned to the science of reading that can significantly enhance students' reading skills.

Schools will be subsidized for approved reading material purchases via the state’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant. By incorporating these vetted programs, schools can ensure that their literacy initiatives are effective and grounded in proven educational strategies.

High-Quality Tutoring Programs under House Bill 583

The state continues to implement high-quality tutoring programs as mandated by Ohio House Bill 583. This legislation, passed in 2022, required DEW to create a list of tutoring providers that accelerate student learning in core subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. To be approved, vendors must align to the six ‘Key Components of High-Quality Tutoring,’ including:

• Use of high-quality instructional materials;
• Instruction aligned with research on effective teaching and learning;
• Integration of high-dosage tutoring practices;
• Use of data-driven instruction;
• Hiring quality tutors; and
• Demonstrated effectiveness. 

These components ensure that the programs offer superior instructional materials aligned with Ohio’s learning standards and employ highly skilled tutors. Districts may use their Disadvantage Pupil Impact Aid to fund their tutoring program. See the DEW’s list of approved tutoring programs. 

Emphasizing Career and Technical Education

Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the state’s College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness indicator may be reported as a school’s accountability score metric.  Schools will be measured by the percentage of high school students who complete postsecondary learning opportunities from a menu of options, such as attaining a passing score on an AP exam, military enlistment, and completion of a CTE pathway. 

To support the expansion of CTE opportunities, DEW has created several school funding sources, including a supplement through the state’s formula and a competitive CTE equipment grant program. By focusing on CTE, the state aims to help equip students with the skills necessary for successful careers in various fields. DEW keeps an updated list of CTE planning, funding, compliance, and monitoring resources for districts, community schools, and educational service centers.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the 2024-2025 School Year

Incorporating the DEW’s guidance on evidence-based reading interventions, high-quality tutoring, and robust career and technical education programs can help create a comprehensive learning environment that fosters student achievement and career readiness. Edmentum offers Ohio-aligned and approved solutions to help you meet these initiatives and support your students this school year:

DEW-approved Evidence-Based Reading Intervention

Exact Path, our DEW-approved Evidence-Based Reading Intervention, offers diagnostic assessments that yield highly accurate predictions of student test results on Ohio’s State Test (OST). The DEW has also approved Exact Path for use as High-Quality Student Data (HQSD), Evidence-Based Reading Intervention, and Gifted Identification Program. Learn more.

DEW-Approved High-Quality Tutoring Program 

Edmentum’s Targeted Skills Instruction comprehensive virtual tutoring program has been approved to support students in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies courses. Get more information about Edmentum’s approved tutoring program and its alignment with the DEW’s requirements.

Ohio Standards Aligned CTE Catalog

Explore Edmentum’s new catalog of Ohio Standards-aligned CTE courses for middle and high school. These courses include courses that prepare students for WebXam CTE end-of-course tests, offering a robust pathway to career readiness. Browse our Ohio Career Pathways.