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Ohio Laws and Rules
(A)(1) Not later than December 31, 2001, the state board of education shall adopt statewide academic standards for each of grades kindergarten through twelve in reading, writing, and mathematics. Not later than December 31, 2002, the state board shall adopt statewide academic standards for each of grades kindergarten through twelve in science and social studies. The standards shall specify the academic content and skills that students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level.
(2) When academic standards have been completed for any subject area required by this division, the state board shall inform all school districts of the content of those standards.
(B) Not later than eighteen months after the completion of academic standards for any subject area required by division (A) of this section, the state board shall adopt a model curriculum for instruction in that subject area for each of grades kindergarten through twelve that is sufficient to meet the needs of students in every community. The model curriculum shall be aligned with the standards to ensure that the academic content and skills specified for each grade level are taught to students. When any model curriculum has been completed, the state board shall inform all school districts of the content of that model curriculum.
All school districts may utilize the state standards and the model curriculum established by the state board, together with other relevant resources, examples, or models to ensure that students have the opportunity to attain the academic standards. Upon request, the department of education shall provide technical assistance to any district in implementing the model curriculum.
Nothing in this section requires any school district to utilize all or any part of a model curriculum developed under this division.
(C) The state board shall develop achievement tests aligned with the academic standards and model curriculum for each of the subject areas and grade levels required by section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code.
When any achievement test has been completed, the state board shall inform all school districts of its completion, and the department of education shall make the achievement test available to the districts. School districts shall administer the achievement test beginning in the school year indicated in section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.
(D)(1) The state board shall adopt a diagnostic assessment aligned with the academic standards and model curriculum for each of grades kindergarten through two in reading, writing, and mathematics and for grade three in writing. The diagnostic assessment shall be designed to measure student comprehension of academic content and mastery of related skills for the relevant subject area and grade level. Any diagnostic assessment shall not include components to identify gifted students. Blank copies of diagnostic tests shall be public records.
(2) When each diagnostic assessment has been completed, the state board shall inform all school districts of its completion and the department of education shall make the diagnostic assessment available to the districts at no cost to the district. School districts shall administer the diagnostic assessment pursuant to section 3301.0715 of the Revised Code beginning the first school year following the development of the assessment.
(E) Whenever the state board or the department of education consults with persons for the purpose of drafting or reviewing any standards, diagnostic assessments, achievement tests, or model curriculum required under this section, the state board or the department shall first consult with parents of students in kindergarten through twelfth grade and with active Ohio classroom teachers, other school personnel, and administrators with expertise in the appropriate subject area. Whenever practicable, the state board and department shall consult with teachers recognized as outstanding in their fields.
If the department contracts with more than one outside entity for the development of the achievement tests required by this section, the department shall ensure the interchangeability of those tests.
(F) The fairness sensitivity review committee, established by rule of the state board of education, shall not allow any question on any achievement test or diagnostic assessment developed under this section or any proficiency test prescribed by former section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code, as it existed prior to September 11, 2001, to include, be written to promote, or inquire as to individual moral or social values or beliefs. The decision of the committee shall be final. This section does not create a private cause of action.
Effective Date: 06-09-2004; 09-29-2005