1) 127^TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

2) THIS WEEK AT THE STATEHOUSE

3) EDUCATION REFORM FOCUS OF PRESENTATION

4) SCHOOL FUNDING – TOPIC OF LWVO MEETING

5) UPDATE ON

6) BILLS INTRODUCED

FYI ARTS

1)  127th General Assembly:  The Ohio House and Senate will hold sessions and committee meetings this week.

-Governor Strickland signed the energy reform bill, SB 221 (Schuler), into law on May 1, 2008.  According a press release from the Governor's office, this law revises state energy policy based on the principles of transparency and accountability; levels the playing field for consumer; supports energy efficiency; provides a strong renewable and advanced energy portfolio; supports a modern electric infrastructure; supports reduced green house gas emissions; and balances the protections of regulation and the opportunities of competitive markets.

-The Ohio House approved on April 30, 2008 Senate changes to HB381 (Webster), which increases funds available for the Ohio Research Scholars Program, and permits a nonpublic four-year Ohio university to submit a proposal for the Ohio Research Scholars Program.

2)  This Week at the Statehouse

*The House Finance and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Representative Hottinger, will meet on May 6, 2008 at 1:00 PM in hearing room 313.  The Committee will hear testimony on HB64 (Ujvagni), which creates a tax credit for nurses who teach nursing at post-secondary educational institutions; HB59 (Combs), which defers increases in taxes on residences owned and occupied by individuals age 65 or older; and HB107 (Patton), which permits taxes on primary residences to be frozen for certain persons 65 or older.

*The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Padgett, will meet on May 6, 2008 at 4:00 PM in the North Hearing Room.  The Committee will continue to hear testimony on SB57 (Coughlin), which establishes the Special Education Scholarship Program, and SB 322 (Wilson), School Make-up Days.  A vote is possible on SB 57 (Coughlin).

*The House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Setzer, will meet on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 4:00 PM in hearing room 116.

The Committee will hear testimony on HB421 (Miller E.), which is a proposed law to eradicate nuisance properties from around schools.

*The STEM Subcommittee of the Partnership for Continued Learning will meet on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Ohio Board of Regents, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH, in the 36th floor main conference room.  The Subcommittee is scheduled to make decisions regarding the second round of FY08 STEM School proposals, and will hear a progress report from Battelle on the recently funded STEM Schools and K-8 Programs of Excellence.  For more information please visit http://www.pcl.ohio.gov/

*The Ohio Fair Schools Campaign will meet on Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad Street in

Columbus.   For more information please visit  http://www.ohiofairschools.org/index.html.

3)  Education Reform Focus of Presentation:  Representatives from several statewide education organizations attended a meeting in Columbus on May 1, 2008 that focused on developing a more personalized education system for students in Ohio.  The vision, goal, and guiding principles that form the framework for this new education system were outlined by Governor Ted Strickland in his February 6, 2008 State of the State Address.  Dr. John Stanford, education policy assistant for Governor Strickland, hosted this meeting, which included an overview by First Lady Frances Strickland about how and why this new framework was developed; the research that it is based upon; and how stakeholders and citizens will become involved in its refinement over the next few months.

Mrs. Strickland emphasized in the presentation that education reform efforts that focus on deficits and blame teachers, students, and parents need to be replaced by those that emphasize creativity, innovation, flexibility, and personalized learning, and inspire students, stakeholders, and the public to meet the social and economic challenges of the Ohio.  The purpose of the vision, goals, and principles is to "spark the imagination of the people" so that a new education system can be implemented in Ohio, with the support of its citizens, to ensure that Ohio's citizens are ready for the future.  An Institute on Creativity and Innovation in Education Reform will take place in June 2008 to identify and explore ways to integrate creativity and innovation throughout Ohio's education system.

Participants at this meeting generally agreed with the proposed vision, guiding principles, and goal outlined in the presentation, but also suggested ways to clarify and strengthen certain points.

This is the first of several dialogues that have been planned to examine and discuss school reform in Ohio.  The information gathered from these meetings will be used to develop a proposal that Governor Strickland will present to the people of Ohio and the General Assembly.  Governor Strickland's proposed vision, guiding principles, and goal for education are included below:

STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS EDUCATION VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES The vision for our schools: We must create learning environments that foster and nurture creativity, innovation, and global competency.

The core principles to guide our work to achieve that vision:

-First, we must strengthen our commitment to public education to address today's many educational challenges.

-Second, a modern education system must be directly linked to economic prosperity and civic well-being.  Ohio cannot thrive without understanding that world class schools will produce a talented workforce and civic responsible citizens.  A talented workforce will attract and create jobs.

-Third, we excel internationally in our ability to foster creativity and innovation.  These skills fuel a lifetime of success, especially in an evolving global economy.  Our schools must teach students to think past the limits of what's been done, and imagine what could be done.

-Fourth, our best teachers can show us what works best in the classroom.  We need to consult them and follow their lead.

-Fifth, we must strive to develop a specific, personalized education program that identifies how each individual student learns, and use the teaching methods appropriate to that student's needs and abilities.

-And sixth, testing and assessment will continue to answer accountability questions.  But their most important role will be to guide personalized and individualized education through understanding a student's capabilities, weaknesses, and potential growth in the education process.

The goal:  Schools ranked among the best in the world and that meet the needs of every Ohio child.

4) School Funding - Topic of LWVO Meeting:  The League of Women Voter of Ohio's Statehouse Day, held in Columbus on April 29, 2008, provided an opportunity for members to learn more about Ohio's school system for funding schools, and the work of the State Board of Education's School Funding Subcommittee, chaired by Virgil Brown.

Paolo DeMaria, Associate Superintendent for the Center for School Options and Finance, presented an overview of the work of the Board's School Funding Subcommittee to develop a comprehensive school funding system that supports student achievement; defines needed financial resources and funding-related policy changes; and promotes strategies and tools to help schools and districts manage resources effectively and efficiently.

The presentation included an update on how the Subcommittee was determining Base Cost; supplemental funding based on student needs; equity funding; guarantees and protection mechanisms; local revenue; division of fiscal responsibility/state and local contributions; ensuring best results; and rewards and consequences.  Several maps were included in the presentation to show the diversity of Ohio's school districts in the areas of expenditure per pupil; average pupil/teacher ratio; average teacher salary; percent of students with disabilities; percent of economically disadvantaged students; parity aid per pupil; state funds as a percent of total school district revenue; and federal revenue per pupil.  To learn more about this work, please visit the School Funding Subcommittee home page on the ODE website at

http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?Page=3&TopicRelationID=574&Content=45386

Four lawmakers attended the LWVO's afternoon session on school funding, and shared ideas to improve Ohio's school funding system.

Representatives Tracy Heard, Ted Celeste, Stephen Dyer, and Mark Okey expressed their support for changing the current school funding system in Ohio so that it would address the needs of the whole child; include early childhood education and dropout prevention; and provide a comprehensive curriculum.

Representative Dyer outlined a school funding proposal that he is developing.  This proposal includes elements from the school funding systems of three other states: New Mexico, Iowa, and Indiana.

According to Representative Dyer, Ohio needs a process that includes an examination of the diversity of the districts in Ohio (student demographics, geography, level of poverty, etc.), and incorporates that information into a school funding system that reflects more accurately the individual educational needs of the students and special needs of school districts.  New Mexico's system for determining state operational support for schools has been around for over 25 years and is considered by some to support high levels of equity and autonomy for school districts.  Iowa's system provides school districts with a high level of state support.  The Indiana General Assembly controls the rate of property taxes through a State Board of Tax Commissioners, and sets a maximum local tax level for school districts.  School budgets in Indiana are approved by local school boards and not subject to voter approval.  Representative Dyer said that he is talking to school leaders, citizens, and economists, and will introduce legislation for a new school funding plan for Ohio.

Representative Okey shared several recommendations that he has proposed regarding revenue sources to fund schools and tax relief.

The following points are included in his recommendations:

School Funding Proposals

-Make public education funding a separate line item in the state budget.

-All money in the public education line item shall be used exclusively for funding public education in Ohio.  Funding for private charter schools and voucher programs would not be included in this line item.

-Maintain current public education funding levels.

-Create a state income tax for public schools.  Individual tax returns identify the school district within which the taxpayer resides.

-The state shall collect all revenue from the income tax for public education and allocate it entirely to the public education line item in the budget.

-The state shall identify all revenue from the income tax for public education attributable to individual school districts and shall report same to the appropriate county auditor.  The auditor shall convert same to millage, and roll back real property taxes collected for education accordingly.

-Eliminate the estate tax.

-Establish an income threshold, below which no income tax for public education would be applicable.

-Exempt all persons 65 years of age or older and or disabled from the income tax for public education.

-Equitably distribute money in the public education line item to individual school districts based on a formula reflecting the per pupil cost of an adequate and efficient public education in Ohio.

Representative Steve Dyer has a proposal.

-Allow individual school districts to seek additional funding through local property tax ballot initiatives.

5) Update on Youth Voices:  Youth Voices is a statewide organization of high school students representing over thirty school districts in Ohio.  In 2007 members of Youth Voices developed a Youth Agenda; testified on the state budget before committees of the Ohio General Assembly; shared the Youth Agenda with First Lady Frances Strickland and staff from Governor Strickland's office; and participated in the Youth Agenda Conference in December 2007.  In 2008 members of Youth Voices continued to advocate for the Youth Agenda with representatives of the Ohio General Assembly, and increase membership in Youth Voices.  The Ohio Youth Agenda includes the following eight components for Ohio's education system:

-Full curriculum, including high level academic courses; the arts; career education; multicultural economy; financial literacy; technology; citizen engagement; job shadowing; internships; and access to high speed computers.

-Knowledgeable, flexible, and thoughtful teachers, including capping classroom size at 25 students per teacher.

-Preparing and affording college.

-Youth leadership to prevent violence, including peer mediation; school counselors; youth centers in the community; and efforts to prevent the spread of weapons to youth.

-Realistic Ohio Graduation Test, including additional ways to assess student progress.

-Peer leadership and personal attention to prevent drop outs.

-Active support, education, and attention while young people are in jail.

-A constitutional state funding system, based on the actual cost of providing opportunities for students.

To learn more about Youth Voices, please visit the Ohio Fair Schools Campaign at http://www.ohiofairschools.org/students/youth_agenda.htm. To receive updates about Youth Voices, please contact Daniel Ortiz at daniel.g.ortiz@gmail.com.

6)  Bills Introduced:

HB548 (Combs) - Adopts children's book "Lentil" as official children's book of the state, and designates its author, Robert McCloskey, as the official children's book author of the state.

HB549 (Blessing) - Authorizes school boards to enter installment contracts for on-site energy generation measures and energy conservation measures subject to specified terms of payment.

FYI ARTS

*OhioDance Festival 2008:  The 2008 OhioDance Festival, "Dance Matters, Speaking of Moves", has rescheduled several of its events as a result of the snow storm on March 7, 2008.  On May 31, 2008 a one day session will be held that includes classes (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM); auditions (noon); an awards reception (5:30 PM); and the Showcase (7:30 PM in the Sullivant Theatre at OSU).  Registration starts at 8:00 AM.  The Showcase will feature some of Ohio's most sophisticated choreography and performance talent, representing the diversity and excellence of dance in Ohio.  Students from the Canton Ballet will also perform.  The Festival is co-sponsored by The Ohio State University Department of Dance.  All classes will be held in Sullivant Hall.  For more information please visit http://ohiodance.org.

*Congratulations to an Ohio Student!!!:  Michael S. Holland, a senior at Hilliard Davidson High School in Hilliard, OH, has been named a 2008 Presidential Scholar in the Arts for Irish step dancing.

Michael is one of 141 students selected for an award this year, and one of twenty to be awarded in the arts category.  He also received a $5000 scholarship and will attend The Ohio State University.  Michael will receive his award in Washington, DC, and perform at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on June 23, 2008.

*Speak Up for the Arts!:  CET (Cincinnati Education Television) and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education have developed a DVD called "Speak Up for the Arts".  This advocacy tool for arts education includes two videos:  "Speak Up for the Arts", which provides information about the impact of the arts on students and schools, and "Advocate for the Arts", which provides practical information for arts education advocates to use to establish relationships with policy and law makers in Ohio to promote arts education.  This DVD was developed with financial support from the Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation, the Ladistas and Vilma Segoe Family Foundation, the Fine Arts Fund, and the BJ Connective Concepts, and is available at http://www.cetconnect.org/. The CET website also includes other information to support arts education.

*The Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, in partnership with Chris Clapp and Edie Wadkins, will present ACME ACADEMY: THEATRE TECH during two summer sessions June 15-July 18 and July 28-August 29).  ACME ACADEMY Summer Camp is designed for the curious beginner through the college professor seeking a better knowledge of technical theatre.  No prior experience is necessary!  Summer Camp is ideal for high school and college students, theatre educators, and, equally as important, the person who loves theatre and wants to have a hands on experience of what goes on before the curtain goes up! 

Classes: Basic Set Design: The basic set design process unfolds from the script to a final set design.  Participants will see and develop artistic skills in both the practical and creative sides to conceiving a set. Basic Stagecraft: The basic stagecraft sessions provide participants with the basics of theatre technology by building flats, dissecting lighting instruments, painting basic textures, and much more. Working in Metal: The working in metal sessions provide participants with basic knowledge of steel, copper, and aluminum scenic fabrication.  Techniques in welding, soldering, plasma cutting, layout and fabrication, all commonly used in the industry, are key components in this experience.  Scenic Painting (one and two): Participants in these sessions will use materials, tools, textures, and techniques used in theatrical scene work.  In session two, there is an opportunity to work with more challenging aspects of scenic painting and will include stained glass, foam carving, and sign painting.  Backdrop Painting: Participants will execute a full stage backdrop using skills in layout, texture, and translucency.  The techniques learned in these sessions are essential for scenic artist’s education.  Technical Directors Bag of Tricks: Participants in these sessions will learn unique skills that don’t appear in every show - but within a career: plumbing on stage, turntables, basic rigging, and practical light fixtures to name a few. 

All Summer Camp sessions will be held at the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts at 77 South High Street in the Scene Shop.  Sessions are five weeks long and meet for two hour sessions twice a week.  Registration is $225 for the five week course which is only about $11.00 an hour for professional training and lots of fun!   This project is supported by the Greater Columbus Arts Council through a Franklin County Neighborhood Arts grant award.  For more information contact OAAE by email at dcollins@oaae.net or by telephone at 614.224.1060.  Register early classes are limited.

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This update is made possible through the generous support of the Ohio Music Education Association (www.omea-ohio.org), Ohio Art Education Association (www.oaea.org), Ohio Educational Theatre Association (www.Ohioedta.org); OhioDance (www.ohiodance.org), and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education (www.OAAE.net).