Ohio's Learning Standards are the guiding principles that define the essential knowledge and skills necessary for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Focused on cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, these standards align with the needs of today's employers, emphasizing the qualities most valued in the workforce. By integrating these skills into our students' educational experiences, we ensure their preparedness to graduate from high school and excel in college, careers, and life.

Ohio assesses the effectiveness of its schools by monitoring students' progress in acquiring the knowledge and skills outlined in the learning standards. This evaluation includes evaluating student performance on annual state tests that directly align with these standards. By measuring students' proficiency in relation to Ohio's Learning Standards, we can gauge the effectiveness of our educational system and drive continuous improvement to support student success.

Ohio's state testing plays a crucial role in evaluating the educational progress and achievement of students across the state. Designed to align with the Ohio Learning Standards, these annual assessments provide valuable insights into students' knowledge and skills in various subjects. By measuring student performance in areas such as mathematics, English language arts, and science, these tests serve as an important tool for educators, schools, and policymakers to gauge the effectiveness of instructional practices and identify areas for improvement. The results of these assessments not only help track individual student growth but also contribute to the overall evaluation of schools and districts, informing decisions related to curriculum development, resource allocation, and educational policies. Ohio's state testing program aims to ensure educational excellence, promote accountability, and support the continuous improvement of the education system, ultimately preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.

The Ohio Department of Education is a diverse team of passionate, education-focused professionals dedicated to fulfilling the vision established in Each Child, Our Future, Ohio’s strategic plan for education. The vision is, “In Ohio, each child is challenged to discover and learn, prepared to pursue a fulfilling post-high school path and empowered to become a resilient, lifelong learner who contributes to society.” Ensuring this vision for each of Ohio’s 1.7 million students, in partnership with more than 240,000 educators across the state, is no small feat. Under the leadership of the superintendent of public instruction and governed by the State Board of Education, Department team members, in collaboration with a wide range of partners, are sharply focused on helping schools and districts continually improve to be the best they can be for each child. Equity and impact are core to every program, service and action. The Department’s work is well regarded both in Ohio and nationally for its innovative, leading-edge and forward-looking approach. When the Department succeeds, students succeed, communities succeed and Ohio succeeds.