State’s tests break the law, group says

House Republicans delayed the roll out of an updated bill seeking to give the governor direct control over the Ohio Department of Education, but changes are expected to focus on vocational education and giving assurances to homeschool families.

However, the debate did kick up a fight Wednesday between the department and the Ohio Restaurant Association.

House Bill 512 seeks to merge the education department with the Department of Higher Education and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. Supporters say the goal is to improve workforce development.

Testifying at a committee hearing Wednesday, Patty Halper, executive director of the restaurant group’s education foundation, flat-out accused the Department of Education of violating state law enacted in early 2017 that limits testing needed for students who get industry-recognized credentials.

The foundation administers the ProStart program for juniors and seniors in 56 careertechnical centers and high schools, where about 2,000 students are learning skills needed in the food service industry. Students can earn an industry credential.

But, Halper said, the Department of Education is violating state law by requiring students who earn a credential to also take an additional state exam called WebXams.

“This additional testing is not time well spent and nor does it hinder a student from graduating,” she said. “The career path for these students needs to be easier to navigate and the roadblocks that currently exist be removed.”

But the law does not require that any credential be used in lieu of WebXams, said Brittany Halpin, spokeswoman for the Department of Education. She said there is a list of 40 credentials now, and that list is expected to grow as the department meets quarterly with career and technical education associations.

“If a credential is too narrow and doesn’t cover a preponderance of standards in a particular (career and technical education) course, the student would be required to take the WebXam,” she said.

Asked by Rep. Bernadine Kent, D-Columbus, if she had complained to the department, Halper said her group had meetings with them.

“The response we have received is that they are looking into the matter,” she said. “I would like to know how long it would take to put something like that in place. I think I’ve been patient.”

Combining the departments into a single agency inside the governor’s cabinet, Halper said, will foster more collaboration. “This will better enable the state to ensure that the students are put first, regardless if they are career tech or college prep.”

Vince Squillace of the Ohio Home Builders Association said he expected the updated bill to focus more on vocational education. He said the lack of skilled trades is negatively impacting the housing construction industry.

Rep. Bill Reineke, R-Tiffin, the bill sponsor, said changes also will seek to provide more assurance to home-school parents, a number of whom have testified against the bill in recent weeks, concerned about how it would negatively impact their autonomy.

“No way are we trying to take away anything from the homeschoolers or those private groups,” he said. “We want them to function the way they are.”

Organizations representing teachers, superintendents, school boards and treasurers oppose the bill.