Limited information available in newly released Ohio School Report Cards

OTTAWA HILLS, Ohio (WTVG) - Students get their report cards in the spring, but in September it’s the schools' turn to get graded. But, like everything else, the pandemic is wreaking havoc on the Department of Education’s grading system.

This is the time of year that makes superintendents a little nervous. They are about to receive their report cards. But the superintendent in Ottawa Hills says he’s not worried this year. That’s largely because there’s not a whole lot to report.

Click here to view the Ohio Department of Education Report Cards page. According to area superintendents, about 80 percent of the state report cards are based upon the spring test scores, which did not happen due to the coronavirus and school closures. The information listed in the newly released report cards includes graduation rates, attendance, and teacher education levels.

Schools and districts usually receive letter grades from the state in multiple categories, like student achievement, gap closing, and supporting at-risk students. So this year, schools are not receiving grades; instead, a small amount of data will be released, such as graduation rate and teacher qualifications.

“Now, with it being so different, the question is, should we even have state testing anymore, should there even be a report card? When the pandemic has changed everything?" asks Ottawa Hills Local Schools superintendent Dr. Adam Fineske.

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