Student outcomes are shaped by the choices governors make. Ohio’s next governor can choose to set clear goals, back evidence-based strategies, and make sure strong policies are implemented in ways that improve results for students. Those decisions show up in classrooms, in statewide performance, and in whether more students are on track to succeed.
- In 4th grade reading, Black students score below the national average (−6 pts) and a full 14 points behind Black students in Mississippi.
- In 4th grade math, the story is similar, with Black students in Mississippi 16 points ahead of those in Ohio.
- The 2026 NAEP test will be the first to reflect recent changes in state policy, including the expansion of voucher programs and the elimination of third grade retention.
- Chronic absenteeism remains about 9 percentage points above pre-pandemic levels despite meaningful improvement.
A Governor’s Roadmap for Improving Student Outcomes
1. Set clear, measurable goals for student outcomes in Ohio and hold school systems and leaders accountable for them.
Clear goals give state leaders a standard to work toward and a way to measure whether students are actually making progress.
2. Pass and implement evidence-based policies
High-dosage tutoring, the science of reading, and high-quality instructional materials can improve learning when they are implemented well and reach students across the state.
3. Commit to public reporting and transparency
Parents deserve to know how schools are performing. Taxpayers deserve to know dollars are being used well. Voters deserve to know whether progress is happening.
4. Prioritize strong leadership in the state education agency
Governors can recruit strong leaders, align them to clear goals, give them the authority to deliver, and hold them accountable for results.
