Senate Passes Reineke Bill Improving Academic Performance and Workforce Training
December 7, 2022
Bill Reineke News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 178 by the Ohio Senate, which restructures the Department of Education to create a state cabinet-level agency called the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW).
Senate Bill 178 focuses on improving academic and workforce skills for students, including a focus on career technical education.
"Sending our students through an education process that predominately considers only college readiness has created the crack through which so many students have fallen," Reineke said. "Schools must focus on helping find a 'student's purpose' to maximize their chance for success and prosperity."
According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Ohio’s postsecondary attainment is not keeping up with the needs of businesses in our state, which has led us to a massive talent gap. Between 2018 and 2028, 75% of Ohio’s job growth will be in occupations requiring at least a postsecondary non-degree credential, and over 50% will require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
"Many past Governors and legislators have seen that Ohio's current education system is void of accountability to parents, students, and taxpayers," Reinekesaid. "We must address and reform these failures so that Ohio's students have the education and experience necessary for when they enter the workforce."
The bill has the support of the Governor’s office and the idea has received bipartisan support from former governors and elected officials.
Senate Bill 178 now moves to the House where it is expected to pass.
To read the recent guest column in Senate Bill 178 by Senator Reineke, click here. For more information on Senate Bill 178, click here.
Senate Bill 178 focuses on improving academic and workforce skills for students, including a focus on career technical education.
"Sending our students through an education process that predominately considers only college readiness has created the crack through which so many students have fallen," Reineke said. "Schools must focus on helping find a 'student's purpose' to maximize their chance for success and prosperity."
According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Ohio’s postsecondary attainment is not keeping up with the needs of businesses in our state, which has led us to a massive talent gap. Between 2018 and 2028, 75% of Ohio’s job growth will be in occupations requiring at least a postsecondary non-degree credential, and over 50% will require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
"Many past Governors and legislators have seen that Ohio's current education system is void of accountability to parents, students, and taxpayers," Reinekesaid. "We must address and reform these failures so that Ohio's students have the education and experience necessary for when they enter the workforce."
The bill has the support of the Governor’s office and the idea has received bipartisan support from former governors and elected officials.
Senate Bill 178 now moves to the House where it is expected to pass.
To read the recent guest column in Senate Bill 178 by Senator Reineke, click here. For more information on Senate Bill 178, click here.