COLUMBUS (January 3, 2007) - Governor Bob Taft today signed Senate Bill 311 which implements the Ohio Core initiative requiring a more rigorous curriculum in Ohio high schools.

"I am so proud to sign into law legislation that builds on our work to transform education in Ohio and ensure that we equip every child with the skills they need for success in whatever path they follow after high school," Taft said. "This Ohio Core legislation is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and discussion amongst all those committed to student students - educators, business and community leaders, legislators and of course the families and students themselves. I thank everyone involved for their hard work and their dedication to the future of our children."

Taft signed Senate Bill 311 at Fairmoor Elementary School in the Columbus Public Schools district. He was joined at the event by bill sponsors state Senator Randy Gardner (R - Bowling Green) and state Representative Arlene Setzer (R - Vandalia), Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Gene Harris, Ohio State University President Dr. Karen Holbrook, and members of the Tapping Ohio's Potential coalition including co-chair Ambassador John Ong. Fifth-grade students from Fairmoor, who will be members of the first class to graduate under the Ohio Core in 2014, were also in the audience.

Citing the annual Education Week Quality Counts Report released today that now ranks Ohio among the top ten states for K-12 academic achievement, the Governor said with continual improvements such as Ohio Core, soon more Ohio students will achieve success in work, college and life.

Under Senate Bill 311, the Ohio Core will require students, beginning with the high school graduating class of 2014, to complete a rigorous curriculum as a requirement for high school graduation and on prerequisite for admission to Ohio's four-year state assisted institutions of higher education.

The Ohio Core includes:
· 4 years of math, including Algebra II or its equivalent;
· 3 years of science with inquiry-based laboratory experience, including physical science, biology, and advanced study in one or more of the following sciences: chemistry, physics or other physical science; advanced biology or other life science; astronomy, physical geology or other earth or space science;
· 4 years of English;
· 3 years of social studies, including American History and American Government;
· ½ unit of health;
· ½ unit of physical education or two semesters of; and
· Combination of 5 units to be chosen from among foreign language, fine arts, business, technology and Career Technical.

Schools are to formally integrate economics/financial literacy into the social studies requirement or as a stand-alone class to ensure that every student is exposed to these important concepts. Economic and financial literacy standards already exist within the social studies academic content standards.

Students must complete two semesters of fine arts sometime between grades 7 and 12 as a requirement of graduation.

Districts may choose to excuse students who participate in at least two full seasons of interscholastic athletics, marching band, or cheerleading from the ½ unit physical education requirement. The student must, however, complete ½ credit in another course of study in its place.

Recognizing the importance of foreign language in today's competitive global economy, a Foreign Language Education Council, comprised of education and business leaders will be tasked with developing and recommending a plan for foreign language learning across Ohio's P-16 education spectrum.

The Governor vetoed the language in the bill that would require the minimum school year to be calculated based upon hours, rather than days, of instruction. Concerns were expressed that this language would have unintended, and perhaps harmful, consequences for Ohio students. It is expected that legislation will be crafted in the next session of the General Assembly that will provide flexibility to schools while also safeguarding instructional time for students.

Taft announced the Ohio Core initiative during his final State of the State speech in January 2006. He held a series of roundtables throughout the state with students, educators, parents, business and community leaders to discuss details of the initiative. Taft and his staff members also participated in numerous meetings with legislators and interested parties throughout the legislative process.

In June 2006, Taft signed into law House Bill 115, which included $13.2 million for FY 07 to build teacher capacity and student learning in high school math, science and foreign language in preparation for implementation of the Ohio Core.

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Media Contacts: Mark Rickel, Governor's Press Secretary, at (614) 644-0957.

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