Dispatch article about Ohio's 2019-2014 Plan for Education

Ohio’s new education plan moves away from testing

By Catherine Candisky, The Columbus Dispatch, Aug 28, 2018   

Each day, second-graders in Robert Goetz’s class at Etna Road Elementary School in Whitehall play a greeting game. Tuesday, they put one of their shoes in a pile, selected one belonging to a classmate, and then returned it to the owner.

“Happy afternoon,” one boy politely told another student as he handed back her shoe.

“Remember eye contact,” Goetz gently reminded. The teacher said such exercises will help students succeed, teaching them about manners, how to introduce themselves and other interactions.

“It teaches a lot of the social aspect to learn how to talk to each other, get to know each other’s feelings and emotions, and be able to share with each other,” Goetz said. “If you can get the social stuff, the academics will come.”

Development of social skills — in addition to reading and math — is precisely what’s called for in a new five-year education plan launched by the Ohio Department of Education that shifts away from test results to focus on helping students succeed after graduating from high school.

The goal is to increase annually the percentage of graduates who, one year after earning their diploma, are enrolled in college, enrolled an adult career-technical education program or apprenticeship, serving in the military, or in a job that pays a living wage.

“The goal statement shies away from the traditional academic measures that we are using and says what we’re trying to do is prepare students for success, and let’s think about what those students are doing one year out from graduation,” said state Superintendent Paolo DeMaria.

It’s unknown how many recent graduates meet the goal. Department of Education officials say they are working on a way to track it.

The 35-page plan aims to develop the “whole child.” Beyond academics, it calls for social and emotional development, including leadership skills, problem-solving, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making.

DeMaria said the plan, Each Child Our Future, is a “roadmap” for all schools on how to tend to the needs of each child. The approach recognizes practices being followed in Whitehall schools and many other classrooms across the state. “So many times, we’re looking at averages and numbers of students that are proficient or better, and we clump students together when we really need to recognize that each child is different, each child has their own potential, their own inspiration, their own passions, their own interests and pathway to success,” he said.

Led by DeMaria and the Ohio Board of Education, the plan was developed over the past year by more than 150 educators, parents, lawmakers, business leaders and community officials. Tuesday’s daylong rollout began with a press conference at the Statehouse, followed by visits to the Tolles Career & Technical Center in Plain City, Etna Road Elementary School and the Columbus Museum of Art.

“Traditional academics are equal to a well-founded content, leadership and social-emotional learning in development of students as human beings,” said Jonathan Juravich, a teacher at Olentangy’s Liberty Tree Elementary School and Ohio’s 2018 Teacher of the Year.

The plan identifies three challenges for the state: preparing students for rapidly changing jobs and needed skill sets; meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student body, particularly English learners and those with disabilities; and a growing number of poor children facing a host of difficulties.

More than half of Ohio’s’ 1.7 million students are considered economically disadvantaged, an increase of 37 percent in the past decade. And the number of homeless students has more than doubled to more than 20,000.

Silent on the long-debated issue of school funding, the plan stresses that the education system must be built on equal learning opportunities for all students, partnerships with parents and caretakers, health-care providers, business and community leaders and others, and quality schools, both public and private.

The plan includes 10 strategies to help students reach the state’s goal, including effective teachers, supportive principals, expanded quality preschool, literacy skills and more paths to graduation.

As for student testing, which currently is key in measuring success, the plan calls to “move toward a varied system of assessments to appropriately ... allow students to demonstrate competency and mastery in ways beyond state standardized tests.”

Learn more about the plan at: http://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/About/Ohios-Strategic-Plan-for-Education/Final-Strategic-Plan-Board-Approved.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US

All 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library branches now serve as a Safe Place for homeless youth

Click to enlarge

Columbus Library branches designated "safe place" for homeless youth
Glenn McEntyre, 7/10/18, 10TV.com

Connecting young people in need to help - that's the aim of a new partnership involving the Columbus Metropolitan Library. And there are new options for youth with no place else to turn.

It is a reality no one wants to be true: An estimated 2000 young people in Columbus, homeless.

"That breaks my heart every time I go home, knowing that I have a home to go to, and these young people do not," said Kyra Crockett-Hodge. She leads youth outreach at Huckleberry House, the only youth shelter in Columbus.

"It could just be a young person going through a crisis situation that they need a break from home right now. Or we have young people who are actually living on the land, who have been homeless for a while now," she said.

One of the hurdles facing those teens is knowing where to find the help that exists. "If I'm on the west side of town, or I'm on the south side of town and I need help, how am I going to get to Huckleberry House?"

Through a new partnership, every branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library is a designated 'Safe Place' connected to the services of Huck House.

"The Safe Place is really an opportunity to expand our front porch to the community," Crockett-Hodge said. "So young people who had the obstacle of finding Huckleberry House or getting here, can now go to any one of those places, tell them that they're there for the Safe Place program, and Huck House will send a cab to pick that kid up and bring them to Huckleberry House."

The Library says the partnership makes perfect sense.

"Here in the summertime when kids are out of school, we see so many of them here in our libraries and our staff build incredible relationships with them," said spokesperson Ben Zenitsky. "That's what we're here for. Our staff members can do more than recommend a good book. They can really help children in need and point them in the direction of resources that can help them."

Help that could change - even save - a young person's life.

Huckleberry House also partners in the "Safe Place" program with the Columbus Division of Fire, White Castle, and Kroger. Adding in the 23 library branches, there are now one 115 "Safe Place" sites where young people can go for help.

My Very Own Blanket celebrates 19 years of caring about foster care youth

For 19 years nonprofit has shown foster kids that somebody cares 
By Allison Ward, Columbus Dispatch, July 12, 2018

With her three children drifting to sleep in their cribs and toddler bed, Jessica Hollins sat in a rocking chair in the youngsters’ shared nursery, wanting them to feel her presence. By the glow of night lights and with soft music playing, she knitted a blanket for the little ones.

It was in that moment of serenity that Hollins (who recently remarried and is now Jessica Rudolph) had a revelation of sorts about her latest knitting project: “I thought: ‘They don’t need another blanket. Who should I make this for?’” 

The answer to that question inspired her life’s work. Rudolph’s babies are now 19, 20 and 21, and, almost two decades later, My Very Own Blanket has donated more than 100,000 handmade blankets to children in foster care nationwide. 

The Dublin resident believes that God was speaking to her all those years ago, as she can’t otherwise explain why the idea of a blanket donation popped into her head. Viewing it as a call to action, she sent a letter to relatives and friends asking for help with her newfound mission, which she originally operated out of her home but now runs from a small shop in Westerville.

During that first year, 2000, she collected 84 blankets — including six she made herself — to distribute to foster children in three counties (Delaware, Seneca and Crawford). Listen to the Life in the 614 podcast: In 2001, she amassed 526, and the number of blankets — quilted, knitted, crocheted, no-sew fleece — has steadily increased annually, culminating last year in 10,000.

A rising need for blankets in recent years has heightened Rudolph’s passion. “Right now, the (foster)-care system is in crisis because of the drug epidemic,” she said.

From July 2013 to October 2017, the number of children in states’ custody increased 23 percent, to 15,510 — and could reach 20,000 by 2020, according to a report by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio.

Hearing stories about court dockets full of foster-care cases and children who’ve watched their parents overdose helps to sustain Rudolph amid the challenges of keeping a volunteer-driven nonprofit afloat and relevant. (Rudolph, the sole employee of My Very Own Blanket, began drawing a salary only last year.) 

And meeting people such as Nikki Chinn only intensifies her resolve.Chinn, now 27, remembers getting to pick out a blanket from dozens available soon after she went to live in a children’s home. She was 14 when the state took custody of her, but Franklin County Children’s Services had been involved with her life for a decade because of parental abuse, neglect and drug use.

The young Chinn opted for a red-and-gray fleece blanket, she said, sleeping with it nightly. “It was something that was mine,” said the Orient resident, who is studying to be a social worker at Columbus State Community College. “All the other blankets we used were communal blankets and were just washed and passed from room to room.” 

The gift, she said, was special and comforting. “I kept that blanket for years until it went to my younger sibling in foster care.”

Rudolph quickly realized the tremendous effect that her small gesture was having on foster children. “Sometimes, law enforcement is involved and they’re (children are) removed really quickly,” Rudolph said. “Social workers, if they do have time, it’s only 15 minutes. They told me, ’We’re just trying to find matching shoes, clothes and socks.”

A personalized tag — featuring the names of both the blanket maker and its recipient, serves to remind children of their worth, she said.

“All of their ‘safe’ is gone, and all of their love is gone,” Rudolph said. “They can feel like they aren’t loved. It may not have been a safe love, but it was all they’ve known. We give them something to hang onto, something that can be their ‘safe.’” 

Those who work directly with children in such situations say they can’t overemphasize the importance of the work that Rudolph, her core group of volunteers and all the blanket makers do.

Lisa Dickson — who was in foster care as a youth and is now the communications chairwoman for ACTION Ohio, which works to improve outcomes in the foster-care system — said foster children lack “family privilege.” “I’m a stepmom, and I make handmade stuff for my children all the time,” Dickson said. “Children in foster care don’t have that. Having the physical expression and comfort of something handmade is priceless.”

Mark Mecum, chief executive officer of Ohio Children’s Alliance, said he has watched Rudolph’s organization battle hurdles such as rising shipping costs, volunteer burnout and the need for logistical changes. He was so impressed that he joined the organization’s board of trustees. “Most businesses and nonprofits don’t exist after five years,” Mecum said. “A volunteer-driven organization of almost 19 years is almost unheard of.” 

During a busy day in the Westerville shop last week, a half dozen volunteers sewed on personalized tags, folded blankets and cut strips of fleece for the no-sew kits that the group sells. The kits, sold for $10, are increasingly popular with area businesses, schools, churches and other groups. Jonica Graves arrived to pick up blankets to put in bags provided by My Comfy Kits, which is overseen by the local Orphan World Relief. The bags also include children’s books, night lights, pajamas and other items a child entering foster care might need.

At the same time, Pamela Braddy, activity therapy administrator at the Pickaway Correctional Institution, dropped off homemade quilts from prisoners. My Very Own Blanket partners with several area prisons to both provide inmates with a purpose and help further its mission. It does the same, Rudolph said, with agencies that serve senior citizens or adults with developmental disabilities.

 The reach of My Very Own Blanket has expanded nationwide since its humble beginnings. To date, it has sent blankets to two dozen states and designated blanket coordinators throughout the country to do similar work in other cities.

 Rudolph’s tireless effort, stemming from her love of her own children, remains as strong as ever. “What better job to have than giving love to kids?” she said. “And what better way to do it than through a blanket?”

Turner Foster Care Housing Bill Gets Hearing

by Mike Turner on April 18, 2018 at 1:44 PM

The Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act will increase access to housing for youth aging out of foster care, without increasing federal spending

My Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act had a hearing yesterday by the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

I am thrilled this bill is getting momentum and moving through the legislative process in the House. Right now, we have a situation of government created homelessness when foster care youths age out of the system but have few resources to find safe, stable housing. My bill is a commonsense fix with no additional cost to the federal government that will mean a world of impact for these kids. It’s time to pass this bill.

“While meeting with foster youth directly, Mr. Turner of Ohio immediately seized upon something that continues to be ignored or missed entirely by policymakers and advocates alike: the housing instability faced by former foster youth is entirely predictable – but systems fail time and time again to work together to close the obvious gaps through which so many youth are destined to fall into homelessness,” testified Ruth White, Executive Director of the National Center for Housing & Child Welfare. “Mr. Turner termed this phenomenon, ‘government created homelessness.’ Together with the youth, Hill staff crafted the straight-forward, yet sophisticated solution offered in this bill.”

“The Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act is a commonsense solution to help kids, who have aged out of the system, succeed and I thank Mike for his work on this important bill,” said Rep. Rodney Davis, Chairman of the Republican Main Street Caucus. “Mike’s bill is one that the Republican Main Street Caucus has identified as legislation that helps further our mission which is making our government work for the people we serve. I fully support this bill and will continue do what I can to help Mike get it to the House floor for a vote.”

You can watch the full hearing here.

Columbus Dispatch Editorial: Find a way to keep jobs program

Find A Way to Keep Jobs Program
July 12, 2016
As the late Gov. James Rhodes was fond of saying, many of society’s ills could be cured by jobs. Employment inculcates responsibility, encourages ambition, fosters self-esteem and provides a paycheck to raise a family or, for working kids, to save for college.

So the current occupant of Rhodes’ office, Gov. John Kasich, should reconsider his administration’s plans that could make it harder for young people to find summer jobs next year.

The state plans to shift $46 million from its wage-subsidized summer employment program that provides thousands of young people, ages 14 to 24, with real-world experience and a paycheck. Instead, the state is creating a year-round program that provides case-management, training and employment services for struggling young people.

That sounds great, but it will mean cutting out 14- and 15-year-olds, since the new program serves only those older than 16. Many of those in the program are foster youths or are involved in the juvenile-justice system. They not only desperately need to develop work skills, but they benefit from mentors at their workplaces. And the references and experience they gain at their first jobs, typically the hardest to land, opens the door to future employment.

Surely, the state can find a way to do both; social-service advocates say the state has about $150 million in surplus welfare money that could be used to continue the summer program.

Taking away these opportunities for young people and leaving them to hang out on the street on hot summer days just doesn’t make sense. The Kasich administration should reconsider.

Way to go, Nicole Chinn

Two Columbus State students spoke to a U.S. Department of Education event, sharing their perspectives as former foster youth who made the jump to college.

Deanna Howell-Dawson and Nicole Chinn participated in the department's Foster Care Student Voices Session in Washington D.C. on May 25, giving their input as the department seeks new ways to help foster youth succeed. The department is seeking input as it implements the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced the No Child Left Behind law in 2015.

"It was so empowering meeting and hearing other foster youth and alumni voices who also share my story. They impacted me by encouraging me to make it and succeed too," said Howell-Dawson.

Kimberly Rhyan, a former foster youth and Columbus State's director of Student Engagement and Leadership, also served on an alumni panel and shared advice about college and career advancement.

The Education Department also released the Foster Care Transition Toolkit. The Toolkit includes tips and resources intended to help foster youth access and navigate social, emotional, educational and skills barriers as they transition into adulthood. Download the Foster Care Transition Toolkit.

More than 350 Columbus State students are former foster youth, and Columbus State is becoming a national model for supporting them, according to Rhyan.

The college recently launched the Scholar Network, which provides a three-day conference, ongoing mentoring, monthly "lunch and learn" workshops, and other support. The project is funded by Ohio Reach, Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine and Columbus State's Student Success Innovation Fund.

Isabel Soto, of the department's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, thanked the Columbus State delegation for sharing their stories.

"Our work will benefit from the discussion the alumni had with the students yesterday and as a result of all they (Nicole and Deanna) shared with the department during the session," Soto said.

Jamole Callahan and Jermaine Ferguson represent ACTION Ohio at HB 50 bill signing

Kasich signs foster-care extension law 
Price, Rita. Columbus Dispatch,June 14, 2016

Former foster youths Jermaine Ferguson, left, and Jamole Callahan, right, talk before John Kasich signs House Bill 50, which extends foster-care eligibility to age 21. 

Hundreds of Ohio's most traumatized and vulnerable teens should soon have the chance to tap into a few more years of support before they have to make it on their own.

Gov. John Kasich signed a bill into law Monday that extends foster-care eligibility to age 21, adding Ohio to the growing number of states that have decided teens shouldn't automatically age out of the system when they turn 18.

More than 1,000 Ohio foster youths exit foster care each year after their 18th birthdays, with many quickly falling into poverty and homelessness, early parenthood or legal trouble.

"There's a lot of dismal statistics," said Worthington resident Jamole Callahan, who spent six years in foster care. "But we can help improve outcomes for these youths who are aging out. I'm elated."

The Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies and other advocates worked for three years to secure the change, which gives foster youths the option of deciding whether they want additional guidance and assistance as they transition to adulthood. It also applies to teens who are adopted after age 16.

"Many of them really need a plan, not a program," said Sean Reilly, executive director of UMCH Family Services. "They need a plan that is comprehensive and that talks about their housing needs, school needs, trades — whatever that might be. And it needs to include a recognition and supports for what they've been through in their lives."

The law takes effect in 90 days and provides $550,000 for Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to gather recommendations and develop a plan. Implementation is expected in about 18 months, with funding to be determined in the next budget. First-year costs for the state, not including federal foster money, are estimated at about $9.7 million.

"I will be ever-vigilant about this law," said state Rep. Dorothy Pelanda, R-Marysville, who introduced the bill along with Republican Rep. Cheryl Grossman of Grove City. "We need to advocate and remind legislators and, of course, the administration. The most important thing will be the funding in the next budget."

Kasich did not sign the bill in public but spoke at length with Callahan, 36, and East Side resident Jermaine Ferguson, 25, who was featured in a recent Dispatch story.

Ferguson and his siblings suffered horrific abuse in Clark and Union counties after they were adopted from foster care as infants and young children. After their adoptive parents were arrested, the children were separated and scattered to different foster homes with varying degrees of support.

"It's sad when you see your sister and you want to help, and there's not even a house for her," Jermaine said of his 20-year-old sibling, who has struggled after aging out of foster care. "I get it; there are funding and other issues. But you're asking kids who are weak financially and emotionally to just move on. It's too much."

The law signed Monday also includes a provision aimed at improving protections for some 67,000 wards who are under court-appointed guardianship. It requires clerks of Ohio's probate courts to give new and current guardians a copy of the guardianship guide that explains the rights of wards. The guardianship part of the law was prompted by a 2014 Dispatch investigation that uncovered abuses and problems in that system.

Melissa Stroud receives Ashtabula County Children Services Board's Rising Up and Moving On award

ASHTABULA — Last year, the county Children Services Board received 2,533 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, and case workers screened an average of 70 new cases per month. In 2015, the average number of children in out-of-home care was 146, according to the board. 

Melissa Stroud, 17, the board’s “Rising Up and Moving On” awardee, said years ago, she’d never believe her current success. The Austintown Fitch junior said she realized although the county’s case workers and foster parents helped her get where she is today, others aren’t so fortunate.

In 2014, Stroud worked to form the region’s Northeast Ohio Youth Advisory Board, a partner board between Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties which works to promote change in the foster care system, from the child’s perspective. At the NEOYAB quarterly meeting in Columbus, Stroud was named treasurer of the state board and media spokesperson.

She’ll be featured on Wednesday’s edition of WYTV’s “Hometown Heroes” segment.