Jobless benefits could be tied to drug tests

Feb. 25, 2012, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Drug tests to qualify for unemployment benefits in certain cases might come under the microscope in Ohio.

Congress recently gave states permission to test unemployment applicants if they meet one of two criteria:

» They were let go from their previous job because they failed a drug test or refused to take one.

» They work in a profession that generally requires drug testing as a condition of employment.

State Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, said he’s working on a measure to implement this federal law in Ohio.

Local school districts make progress in Race to the Top

Feb. 20, 2012, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

It’s a transformational time for Ohio’s schools.

By 2014, all English and math classes will be operating under new curriculum standards, thanks to a voluntary federal program the state adopted.

By the 2013-2014 school year, all teachers must be paid based on merit, using a teacher evaluation system that is yet to be established.

To make these changes, about half the school districts in the state, including seven in Richland County, have a significant leg up: They’re participating in the federal Race to the Top program, the Obama administration’s education reform plan that calls for improved student testing, more data collection and a special focus on turning around low-performing schools.

Goal: Streamline Ohio’s efforts to develop workforce training

Feb. 14, 2012, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Ohio’s workforce development systems are overly complex and fragmented, according to Gov. John Kasich.

There are 77 programs spread across 13 agencies, all depending on a number of state and federal funding sources.

Ohioans need jobs — and Ohio employers need workers with the right skill sets. So Kasich has created an umbrella office, the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, to oversee and coordinate the state’s worker training efforts.

But uniting all the different efforts is easier said than done — which may explain why it hasn’t been tried sooner, said Dan Navin, assistant vice president of tax and economic policy for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Ohio’s students trail U.S. average for AP credit

Feb. 11, 2012, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

Fewer Ohio students are getting college credit for Advanced Placement tests than the national average.

However, more Ohio students are taking the tests than in previous years, according to a study released by the College Board, which administers the exams.

State Superintendent of Education Stan Heffner said Ohio can do better.

Changes to schools again?

Feb. 6, 2012, Mansfield News Journal

By Jessica Alaimo

CentralOhio.com

In 2009, Gov. Ted Strickland announced a complete overhaul of Ohio's education system.

“It is absolutely clear to me that simply tinkering with centuries-old education practices will not prepare Ohio's children for success in college, in the workplace, or in life,” Strickland said during the State of the State speech. “Therefore, today I present my plan to build our education system anew.”

It's not the first time such words were spoken.