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Welcome to the newsletter for chartered nonpublic schools. Read below on relevant updates shared by the Office of Nonpublic Educational Options.
Education Flexibilities in Ohio
Blended Learning Guidance
The Office of Nonpublic Educational Options receives a lot of questions about blended learning and what is and is not permissible for chartered nonpublic schools. As you may know, chartered nonpublic schools are not permitted to operate as an online school. Virtual learning is permissible with an approved blended learning plan, but the majority of students’ time must be spent in the school building.
While chartered nonpublic schools may adopt a blended learning plan, they are not permitted to operate under a fully online learning model. It is important to note the difference between blended learning and online and/or remote learning models.
Blended Learning
This model uses a combination of time in the school building (more than 50%) and online and noncomputer-based learning opportunities to enhance the overall learning experience. All students enrolled in the course participate in the same type of activities. Blended learning is a part of the total instructional plan provided throughout the entire school year and cannot be used for emergency or temporary purposes.
If a school plans to implement or cease using blended learning, they must submit notice of their plan no later than July 1 prior to the school year per ORC 3302.41 using the School District Blended Learning Declaration Form.
Additional information regarding blended learning including resources can be found on the Blended Learning Guidance page of the Department of Education & Workforce’s website.
Online and Remote Learning
In Ohio, chartered nonpublic schools are not permitted to use what is commonly referred to as a remote learning model. Remote learning is typically used temporarily due to factors such as a public emergency or for a student who temporarily may not be able to access the school facility. Ohio schools were temporarily permitted to operate under a remote learning plan due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The authority to operate under a remote learning plan expired June 30, 2022.
Additionally, chartered nonpublic schools are not authorized to operate a fully online school in the state of Ohio.
Online Learning Day Plans
Chartered nonpublic schools can utilize up to three online learning days per school year under certain conditions if the school needs to be closed if the school adopted an online learning plan on or before August 1st. Online day plans are replacing blizzards bags beginning the 2024-25 school year.
Hiring Process Requirements
During this time of year, many schools are recruiting new staff members to fill vacant positions for the upcoming school year. We have a few reminders to consider as your school navigates the hiring process.
- Conducting background checks is required by ORC 3319.39.
- All applicants must complete a BCI background check.
- An FBI background check is also required for certain applicants depending on the position for which they are applying and the length of their residence in the state of Ohio.
- Chartered nonpublic schools may charge applicants for the cost of obtaining the background check(s).
- Consulting the “educator profile” database during the hiring process is required as a part of ORC 3319.393.
- The database shows all expired and current credentials issued to individuals by the state of Ohio. The system will also note if the individual has had a license/permit revoked in the past.
- Making sure all new hires are properly credentialed for their role prior to the start of the new school year.
- According to ORC 3319.074(A)(2), a “properly certified or licensed teacher” in a chartered nonpublic school holds either a Permanent Non-Tax Certificate or an Ohio teaching license in the core academic subject of their teaching assignment.
- Substitute teaching licenses are for substitute teaching. Substitute licenses do not meet proper certification requirements under ORC 3319.074.
- Educational Aide or Student Monitor Permits should be obtained for staff who supervise students outside of classroom instruction.
NWEA Map Growth Update
If your school uses the NWEA Map Growth assessments, you may have received a communication from NWEA about choosing between the traditional MAP Growth assessment and a new version, requiring a decision by June 1, 2024. NWEA has determined that all schools and districts in Ohio will be staying with the current version of MAP Growth. There is no longer a need for you to take any action or return the form previously sent from NWEA.
For questions about the Department's List of Approved Assessments, please contact ApprovedAssessments@education.ohio.gov.
Rapback Information Update
In October 2023, the State Board of Education was granted the authority under Ohio law to enroll non-licensed individuals in Rapback including school bus drivers, employees, and contractors. The expanded Rapback project will not be able to add non-licensed individuals until Summer of 2024. The State Board of Education is periodically updating the Rapback section of their website regarding the expansion. Please continue to check their website for updates.
Nonpublic School Student Participation in Public School Extracurricular Activities
ORC 3313.5311 speaks to the ability of nonpublic school students to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools when the specific extracurricular activity is not offered by their nonpublic school. Please consult the ORC for more details or to see how it applies to an individual student’s situation.
Upcoming Deadlines
Office of Assessment:
Nonpublic School Participation in State Assessments
Ohio Revised Code 3301.0711 (K)(3) requires that chartered nonpublic schools notify the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce by July 31 of their intent to administer state tests for the upcoming school year. Communication was sent to all nonpublic schools from the Office of Assessment in early May. Schools that submit an “affirmative intent to participate” must indicate the specific statewide tests they plan to administer in the 2024-2025 school year. An agreement to participate in the 2024-2025 test administration is nonbinding. Responding “No” to question 8 of the Intent to Participate Form indicates that a school is declining participation in ALL statewide tests for the 2024-2025 school year.
Here is the link to begin the notification process: 2024-2025 Intent to Participate.
If you have questions about the intent to participate notification process for statewide tests, please send an email to IntentToParticipate@Education.Ohio.Gov.
Office of Nutrition:
The new threshold for the Community Provisions Eligibility for the National School Lunch Program is 25% of the identified student population for the next year and is based on information from the Direct Certification process. Documentation for the Community Provisions Eligibility must be submitted by June 30, 2024. For questions, call 614-466-2945.
Summer Electronic Transfer (S-EBT)
On May 7th, schools received a link for submission of students certified for free and reduced meals so that they will be provided with the summer funds. Schools were provided with a letter that can be given to households who were not directly certified but may qualify for the program. For questions, email support@ohio-k12.help or call 866-244-0071 and select option 1.
Office of Budget and School Funding:
FY24 Administrative Cost Reimbursement – May 13 – Aug. 31, 2024. Payments will be made on Nov. 11, 2024, Feb. 13, 2025, and April 10, 2025.
FY24 Auxiliary Services expenditures July 1 – Nov. 15, 2024
FY25 Count Week will be Oct. 7 – 11, 2024. FY25 State ADM report due by Oct. 31, 2024.
Auxiliary Services payments for FY25 will be made on Aug. 15, 2024 (estimated payment based on 2023-2024 enrollment), Nov. 21, 2024 (estimated payment based on 2023-2024 enrollment) and Feb 20, 2025 (actual payment based on 2024-2025 enrollment).
For questions about any of these topics, email sarah.stirling@education.ohio.gov.
Cleveland, EdChoice & EdChoice Expansion Scholarship Program Reminders
FY24 Alternative Assessment Upload & Deadline
The Alternative Assessment Upload feature allows you to enter all alternative assessment results for students participating in a scholarship program at once. If your school has two or more students in grades 3-12 on a scholarship (EdChoice Traditional, EdChoice Expansion, Cleveland, and Jon Peterson), you must use the bulk upload process for the approved alternative assessment scores. Please use the spreadsheet exported from the scholarship system, enter the alternative assessment test data in the spreadsheet and upload it into the scholarship system. The deadline for entering assessment data is June 17th.
A quick guide, Alternative Assessment Upload Instructions, is available to assist you with this upload process. The guide can be found in the User Manual and Forms tab in the Other Help Documents section in the scholarship system.
FY2024 Attendance
Attendance for all FY2024 scholarships needs to be entered and finalized by end of business on Friday, June 28th, 2024. If you have any questions or issues with the process, please contact your school’s assigned consultant.
FY2025 Student Applications
The Scholarship System is now open for the 2024-2025 school year as of February 1, 2024, and will remain open through June 30, 2025. New student applications have begun to be awarded. Renewal applications will not be awarded until after all FY2024 student attendance and assessment data has been submitted in June.
FY2025 Income Documents
The income documents for the FY2025 application year are now available on the website.
Upcoming Virtual Office Hours
- Wednesday June 5th from 10:00am – 11:00am
Click here to access the Microsoft Teams Meeting for the EdChoice virtual office hours.
Income Verification & Reconsiderations FY2024
As a reminder to providers, we do not accept reconsiderations for income unless there’s been a significant error in the calculations by our office.
FY2024 student applications placed in “Not Eligible” status for missing income verification documentation are eligible for reconsideration. Please have the parents complete the reconsideration form and provide the correct income verification documents for processing. This documentation should be emailed by the school to the school’s assigned EdChoice consultant for review.
Provider Applications for FY2025
The provider application window for FY2025 opened on December 1, 2023. Please be aware that ONLY the building principal may start the provider application process. The provider application must be approved to submit student applications.
Autism & JPSN Scholarship Program Reminders
The FY2025 Provider Application is currently open for both the Autism and JPSN Scholarship Programs.
The FY2025 Autism & JPSN Scholarship Application renewal windows are currently open. Please be sure you are completing the student application in its entirety; this includes the student’s physical and mailing address. We are also requiring that birth certificates be uploaded to all student applications.
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