Bill > SB328

This bill, titled the Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative, aims to enhance career exploration and planning for students by establishing new requirements and programs. It mandates that the Department of Education and Workforce develop professional skills standards and a statewide career coaching framework, and it requires school districts to provide at least 60 hours of career exploration instruction to students in grades six through eight, either through a dedicated course or an approved plan. The bill also introduces the "Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative" to improve the usefulness of education and workforce data through cross-agency data linkages and research, led by a team of state directors. Furthermore, it mandates the development of student career and academic plans for all students entering sixth grade starting in the 2027-2028 school year, which will outline their strengths, interests, career and academic goals, and post-graduation plans, with parental involvement encouraged. The bill also makes changes to existing laws regarding graduation requirements and career advising policies, and it repeals certain sections of the Revised Code related to these topics.