Bill > SB328

This bill establishes the Education and Workforce Return on Investment Initiative, a comprehensive effort to improve career exploration, academic planning, and data-driven education strategies in Ohio. The bill requires middle schools to offer a half-unit career exploration course beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, which must include career field exploration, hands-on learning opportunities, financial planning exercises, interest assessments, professional skills development, career coaching, and academic planning. Schools will be required to create academic and career plans for students starting in eighth grade, with annual reviews and parental involvement. The Department of Education and Workforce will develop professional skills standards, a statewide career coaching framework, and create a leadership team to coordinate cross-agency data sharing and research about education and workforce outcomes. The initiative aims to provide better insights into education and career pathways, improve student career readiness, and create more transparent connections between educational experiences and workforce opportunities. The bill also updates various existing education statutes to support these new requirements and ensures that students receive comprehensive guidance about their academic and career potential.

Education

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb328