To amend section 3301.0712 and to enact section 3345.065 of the Revised Code regarding the use of nationally standardized assessments in public and chartered nonpublic schools and state institutions of higher education.
Summary
HB326 would amend Ohio’s student assessment law to add the Classic Learning Test (CLT) to the list of nationally standardized college-admission assessments used in the state’s college- and work-ready testing system. Under the bill, the Department of Education and Workforce and the Chancellor of Higher Education would jointly select nationally standardized assessments, and each school district or school would choose one of the approved tests to administer to eleventh-grade students. The bill also requires state institutions of higher education that use one of these nationally standardized assessments for admission to accept all of the assessments selected under the statute, which would prevent a public university from favoring one approved test over another.
The bill also makes conforming and technical changes to Ohio’s graduation-testing framework. It preserves the existing end-of-course exam structure, including the use of AP, IB, and certain advanced standing course grades as substitutes for some exams, and it continues to require the state to set score ranges, cumulative performance calculations, and competency scores tied to graduation eligibility. The bill does not eliminate existing testing requirements; rather, it expands the menu of accepted college-admission assessments and ties that expansion to higher-education admissions policy.
Its impact on state law would be to amend Revised Code section 3301.0712 and create new section 3345.065. In practical terms, public school districts, chartered nonpublic schools, and state colleges and universities would need to recognize the CLT alongside other nationally standardized assessments selected under the statute. The measure would also affect students and families by broadening the set of tests that can be used for college admissions in Ohio, while leaving the state’s graduation assessment system largely intact.
The general sentiment reflected in the bill’s progress is favorable, with the measure advancing through the House Education Committee and then passing the House by a substantial margin. That suggests broad support for expanding assessment options and aligning state policy with multiple college-admission tests. The absence of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote totals indicate the bill was not broadly opposed at the chamber level.
The main point of contention appears to be whether Ohio should formally elevate the CLT to the same status as other nationally standardized admissions tests and require higher education institutions to accept all approved assessments equally. Supporters likely view the bill as increasing choice and consistency for students, while critics may be concerned about test proliferation, admissions policy constraints on universities, or the policy implications of adding a newer assessment to the state’s framework.
Impact
HB326 would amend Ohio’s Revised Code to include the Classic Learning Test in the state’s college- and work-ready assessment system and would require state institutions of higher education that use a nationally standardized assessment for admission to accept all assessments selected under the statute. It would also make related conforming changes to the state’s high school testing and graduation framework, while leaving most existing end-of-course exam requirements and substitution rules in place.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have generally favorable momentum. It received a favorable committee vote and then passed the House by a clear margin, indicating support for expanding approved college-admission testing options and standardizing how public institutions treat those tests. No committee transcript was provided, so the record does not show detailed floor or committee arguments, but the voting history suggests the proposal was broadly accepted.
Contention
The likely controversy centers on the inclusion of the Classic Learning Test and the requirement that state institutions accept all nationally standardized assessments selected under the law. Supporters likely favor broader test choice for students and families, while opponents may question whether the CLT should be treated on par with more established exams or whether the state should limit university discretion in admissions testing. Any debate would also likely touch on whether the bill meaningfully changes graduation policy or simply adds another admissions pathway.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.