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3/15/2019
By: Staff Blogger
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3/15/2019
By: Staff Blogger
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3/14/2019
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3/13/2019
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3/10/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Delegates, diplomacy and inspiring declarations…the Ohio Model United Nations has it all! State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria attended the Junior Ohio Model United Nations International Summit on Sunday and Monday to meet with students and watch the dynamic showcase of leadership and learning in action. The Ohio Model United Nations is a three-day simulation program in which student delegates represent selected member countries of the United Nations. Students began preparations months in advance of the event, which is centered on writing, presenting and debating original resolutions that deal with current world issues. The Junior Ohio Model United Nations is the only program of its kind in the nation. More than 1,000 middle school students participated in this year’s summit. See more from the summit and watch Superintendent DeMaria interview students and educators below about how the program creates global learning connections.
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3/9/2019
By: Staff Blogger
The Ohio Center for Law-Related Education welcomed 300 students, representing 23 schools, to the annual Ohio Mock Trial in Columbus. In its 36th year, it is the state’s largest high school academic competition. Over the course of the three-day event, students sharpened their arguments and showcased their masterful critical thinking, reasoning, teamwork and communication skills for this year’s case focused on Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures as it applies to technology.
Legal professionals volunteer their time as judges, competition coordinators and advisors during this authentic trial experience. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria attended the state championship final round on March 9 between Indian Hill High School (Hamilton County) and Sylvania Southview High School (Lucas County). Congratulations to each of the participants, and bravo to the 2019 champions – the students from Indian Hill High School! The state champs from Indian Hill Exempted Village School District will represent Ohio later this school year at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Georgia.
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3/8/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Children of parents who are engaged in their education are much more likely to graduate and succeed. The Center on Education and Training for Employment at The Ohio State University, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education, received a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to develop a statewide center to serve Ohio’s families and schools. The Statewide Family Engagement Center empowers families to support their children’s education and provides comprehensive training and technical assistance to schools and organizations that support family-school partnerships. Over the course of the five-year grant, the Ohio Department of Education will receive more than $700,000, and the grant is projected to reach more than 10,000 families over the next five years.
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3/5/2019
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3/4/2019
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3/2/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Every story brings a new chance to learn! Protagonists from every genre were getting a page-turning workout for Read Across America Day on March 2. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria joined the celebration of stories as a guest reader for family story time at the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Superintendent DeMaria read Bark, George by Jules Feiffer to a group enthusiastic young learners.
Ohio’s libraries are fantastic education partners. Library CEO Patrick Losinski and Director of Strategic Initiatives Nikki Scarpitti welcomed Superintendent DeMaria to their world of wisdom and wonder, and highlighted the many mays the Columbus Library creates and strengthens learning for students. Story time is among the many ways families can work together on fundamental reading strategies. Reading aloud to children is a great way to engage young learners, promote language development and reinforce early literacy skills. Did you know reading three new picture books a week to children can increase their vocabulary by 40 percent? Sarah Wright, Youth Services Manager, shared how families can practice these literacy skills at home and build excitement for reading. Follow along below with highlights from Twitter and Instagram.
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2/26/2019
By: Staff Blogger
- Step One: Aspire to make a difference.
- Step Two: Inspire everyone around you.
These intricate and visionary steps drive the educators in Dayton Public Schools. Their work to make a difference in the lives of students was on full display when State Board of Education Vice President Charlotte McGuire and State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria visited the district today. Dayton Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli and Treasurer Hiwot Abraha shared points of pride from every grade level during visits to Edison Elementary, River’s Edge Montessori, Stivers School for the Arts and Belmont High School. Superintendent DeMaria met with teachers and students to learn about the variety of dynamic teaching and learning experiences the district offers. Check out highlights from
Superintendent DeMaria’s Twitter feed below!
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2/26/2019
By: Staff Blogger
It was a teaching and learning showcase today in Centerville City Schools. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria joined State Board of Education Vice President Charlotte McGuire to visit learning communities in the Montgomery County district. During the visit, Superintendent DeMaria connected with educators, staff and students at Primary Village North Elementary and Centerville High School.
Primary Village North Elementary earned the State Board of Education’s Overall A Award, which recognizes high performing schools and their efforts to earn this grade on the Ohio School Report Card. Principal Mindy Cline and her education team highlighted the many ways their school promotes building character among its learners. The school emphasizes care plus a commitment to preparing all students for success.
“Superb,” “high-energy” and “dynamic” describe Centerville High School social studies teacher Jason Whited. Mr. Whited is the 2019 Teacher of the Year for State Board of Education District 3. Superintendent DeMaria and State Board Vice President McGuire observed his class and listened to students’ rich discussion of the events leading up to World War II. While at Centerville High School, Superintendent DeMaria interviewed a group of learners to hear how the district includes student insights and viewpoints to strengthen its decision-making and whole child focus.
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2/22/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Every Ohio student is on a unique path to greatness. One of the key strategies in Each Child, Our Future – Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education – details the importance of a rich and meaningful high school experience. This strategy discusses giving students multiple ways to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for every avenue after high school. Ohio’s career and technical education programs are essential to providing these hands-on learning experiences for students. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria celebrated Career Tech Month with visits to three Career Tech centers on Feb. 22 — Swiss Hills Career Center, Belmont-Harrison Career Center and C-TEC of Licking County. Each stop featured exemplary educators, excited and engaged learners and impactful business and industry partners. At C-TEC, Superintendent DeMaria moderated a panel discussion with students and a teacher to hear success stories of how the school prepares students for college, advanced training and the workforce. Follow along below with highlights from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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2/22/2019
By: Staff Blogger
As students prepare for the next steps on their learning journeys, Ohio Department of Education staff members are always thrilled to hear how these plans will help others, positively impact their peers and shape the future of our state. One central Ohio student’s career aspirations will certainly shape education, but from a position that may not be on typical high school senior’s radar. Andrew Knox’s goal is to become the state superintendent of public instruction.
Andrew reached out to State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria to share that the Department was a planned stop on his career path, so he may fill Ohio’s top seat in education and one day become the state superintendent. On Feb. 20, Andrew took one step closer to his ultimate career goal when he reported for duty at the Ohio Department of Education and assumed the ceremonial role of state superintendent for the day.
Andrew’s resume certainly is not limited to his single day tenure as state superintendent. As a student at the Ohio School for the Deaf, Andrew already has made a profound impact to address the challenges faced by Deaf Ohioans and is an advocate for shaping the ways in which these areas can be addressed. Prior to serving as Ohio’s state schools chief, Andrew helped change the course of state history with his contributing efforts to support the passage of legislation in 2017 to declare Ohio Deaf History Month (March 13-April 15).
Much like Superintendent DeMaria encounters daily, Andrew kept a full calendar of connections with partners to continue strengthening the learning opportunities for Ohio’s 1.7 million K-12 students. From meetings with other state agency directors and members of the governor’s cabinet to sharing his positions on policy during a mock interview with a Columbus Dispatch reporter to lobbying for additional funding for early literacy education for Deaf students, Andrew’s critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills were on full display.
Our team extends gratitude to Andrew for sharing his ideas, inspiring our work and spending the day with us at the Ohio Department of Education. Follow Andrew’s entire day below through Superintendent DeMaria’s Twitter feed!
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2/18/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Hail to the (state education) chief! Presidents’ Day is the perfect day to take a step back in time and celebrate Ohio’s connection to our country’s highest office. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria did just that through the eyes of Rutherford B. Hayes. Visiting locations throughout central Ohio with historical significance to the 19th president, Superintendent DeMaria reprised the role of Hayes to recognize the contributions of the former commander in chief, congressman and Ohio governor. From visits to the Ohio Statehouse to The Ohio State University, follow along with Superintendent DeMaria as he lives history!
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2/15/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Ohio’s career and technical education programs give students incredible options for college and rewarding careers. As part of Career Tech Month, State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria joined State Board member Mike Toal to visit the Upper Valley Career Center in Piqua. Passion for career tech was paramount from parents, students and educators during the visit. Students are prepared for success in college, advanced training and the workforce thanks to the Upper Valley instructional team.
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2/15/2019
By: Staff Blogger
A sign hanging in the Dayton Regional STEM School says, “The Real World Starts Here.” This approach to teaching and preparing students for success in a global economy is what drives the school’s culture of continuous improvement and innovative educational experiences. Two Dayton STEM students led State Board of Education Vice President Charlotte McGuire and State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria on a tour of their dynamic teaching and learning community. Students are empowered to take ownership of their learning through the principles of STEM education, engaging instructional strategies, project-based learning and career exploration.
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2/14/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Tech marks the spot at this year’s Ohio Educational Technology Conference. Each year thousands of education technology professionals, teachers and curriculum directors attend the conference, known as OETC, to advance the teaching and learning in Ohio’s classrooms. Using technology as a tool to enhance and differentiate instruction, attendees learn new ways to help students explore, think critically and meet their learning goals. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria provided welcoming remarks on day 2 of the three-day event, and connected with attendees and education partners.
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2/14/2019
By: Staff Blogger
“Start your plan here!” This is the message South-Western Career Academy educators share with students as they explore their many options after high school. February is Career and Technical Education Month and State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria visited the South-Western City Schools to learn about the exciting ways the district prepares students for success. Career certifications, postsecondary credit and valuable in-demand skills are the cornerstones to the district’s career tech programs and instructional leaders showcased the many ways in which students are ready to explore a host of future possibilities.
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2/11/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Increasing the number of highly effective teachers and leaders is one of 10 strategies set forth in Each Child, Our Future – Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education. The educators at John Foster Dulles Elementary personify this strategy with their exceptional commitment to students and social-emotional learning. Supporting the whole child is at the center of Each Child, Our Future and at the heart of this learning community’s culture of caring. Dulles was named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School for their focus on continuous improvement and preparing all students for success. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education presented Elizabeth Riesenberger, Dulles Elementary principal, with the Terrel H. Bell award for outstanding leadership. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria visited the Oak Hills Local School District in Cincinnati on Feb. 8 to see the incredible learning connections Dulles Elementary educators create for students.
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2/11/2019
By: Staff Blogger
For Sycamore High School students, it’s more than innovation. It’s Synnovation. The school’s Synnovation Lab shifted away from a traditional bell schedule so that students are able to set a pace that works best for their individual learning styles. With its dynamic approach to personalized learning, students are empowered to take ownership of their instruction and challenged to take responsibility for when they master a concept and are ready to advance to the next area. Sycamore sophomores Isabel and Jake personally invited State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria to see their school in action. The students showcased Sycamore’s points of pride on Feb. 8 during Superintendent DeMaria’s visit.
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1/23/2019
By: Staff Blogger
State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria spent Tuesday in southwest Ohio visiting schools and an educator leadership program. In the Southwest Local School District, he stopped at Miamitown Elementary School to see how they effectively embrace school culture — a key reason the school has been named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School, 2018 Momentum Award winner and 2018 High Progress School of Honor. Also in Southwest Local, Harrison High School put their impressive programs on display, showing how they prepare students for post-high school pathways. Superintendent DeMaria then headed to Three Rivers Local School District's state-of-the-art campus to hear about their safety and security services and diverse learning opportunities for students. He finished his day at the University of Cincinnati’s Alpaugh Scholars Leadership Program, where area education leaders learn leadership skills and interact with local businesses to learn the unique opportunities and challenges of the region.
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1/14/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Part of building excitement for student learning means creating a culture of continuous improvement and feedback for educators and staff. Providing students with the necessary supports helps to meet their unique needs and positions them to learn and grow. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria visited Ashville Elementary School on Jan. 11 and learned how their educators and staff create a positive school climate for kids. The Ohio Department of Education recently recognized Ashville Elementary, in the Teays Valley Local School District, as one of the state’s High Progress Schools of Honor for 2018.
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1/14/2019
By: Staff Blogger
Central Elementary School educators shine a spotlight on improvement with their focus on foundational knowledge and skills, one of the four learning domains critical to the success of students. This focus, showcased in Each Child, Our Future and connected to its accountability system, is one of the reasons the school was recognized as a High Progress School of Honor for 2018. On Jan. 11, State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria visited Central Elementary, in the Logan-Hocking School District, to meet this community of caring educators and staff.
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1/9/2019
By: Staff Blogger
In December, the Ohio Department of Education recognized 66 schools as High Progress Schools of Honor for 2018. These schools have sustained high achievement and substantial progress while addressing non-academic barriers to learning. State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria visited Rockhill Elementary in the Alliance City School District, one of the Schools of Honor, to see teaching and learning in action and how educators create the conditions for student success.
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1/7/2019
By: Staff Blogger
School district superintendents and central office personnel from across Ohio assembled for a two-day seminar as part of the Ashland Leadership Academy. In conjunction with Ashland University, the seminar provides professional development, networking and team-building opportunities. Paolo DeMaria, superintendent of public instruction, spoke to the group on Jan. 5 about Each Child, Our Future—Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education.
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4/21/2017
By: Paolo DeMaria
One of the things I love about my job is traveling to different schools around Ohio and seeing education policies in action. On April 4, Gov. John Kasich’s annual State of the State Address was held in Sandusky, Ohio. In events leading up to the address, I visited several northern Ohio schools and got a glimpse of just a few of the outstanding education programs offered in our schools.
One of my first stops was to Tiffin Middle School, where I spoke with students and mentors in the Seneca Mentoring Youth Links program, made possible by a Community Connectors mentoring grant. Students in the program otherwise may not have positive adult role models in their lives. It was encouraging to hear directly from students and mentors about the roles they play in one another’s lives. Particularly notable was the observation that mentors learned and grew almost as much as their student mentees.
I visited a preschool at Bellevue Elementary school. This amazing program earned five stars — the highest rating — in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality rating system. I was impressed with how these students are already developing a sophisticated academic vocabulary. During one activity, they were naming shapes like “sphere,” “cone,” “cylinder,” etc. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t doing that when I was 4 years old! The district’s investment in its youngest students — many from low-income backgrounds and who may have other special needs — will lay the foundation for future success in school, including giving them a leg up on meeting the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. My visit concluded with a discussion with the students’ families, where they shared with me the powerful impact the program has made in their children’s lives.
At Terra State Community College, President Jerome Webster hosted a great event that highlighted the power of partnerships. I heard from panelists representing businesses, colleges, high schools and education partners. The panelists talked about how the partnerships they formed are meeting the area’s workforce needs and creating hope and opportunity for adult learners. Programs like the Ohio Adult Diploma and College Credit Plus are helping Ohioans, young and old, find paths to better employment or advanced education. College Credit Plus helps students get some college credits while in high school. The program is free and can help students reduce student loan debt and begin their college freshman year ahead of their peers. Earning an Ohio Adult Diploma can be life changing for the 1 million adults in Ohio who do not have high school diplomas. It opens new doors to better jobs and, for many, it offers a pathway out of poverty.
Culinary students at EHOVE Career Center treated me to a fantastic lunch, where school leaders joined me to discuss programs at the career center. We toured the school and experienced 21st century learning as I tried out the school’s fascinating virtual reality model of a human heart. The school exemplifies project-based learning in its Fab Lab. It was phenomenal to see what students were able to create here! The lab lets students identify engineering projects and see them through from concept to design to production using a wide variety of high-tech equipment (laser cutters, 3-D printers, etc.). Students have fabricated everything from engines to a huge version of Ohio’s state seal — all while gaining STEM skills and exploring in-demand jobs. Superintendent Mastroianni is providing great leadership at one of Ohio’s great career centers.
Next, I visited Perkins High School in Sandusky. At an Ohio Business Roundtable discussion, business and community leaders talked about how to develop a skilled workforce that can grow Ohio’s economy. We learned about programs in Perkins Local School District and Sandusky City Schools that are creating partnerships with businesses, as well as opportunities for students to make connections to careers. Students made presentations about how the skills they are developing now will help them in the future. It was inspiring to see students making those career connections early on and taking full advantage of their high school experiences to get ready for the future.
My final visit was to Sandusky High School. Sandusky City Schools received Straight A Funds that they used to create internship opportunities for students. The students are interning at local companies and organizations that are connected 
to the global economy, such as NASA, PNC Bank and the Ohio Army National Guard. I very much enjoyed talking with students in the program. They have great insight and they tell it like it is — one student asked me about the emerging alternative graduation requirements, wondering what motivation students would have to attend classes and do their best if we make graduation easier. I also enjoyed talking with teachers about the joys and challenges of teaching in high school.
It was really neat to see so many aspects of Ohio’s education system in a single day! My colleagues on the State Board of Education, President Tess Elshoff and Board Member Linda Haycock, joined me for several events. At every event, we were able to have meaningful, engaging dialogue with educators, students, families and citizens. It was clear to me that we all want the very best for our children. Educational opportunity is critical to advancing individual students and Ohio’s economy as a whole. I genuinely appreciate all of the teachers, administrators and school personnel who work every day in the best interests of our students. I also want to thank all of the schools and districts who hosted these events. There are some truly fabulous things going on in our schools. It was an incredible experience, and I learned so much in our conversations.
You can follow State Board of Education President Tess Elshoff at twitter.com/Tess_Elshoff and Board Member Linda Haycock at twitter.com/linda_haycock.
Paolo DeMaria is superintendent of public instruction of Ohio, where he works to support an education system of nearly 3,600 public schools and more than 1.6 million students.
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Last Modified: 6/1/2016 4:16:44 PM