RELEASE: Rep. Brenner Applauds ODE's Adopting Changes As Suggested in His HB 74

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State Representative Andrew O. Brenner (R-Powell) commends the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) today for their reduction of testing time for state assessments. Representative Brenner previously introduced House Bill 74, which called for the reduction of state tests and limiting the time to three hours per year per subject. Fortunately, the ODE has made adjustments that are very similar to those recommended by Representative Brenner in HB 74. Brenner has continued to push for the changes outlined in HB 74. 

 

Representative Brenner said he was "ecstatic" when he learned that the ODE was making changes that would mean testing lengths will be close to what he sought in HB 74. He noted that the ODE “is doing what they need to be doing” in order to remedy the problems with testing lengths. 

HB 74 was introduced on February 19, 2015, well before the testing hour reduction announcement recently made by the ODE. Representative Brenner has been on record urging the administration and the ODE to remedy the issues with PARCC, the length of state assessments, and other policy issues. 

 

ODE announced in July the elimination of the PARCC assessments, another policy Representative Brenner has been supporting through legislation. He welcomes "the positive policy changes at ODE" and looks forward to continuing to work with the leaders at ODE to encourage necessary adjustments.

Today in the Ohio Senate

The Senate will consider the following during today’s session (1:30 p.m.):

Urging Disapproval of the Iran Nuclear Deal: Senator Joe Uecker (R-Miami Township) sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 to urge Congress to vote against President Obama's proposed Iranian nuclear agreement. Beyond security concerns, the proposed agreement includes coercive language that may compel state and local officials to change their policies in order to satisfy the new relationship between the United States and Iran.

Administering an Efficient Justice System: House Bill 11, sponsored by Representative Andrew Brenner (R-Powell), seeks to create a judgeship to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which currently has two judges. Delaware County has nearly doubled in population over the last 25 years. The growing population requires additional services from the county, including an additional judgeship to focus on domestic relations.

Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer: Sponsored by Representatives Al Landis (R-Dover) and Nan Baker (R-Westlake), House Bill 93 permits motorcycles to apply for a “Breast Cancer Awareness” license plate.

Honoring Astronaut Neil Armstrong: Senator Shannon Jones (R-Springboro) sponsored Senate Bill 131, which designates a stretch of State Route 123 within Warren County as the Neil Armstrong Memorial Highway.

Supporting Baseball for All: Senate Bill 159, sponsored by Senator Jim Hughes (R-Columbus), designates a "Baseball for All" license plate with proceeds from each purchased plate going to the Grove City Little League Dream Field Fund. Dream Field allows people with special needs, including those who use wheelchairs and walkers, to be able to access and use the field.