Cleveland schools slip in new state report cards despite gains
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Ohio school districts received their annual state report cards this week, the first to grade how well they're preparing students for life after graduation.
Why it matters: The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has historically struggled in that area. Its overall rating fell to 2.5 stars from three stars last school year, even though it saw gains in academic proficiency.
How it works: This year's ratings reflect the 2024-25 school year, with three stars indicating a district met state standards.
Zoom in: The new "college, career, workforce and military readiness" component measured how many students earned a "readiness indicator" such as honors diplomas, college credits, industry credentials or remediation-free ACT and SAT scores.
- Only 36% of CMSD students are meeting this standard, per the district.
What they're saying: "This is not a time to make excuses or slow our work down ... it's time to level up!" CMSD CEO Warren Morgan said in a statement.
- "We are making great academic progress, and we have pockets of excellence in our system, but we have work to do to ensure we are providing the excellent education all CMSD scholars need and deserve!"
Context: State report cards have been a moving target for educators for years, with gradually rolled out revamps — and a pandemic pause — making it difficult to compare markers year over year.
- This was just the third year with overall five-star ratings, the latest iteration.
- State lawmakers also continue to debate how school report cards should be used punitively against districts that perform poorly.
Friction point: While proponents say the state's report cards help hold districts accountable, critics say they're overly simplistic and mostly reflect factors such as student poverty.
Zoom out: Of Ohio's eight urban districts, only Akron exceeded state standards, with 3.5 stars.
What's next: Morgan will deliver his third State of the Schools address next month at the Huntington Convention Center.