Buckeye Reporter

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Ohio secured the forth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 85.5%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Ohio scored an 88% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored an 82%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Ohio earned an 88%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Flying high with its pioneering choice program, ambitious charter expansion and opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning put the Buckeye state in the top five for parent power! Efforts in 2023 and 2024 to improve equity and provide support for schools breaking the mold in entrepreneurial ways would make Ohio's very own Wright Brothers proud," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor DeWine seized the moment and signed into law a major expansion of the Education Choice Scholarship making it accessible to all K-12 students across the state. Community (charter) schools also received a major boost with legislation that provides 92% of the funding of traditional public schools. Like the Wright Brothers, Governor DeWine has parent power soaring in Ohio," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”