COLUMBUS – The Columbus City Schools was one of 14 traditional school districts to receive the lowest grades in the state’s latest report cards.
For the first time, the reports released Thursday use an A-to-F scale to grade schools overall and on components such as achievement on state tests and graduation rates.
About 40 percent of public schools got an A or B overall. In central Ohio, that included Bexley, Granville and New Albany, according to a report in The Columbus Dispatch.
Less than 10 percent – including Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo — got an F.
State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria says people should dig into the details for a clearer picture.
Schools awaited the overall grading for several years while Ohio changed how they’re evaluated and stopped using designations like “effective” or “continuous improvement.”
Using overall grades remains controversial among some lawmakers and others. Supporters including Republican Gov. John Kasich say it provides clarity.
Opponents argue it’s overly simplistic and unduly influenced by local economic status.