Bill Proposes More Classroom Time for Ohio Students
Ohio public school students may soon be required to spend more time in the classroom under a new proposal aimed at increasing instructional hours. Currently, Ohio mandates 1,001 hours per school year for students in grades 7-12, a figure that lags behind neighboring states such as Kentucky (1,062 hours), Michigan (1,098 hours), Texas (1,260 hours), and Wisconsin (1,050 hours). The proposed legislation would add 53 hours to Ohio’s requirement, bringing the total to 1,054 hours annually.
State lawmakers argue that this increase is necessary to prevent further declines in instructional time and help students recover from pandemic-related learning losses. Representative Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) emphasized that most schools likely already meet or exceed the new requirement, but the legislation would ensure that classroom time does not decrease further. Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania) added that Ohio needs to remain competitive with other states and nations when it comes to student achievement.
Parents like Sam Shim, who has an 11th grader in a Central Ohio public school, expressed concern that schools could cut hours if not held to a higher standard. While his child’s school already exceeds the current requirement, he worries that districts under financial strain might reduce instructional time.
The legislation does not dictate how schools should implement the additional hours, leaving that decision to local school districts. Lawmakers suggested possible solutions such as extending the school day slightly, reducing field trips, or limiting professional development days. Bird pointed out that spring, fall, and winter breaks have been extended in recent years, along with more three-day weekends, and he wants to stop this trend.
However, the Ohio Education Association (OEA) has raised concerns, particularly about the financial burden on schools. In a statement, the organization said it is still reviewing the bill’s potential impact but warned against creating “another large unfunded mandate” at a time when many districts are already facing funding cuts under House Bill 96.
Bird dismissed concerns about major cost increases, noting that teacher salaries remain unchanged regardless of whether students are present. The primary added expenses would be in transportation and food services for the extra instructional time.
