07/14/2021

ODE Seeking Assistance for Education Industry-recognized Credentials

Please consider helping them review the criteria

The Ohio Department of Education and Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation are in need of a panel of professionals for each career field to review the full list of industry-recognized credentials. This is the first full review since the list was created in 2014. We are seeking volunteers to serve on the panels as a one-time commitment.

The Ohio Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation are partnering to convene panels of industry leaders to review the complete list of approved industry-recognized credentials for graduation. This list is important because it:

1. Affects high school graduation: Students can qualify for high school graduation by earning industry-recognized credentials to satisfy part of their high school graduation requirements.
2. Responds to critical workforce needs: Industry-recognized credentials can help employers validate the knowledge and skills of potential workers and move quickly to fill in-demand jobs. 
3. Increases work-based learning for students: Students who earn industry-recognized credentials in high school are better prepared for the workforce.

For these reasons, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have prioritized the expansion of industry-recognized credentials for high school students. This expansion is dependent upon a relevant and updated list of approved industry-recognized credentials.

The state is inviting leaders of the Ohio Business Industry to serve as a member of a review panel participating in the Complete Review of the Ohio Department of Education’s Industry-Recognized Credential List. The panel for each career field will be compiled of various professional individuals. Each panel member should be involved in the hiring process of their company.

The goal of the panels are to evaluate the currently approved list of industry-recognized credentials and licenses available to Ohio students. Facilitators will guide the review panel through a quick-moving, yet robust virtual discussion. The discussion should take approximately two hours, depending on the number of credentials to review.

You will be asked to consider the following questions:

1. Do you recognize the name of this credential?
2. What value does this credential have to your organization?
3. Would you or your organization make preferential hiring decisions based upon an applicant having this credential?

If you are interested in serving in this important role, please confirm your commitment to joining the review panel by clicking here. This is an important review process that benefits both students and employers.

If you have any questions, please contact Emma Waymire via email.