Senate committee hears substitute that delays career‑connected learning deadlines and emphasizes flexibility

Senator Kahler presented a substitute to Senate Bill 328 that adjusts timelines and clarifies implementation details for career‑connected learning. The substitute pushes back school implementation to the 2027–28 cohort, requires the Department of Education to produce professional‑skills standards and a career‑coaching framework by March 2027, and moves the Return on Investment Initiative reporting deadline to December 2027.

The substitute also clarifies middle‑school career exploration as at least 60 hours of instruction across grades six through eight, allows career‑technical courses in grades 7–8 to count for both CTE and career exploration, and explicitly allows schools to use existing personnel (counselors, teachers, career coaches) rather than mandating new state positions.

Cassie Palsgrove of OhioExcels said the substitute "reflects stakeholder input and strengthens both implementation and clarity," noting collaboration with practitioners, workforce partners, and state agencies. Melissa Cropper, president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and a library‑media specialist, told the committee the bill can improve student engagement by making schoolwork more relevant and providing structured exposure to careers.

Chad Aldis of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute highlighted three core elements likely to have the greatest system impact: a middle‑school career‑exploration requirement, annual academic and career planning beginning in eighth grade, and the return‑on‑investment initiative to tie programs to outcomes.

What happens next: The committee heard proponent testimony; sponsors and stakeholders will continue refining implementation guidance and supports ahead of further committee action.