The bill amends sections of the Revised Code to introduce implicit bias training for licensed educators in Ohio, specifically through the new section 3319.2214. This training aims to help educators recognize and address implicit biases that may influence their teaching and interactions with students, promoting equity and inclusivity in educational settings. The bill also establishes requirements for community schools, including the necessity for contracts to outline the school's mission, academic goals, performance standards, and admission policies, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining racial and ethnic balance within the student body.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that school districts and chartered nonpublic schools reimburse licensed employees for the costs associated with completing a specified number of graduate-level credit hours or continuing education units in implicit bias training, effective July 1, 2025. The state board of education and the chancellor of higher education will determine the number of reimbursable credit hours and set minimum training standards. The bill also allows local professional development committees to count this training toward licensure renewal requirements. Additionally, it includes provisions for state reimbursement to schools for these training costs and appropriates funds from the General Revenue Fund to support the implementation of these new training requirements.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24