Evan Eagleson is a Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action. In this role, he aids the advancement of student-centered legislation in the Great Lakes region.
As the 2025 legislative session moves forward, Ohio continues to make education a top priority. With a strong focus on literacy, career readiness, and classroom improvement, Gov. Mike DeWine and state lawmakers plan to advance policies that will better prepare students for higher education, the workforce and lifelong success.
In his recent State of the State Address, Gov. DeWine laid out an ambitious education agenda—one that builds on previous policy priorities and emphasizes stronger reading instruction, expanded career pathways, better educator development and distraction-free schools. Combined with the legislature’s work on education funding and school choice expansion, Ohio continues to set a national example in student-centered policymaking and show that education must be a focus each and every session.
Here’s a look at the major education priorities shaping Ohio’s 2025 legislative session—and what they mean for students, families and the future of the Buckeye State.
Ohio is doubling down on its commitment to evidence-based reading instruction. Gov. DeWine praised the state’s recent gains in English Language Arts proficiency, crediting the success of Ohio’s transition to the science of reading.
Key literacy initiatives:
These investments will help ensure every Ohio student masters foundational reading skills and builds content knowledge, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and success.
With record job creation and economic expansion in Ohio, ensuring students graduate ready for the workforce is a top priority for state leaders. Gov. DeWine tasked Lt. Governor Jim Tressel with leading the development of Ohio’s Workforce Playbook—a statewide initiative to align education with the needs of Ohio’s growing industries.
Key education-to-workforce initiatives moving forward:
With a clear focus on education-to-career alignment, these policies will improve pathways for students and strengthen Ohio’s economy.
As more research emerges on the impact of screen time on student focus and learning, Gov. DeWine has called for limiting cell phone use during school hours statewide. Citing overwhelming evidence from schools that have already implemented similar policies, he urged lawmakers to put an end to classroom distractions and give students more time to engage in meaningful learning.
Why this matters:
With broad public and educator support, Ohio lawmakers should consider formalizing this policy statewide.
Recognizing that strong school leadership drives student success, Gov. DeWine has proposed the Ohio Principal Apprenticeship Program—a two-year training program that pairs aspiring principals with veteran school leaders.
Why this matters:
Ensuring each school is led by a highly effective principal is critical for student success, this initiative positions Ohio as a leader in innovative school leadership development.
Ohio’s education budget also prioritizes education choice and fair funding for charter schools, ensuring that every child has access to the learning environment that best meets their needs.
Key school funding and choice initiatives:
With Ohio families demanding more educational options, these investments reflect the state’s commitment to funding students—not systems.
Gov. DeWine’s 2025 education agenda is bold, data-driven and student-centered. With a clear focus on improving literacy, expanding career pathways and removing barriers to learning—Ohio is positioning itself as a leader in K-12 education policy.
What comes next?
At ExcelinEd in Action, we commend Gov. DeWine and Ohio policymakers’ commitment to bold, student-centered policies and look forward to working alongside lawmakers and education leaders to ensure every Ohio student is set up for success.
