Their efforts have produced, for the first time, a plan that will resolve the major school funding issues Ohio has faced for years. We pledge the support of our organizations and our members as you work to implement this plan. We recognize that there are important questions remaining to be settled, such as providing all districts at least an inflationary increase or not diverting any local revenues. However, we are confident that you will show the skill and leadership needed to make what will truly be remembered as a historic decision for students, for education, and for Ohio. A gap exists between children who have had quality early childhood education and those who have not.
Teachers report that one-third of children entering kindergarten are unprepared for school.
Children who receive comprehensive early childhood education achieve at a higher level than their peers - not just in kindergarten, but throughout their entire education. Proper early childhood education is indispensable to ensuring that every child enters school ready to learn. NEA believes that a quality early childhood education should be accessible and affordable to all. Federal law requires that public schools educate all children who enter them. IDEA commits the federal government to provide 40 percent of the costs incurred by the state and local school districts to educate students with disabilities.