The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) has launched an investigation into testing irregularities at seven schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. This probe follows a statewide review of 2026 state test scores, which identified anomalies at 52 schools across Ohio. The investigation began in July after Columbus City Schools reported invalidated spring scores for all state tests at two of their high schools.

The schools under investigation in the Greater Cincinnati area include one building within the Cincinnati Public Schools district and six charter schools. The affected institutions are George Hays-Jennie Porter School, Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, Cincinnati Technology Academy, Northside Preparatory Academy, Mount Auburn Preparatory Academy, Mt. Healthy Preparatory and Fitness Academy, and ReGeneration Schools Avondale Elementary.

Responses from affected schools

Northside Preparatory Academy, through its superintendent Jamie Brady, acknowledged the investigation and expressed their commitment to cooperating with the state. Brady emphasized that the school takes test security seriously and is working to understand the data provided by ODEW. “We take the integrity of state testing seriously and go to great lengths to comply with ODEW’s testing requirements, procedures and review processes,” Brady stated.

Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy Superintendent Guyton Mathews also responded, expressing confidence in their procedures and eagerness to cooperate with the state’s inquiry. “CCPA has full confidence that its procedures align with all state requirements, and that the resulting data accurately reflects its students’ high levels of achievement,” Mathews said.

ReGeneration Schools, operating ReGeneration Avondale Elementary, acknowledged the review and expressed their willingness to assist the Department with its requests. Chief of Staff Caleb Hausman stated, “We have full confidence in the integrity and compliance of our state assessment security and student achievement data.”

Cincinnati Public Schools’ stance

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) has identified significant questions about the data and methodology underlying the state’s review. The district has requested student-level data to independently evaluate the state’s findings. CPS emphasized that statistical anomalies are not evidence of wrongdoing and that conclusions about Hays-Porter, its students, or its educators would be premature until the state provides more information.

The district has reached out to the state for clarity and will carefully review any information provided. CPS has also expressed its commitment to cooperating fully with the state, emphasizing the importance of test security.

The investigation’s scope and implications

The investigation is ongoing, and ODEW has not made a finding of wrongdoing at this stage. The review process involves examining the specific circumstances associated with each school and understanding the data provided by ODEW. The schools under investigation are cooperating with the review, with some involving legal counsel.

The implications of this investigation extend beyond the affected schools, as it highlights the importance of test security and the integrity of state assessment data. The outcomes of this investigation may influence future testing procedures and policies in Ohio.

As the investigation continues, the affected schools and the ODEW are expected to provide further updates and clarifications. The resolution of this investigation will be crucial in maintaining public confidence in the state’s educational assessment system.