Kasich Signs 3rd-Grade Teacher Pool Bill

A bill making more teachers temporarily eligible to participate in meeting Ohio's new third-grade reading guarantee has been signed into law. Republican Gov. John Kasich signed the measure Tuesday. It revises teacher eligibility guidelines and makes other changes to address an anticipated shortage of educators. Ohio's program requires that students be proficient in reading before leaving third grade. The law scraps required completion of a "scientifically research-based reading instruction program," allowing certain highly-rated teachers with strong track records in reading to qualify. Those holding alternative credentials, such as in speech therapy, and not serving as a student's "teacher of record" are also freed to help. An emergency clause makes the law effective in time for lining up next school year's teachers.