Avenue for Answers

Located in booths 1428–1441 in Hall B, this is a popular place where attendees can go for expert one-to-one advice with representatives from various state agencies, associations and organizations. The Avenue for Answers is open Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon.

Accountability Booth 1434
Meet with experts from the ODE Office of Accountability, which is responsible for school and district report cards; improvements and innovations supporting schools; academic distress commissions; conducting reviews; and supporting school districts in establishing and strengthening a cycle of continuous improvement.

Career-tech education Booth 1437
Learn how career-technical education is being implemented in Ohio middle and high schools.

Child nutrition Booth 1435
Hear how ODE’s Office for Child Nutrition safeguards the health and well-being of children, encourages consumption of nutritious foods and teaches about proper eating habits and good health.

College Credit Plus (CCP) and the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) Purple Star Schools Booth 1440
Learn how the Ohio Department of Higher Education and ODE are working together to facilitate high school-to-college completion through CCP and the Adult Diploma Program. Ohio MIC3 addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, eligibility and graduation.

Curriculum and assessment Booth 1441
Discover what is happening in ODE’s Office of Curriculum and Assessment with the academic content standards. Ask questions about financial literacy, K-12 structuring and new policies that will impact your work. Learn what students know and can do as compared to the nation and other states. Discover over 3,000 test items — with statistics — available to schools.

Early learning and school readiness Booth 1438
Learn what is expected of children as they develop and grow. Hear how Ohio is working to create a seamless early learning and development system for all families by aligning policies, eligibility and processes with child care. Get an understanding of what the tiered quality rating and improvement system for early care looks like, and discover where to find high-quality learning centers for young children.

Exceptional children Booth 1436
Discuss topics related to students with disabilities as well as those who are gifted. Topics include: operating standards for educational agencies serving students with disabilities; gifted operating standards; and positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).

Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service Booth 1431 (Tuesday only)
Mediators explain the agency’s mission and how they provide assistance in creating a labor/management relationship that enhances the educational environment.

Ohio Auditor of State Office’s Legal Division Booth 1430 (Monday only)
Meet with representatives to discuss questions related to government audit matters and concerns.

Ohio Auditor of State Office’s Local Government Services Division Booth 1428 (Monday only)
Stop by to obtain legal, accounting and reporting information on school district operations.

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Booth 1428 (Tuesday only)
Learn about resources, tools and templates to help school districts maintain safe and healthy environments. Get up-to-date information on your workers’ compensation policy, including discount opportunities and strategies for keeping employees safe at work.

Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Cooperative Purchasing Booth 1432 (Tuesday only)
Learn how your district can save money using the state’s contracts, reduce its need for formal bidding and enroll in the Ohio DAS Cooperative Purchasing Program.

Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program Booth 1432 (Monday only)
Stop by to check out how your school district compares to the ODH model policy. Obtain resources on how your district can increase its policy score to earn ODH’s 100% tobacco-free designation and join over 100 school districts in being recognized as 100% tobacco-free.

Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Booth 1429
OFCC is responsible for building and renovating school buildings across the state. Meet with commission experts and discuss specific projects, energy-saving opportunities and ways to design buildings to meet the needs of your educational program.

Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession Booth 1439
ODE representatives are on hand to discuss educator effectiveness and licensure questions, including requirements for various types of professional development and licenses.

Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Booths 1431 and 1433 (Monday only)
How do I ask a student if he or she is in crisis? Virtual simulations can help. See virtual suicide prevention simulations in which participants have interactive discussions with on-screen avatars to learn how to recognize warning signs of K-12 student distress, have effective conversations with students and refer students to professional services. Learn how you can offer these free simulations in your district.

School Employees Retirement System of Ohio Booth 1433 (Tuesday only)
Discuss retirement education for nonteaching staff at public schools in Ohio.

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio Booth 1430 (Tuesday only)
Information is available for Ohio’s public school teachers on retirement and health care benefits as well as a review of current legislation.