VLA Live Webinar (5/20/26)

Click here to join the webinar

Mental Health Awareness Month (5/12/26)

Jefferson County ESC

Virtual Learning Academy

Click the slideshow below to learn more about Mental Health Awareness!

NextUp Scholarship and Webinar (3/12/26)

NextUp Student Scholarship

Scholarship Application Link

We're excited to announce that the 2026 NextUp Student Scholarship is officially open. Two students will each receive $500 to support their next step toward college, training, or vocational school. Applications are due by April 10th.

Student & Family Webinar

Webinar Registration Link

Date: April 2, 2026, at 11 AM CST

Title: High School vs. College: What's the Difference?

Presenter: Jen Holdorf, BHC Disability Service Coordinator

If you have any questions, please contact NextUp:

Phone: (309) 228-2826

Website: transitioncurriculum.com

Email: NextUp@TransitionCurriculum.com

VLA Webinar Series (2/20/26)

Jefferson County ESC

Virtual Learning Academy

Don't miss our Webinar Series with host Brant Starkey! 🎙️

Catch up on past sessions, including our latest “Podcasting With a Purpose”, and gain valuable insights you can put into action right away.

Click below to watch the replays! 👇

2026 NextUp Student Scholarship (2/2/26)

Announcing the 2026 NextUp Student Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students with disabilities utilizing the NextUp Transition Curriculum, facilitating their progression to college, training, or vocational school. It recognizes these students' unique challenges and aims to empower them to pursue higher education or vocational training. The scholarship program is designed to foster inclusivity, acknowledging the diverse needs and aspirations of students with disabilities.

Recipients must meet the following criteria:

• Must be enrolled with a school or organization currently holding a NextUp Transition Curriculum license.

• Must be a graduating high school senior or have completed the equivalent level of secondary education or an 18-22+ program.

• Must have evidence of intent to attend a post-secondary institute, including a 4-year college/university, community college, or vocational training.

• Must submit well-written responses that outline career goals, discuss challenges overcome, and emphasize personal growth, specifically related to NextUp content.

• Must submit a completed scholarship application by the specified deadline.

Transition Curriculum, Inc. will award a $500 scholarship to two students.

The NextUp Transition Scholarship application must be submitted by April 10, 2026.

The award announcement will take place on May 1st, 2026.

Apply Now!

EdConnection Updates (1/21/26)

Jan. 21, 2026

Nominate outstanding seniors for national award program One of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors, Ohio schools and districts can nominate eligible students in three components: General Academic Achievement, Arts, and Career-Technical Education (CTE). Submit nominations by Jan. 29. Nominate a student

Register for Ohio school-based health care conference Registration is open until Jan. 23 for the Ohio School-Based Health Alliance’s 2026 Annual School-Based Health Care Conference: Healthy Kids Learn Better, taking place Feb. 5 in Columbus. Sign up now   AI literacy grant opportunity for rural middle schools The Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center at The Ohio State University is seeking six rural middle schools to join its grant proposal to help students and families build AI literacy. School leaders must indicate interest by Jan. 30. Take the survey   Public comment period open for the 2026 Ohio School Design Manual The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission is inviting feedback for the 2026 Ohio School Design Manual, an annual guide to designing effective, efficient, and future-ready school facilities. Submit comments

New Rules for Public Comment The Department regularly posts rules for public comment. Draft rules regarding the Adult Diploma Pilot Program and Adult High School Diplomas and draft rules related to School District Expenditure Flow Reports were posted and are open for comment through Feb. 15. A draft rule was posted regarding preschool children eligible for special education; a draft business impact analysis was also posted with this rule. These will remain open for comment through Feb. 19. Draft rules were also posted related to Payment of Debt Service Charges and Distribution of State Aid, and these rules will remain posted until Feb. 19. Find previously announced public comment opportunities for rules and related deadlines on the Department’s website. Check back often as additional rules may be added throughout the week.

Dates and Deadlines Approaching deadlines or important dates mentioned in earlier editions of EdConnection.  JANUARY 1/23: Academic success webinar: Advanced Learning Opportunities in Mathematics and Updates from the Office of Academic Success 1/26: Report Card Value-Added ratings webinars 1/26: Report Card training session: Traditional Progress component 1/28: Report Card training session: Traditional Progress component 1/29: Webinar: Using Ohio's Integrated MTSS to Inform District, School, and Building One Needs Assessments and One Plans (part 1) 1/31: OEDS updates for school leaders due for roster verification FEBRUARY 2/2: Farm to School student chef competition applications due 2/13: Academic success webinar series 2/17-18: 2026 Summer Summit: SUN Meals, Bright Ideas 2/26: Webinar: Using Ohio's Integrated MTSS to Inform District, School, and Building One Needs Assessments and One Plans (part 2) 2/27: Registration closes for Military Signing Day 2/27: 2026 Federal Quota Registration of Blind Students due MARCH 3/10: Military Signing Day