Education matters. That not only is the guiding mission for KnowledgeWorks Foundation, but it is the resounding message from Ohioans in 2006. Education matters to Ohioans strongly enough that they once again placed it as their top priority for state spending, with 80 percent saying they want more of their tax dollars to go toward improving education. This year’s poll focuses on where the public stands on accountability, assessment and standards; school finance; preparedness and transition; and innovation and options – all parts of ongoing state and national reforms or proposals to transform education in this century. It probes Ohioans’ positions on how such reforms will shape public education and where they are hesitant about proposed change.

The value Ohioans assign to education in the 21st century helps determine the education decisions they make for themselves, their children, and their communities. As indicated by data from our 2005 Ohio’s Education Matters Poll, public perception of both the personal and public value of education has the potential to influence voting decisions, higher education choices, and the programs and policies Ohioans choose to support within their local schools. Results show that Ohioans place such a high value on education that 80% would prefer the state spend more money on the issue, an issue that trumped both jobs and economic development and healthcare for the poor and elderly. A majority of Ohioans (83.5%) also say their aspirations for their children include an education beyond high school. Also, more than half of Ohioans say that if the state only had more college-educated workers, it could attract more businesses. In addition, nearly all Ohioans agree that raising the educational level of a community will lead to better economic and social conditions within that community.

The Foundation released it's fourth Ohio's Education Matters Poll. Topics for the poll include the state of education, high schools, college access, education funding, and community involvement. Find out how Ohioans graded their public high schools, and if they believe current funding for higher education is adequate.

Topics for the 2002-2003 Poll include state of the schools, school improvement, communities & school facilities, college & career access, and funding education in Ohio. Results indicate Ohioans prefer high schools with less than 400 students over high schools with more than 1000 students. A strong majority of Ohioans believe limiting enrollment to 400 students or less would improve teacher-student relationships, student safety, graduation rates, and academic performance. Ohioans also believe that funding K-12 education is a priority, with 71% opposing a cut in K-12 education spending to balance the budget.

The 2001-2002 Poll, which include topics such as college access and higher education, state of the schools, schools as centers of community, and funding education in Ohio, makes it clear Ohioans are misinformed in a number of important ways. The Poll details misconceptions Ohioans have concerning the cost of college tuition, urban high school graduation rates, and the amount of funding spent of K-12 education.