State orders deeper investigation into test score anomalies

By David Beasley
The Center Square 

The state of Ohio is expanding its investigation of what’s being called anomalies in spring 2026 state education testing results.

Earlier this summer, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce announced that it was investigating testing results at Columbus City Schools, “after the district self-reported testing anomalies at two high school buildings.”

The investigation includes directing the state testing vendor to open a comprehensive review to see if other issues happened at other buildings across the state.

It found what it termed anomalies at 52 other school buildings, which could lead to a deeper investigation. Issues were found in Cincinnati Public School District and Cleveland Metropolitan School District buildings.

The state did not specifically say what the anomalies were.

“Cincinnati Public Schools learned, for the first time today, that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has named George Hays-Jennie Porter School among 52 schools statewide for a review of testing data,” the district told The Center Square. “According to ODEW, Hays-Porter and the other schools were identified based on statistical anomalies in testing data – and not on any allegations of misconduct by educators or test administrators at Hays-Porter. CPS administers tens of thousands of state tests annually at its 66 elementary and high schools. Based on information provided, ODEW is reviewing 38 of the 256 tests administered to Hays-Porter students in spring 2026. CPS has reached out to the state for clarity and will fully cooperate with the state's review.”

In July, Columbus City Schools said it was starting its own internal investigation of test score irregularities at two high schools.

“CCS closely monitors test results and saw irregularities at two high schools this spring, starting an internal investigation," the school system said in a statement. “We reported our findings to ODEW, invalidated the results at two test sites, and notified students and parents that tests could be retaken over the summer or during the coming school year. We will work with ODEW on this investigation. CCS is committed to testing fidelity and giving students every chance to succeed. For summer testing CCS increased monitoring and training for staff who oversee the tests with students."