Welcome to
OhioKidsCAN
OhioKidsCAN empowers Ohio families, community leaders, and advocates to push for stronger education policies and systems, through public engagement, strategic advocacy and candidate support.
Our Vision
The future of Ohio’s prosperity depends on ensuring that every child receives the education they need to reach their full potential.
Our Mission
OhioKidsCAN empowers Ohio families, community leaders, and advocates to push for stronger education policies and systems, through public engagement, strategic advocacy and candidate support.
Believe in Better
The local advocacy campaigns across the 50CAN network are based in states all across the country, from Hawaii to Georgia, and Connecticut to Louisiana. Despite the differences in local contexts, our campaigns are united in working to deliver on 5 promises to America’s children:
The education that’s right for you.
Tutoring and care for every student.
A world of open and connected learning.
A family’s right to know what’s working.
A clear path to the career you choose.
Our Policy Principles
Teacher Quality
Students succeed when every classroom is led by highly effective teachers.
Every student in Ohio deserves to be taught by an educator who is knowledgeable, accountable for student growth, and supported in their work through proper training and adequate compensation. Ohio needs to reward excellence, provide new avenues to teaching, and retain and attract quality teachers.
School Choice & Family Empowerment
Students benefit when families have access to high quality school options that meet their individual needs.
We believe parents are the best at choosing which educational pathways serve their own children. Every Ohio family deserves equal access to excellent schools wherever that may be.
Accountability & Innovation
Students do well when their schools are supported, accountable, and empowered to innovate.
We believe schools must have the flexibility to respond to their students’ needs along with transparent accountability systems that drive continuous improvement. Ohio must also ensure that every family can easily compare school performance statewide, that resources flow equitably to schools, and underperforming schools receive support for turnaround opportunities but are still held to high standards.
Strong Academic Foundation
Students thrive when they have a strong academic foundation.
Ohio must ensure every student masters foundational literacy and numeracy skills. This is achieved through phonetics based reading instruction, early math and reading screening, adequate instruction time, and strong retention policies where needed. Access to advanced coursework for prepared students is valuable to future outcomes.
Get to know us
About Amber Keener
Political Director
Amber Keener holds a master’s degree in history and brings a rich background in education and leadership to her role with OhioKidsCAN, which is the Ohio campaign of the 50CAN network. She works closely with families, educators and policymakers to empower parents. elevante educators, and expand meaningful educational opportunities across Ohio. Amber is committed to ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive in a strong school and community – regardless of where they live.