The Ohio Department of Education oversees the state’s public education system, which includes public school districts, joint vocational school districts and charter schools. The Department also monitors educational service centers, other regional education providers, early learning and childcare programs, and private schools. The Department’s tasks include: ∙ Administering the school funding system, ∙ Collecting school fiscal and performance data, ∙ Developing academic standards and model curricula, ∙ Administering the state achievement tests, ∙ Issuing district and school report cards, ∙ Administering Ohio’s voucher programs, ∙ Providing professional development, and ∙ Licensing teachers, administrators, treasurers, superintendents and other education personnel. The Department is governed by the State Board of Education. However, day-to-day administration of the Department is the responsibility of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is hired by the State Board of Education.