Programming

Ohio Career Technical Content Standards Revision

As part of the revision process for the Hospitality & Tourism and Family and Consumer Sciences Technical Content Standards, The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Office of Career-Technical Education is seeking stakeholder feedback on the current standards. The public comment survey will be open from January 16 – March 16, 2026. Thank you in advance for your participation on behalf of Ohio’s students! 

Ohio’s Career-Technical Content Standards Revision

If you have additional questions, please contact Christie Jackson or Jason Cobb. 

Calling all Education & Training Subject Matter Experts 

Are you an instructor in the Education & Training career field? The Center on Education and Training for Employment (CETE) will be creating new tests for this career field in the 2026-2027 item-writing season, starting in September 2026. If you complete the SME interest form, the recruitment team will contact you when they begin to recruit for workshops. If you have questions, please contact the CETE recruitment team.

WebXam Test Security Rulebook

The start of field and post-testing is a great time to review policies and procedures. Be sure to familiarize yourself and any new teachers in your school with the WebXam Test Security Rulebook. Teachers and administrators who access the WebXam website to administrate or deliver tests are required to agree to the WebXam User Agreement, which includes acceptance of the revised Test Security Rulebook. Users will be prompted to confirm acceptance of these policies the first time they access each school year.

WebXam Calendar 2025-2026 

Winter Pretesting: 1/5/2026 – 1/30/2026 

Field Testing: 10/13/2025 – 4/17/2026

Post-testing: 10/13/2025 – 5/29/2026

WebXam Assessment Recommendation 

Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs must administer WebXam tests to students in grades 9-12. These valid and reliable tests are a tool that can be used for continuous improvement of courses offered. Therefore, these courses are not classified as workforce development, the tests are not used in calculating the state technical skill attainment indicator of performance (2S1). However, the test will be utilized in the annual review of FCS programs. FCS test data will be collected in the EMIS Assessment Window.

Retake Policy 

WebXam end-of-course assessments may be retaken in the same school year by any Career-Technical Education (CTE) student currently enrolled or previously enrolled in a course with a testing requirement. Students should be provided an opportunity to retest after allowing for additional instruction time. This enhances opportunities for students to demonstrate technical skills attainment for the purpose of graduation and report cards. The policy for WebXam same-year retakes includes: 

• Students may take an end-of-course test no more than twice per academic school year (each school year begins July 1 and ends June 30) 
• A retake must be scheduled at least 30 days after the original assessment was performed 
• Field tests may not be retaken due to the length of the tests and earlier closing of the field test window

University of Toledo Financial Wellness

The University of Toledo Financial Wellness provides comprehensive financial literacy and support services to local high schools. Their focus is addressing the financial challenges associated with attending college and assisting students with any personal financial concerns.

Financial Wellness Services:

• Schedule a presentation or interactive workshop for topics including budgeting and preparing to pay for college
• Presentation Catalog

For additional information, contact Mollee Williamson

Professional Development

THInC Forum: Education in the Era of AI Networking Event

Join the Herb Innovation Center for a fun, free night of networking on the campus of the University of Toledo! Meet with other PreK-12 and higher education teachers, faculty, administrators, tech specialists, education students, and community leaders to catch up on what you have learned and how you have used AI in education over the last 6 months. 

The THInC Forum: Education in the Era of AI Networking Event on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Phoenician Restaurant, Lancelot Thompson Student Union, University of Toledo

Reserve one of the 100 available spots by completing the registration form before January 15, 2026. Free parking passes will be provided to all registrants before the event.

Register at: THInC Forum: Education in the Era of AI Networking Event Registration Form

If you have any questions please contact The Herb Innovation Center.

Ohio Association of Family & Consumer Sciences

The 2026 Ohio Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (OAFCS) Annual Conference offers high quality professional development to equip and empower Family and Consumer Sciences professionals and students with:

• Educational Tools and Resources
• Leadership, Advocacy and Collaboration
• Research and Scholarship
• Trends and Technology

Dates: March 19-20, 2026

Location: Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, OH 43210  

Early Bird Rate - Register by Feb. 14, 2026

• OAFCS Members: $170
• Non Members: $200
• Students: $25*
• *Phi U student members are free!

Registration after Feb. 14, 2026

• OAFCS Members: $195
• Non members: $225
• Students: $50*  
• *Phi U student members are free!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Shannon Heffernan, OAFCS President Elect

FCCLA

O-H-I-O That's My State Pin! Design Contest

The O-H-I-O That's My State Pin! contest is designed to celebrate Ohio pride and creativity that will be produced into the Official Ohio FCCLA Trading Pin. The cost of the contest is $15. The O-H-I-O That's My State Pin! contest is open to any affiliated FCCLA member. The design must reflect Ohio’s identity, culture, or FCCLA spirit in a way that is creative, meaningful, and appropriate for a national audience. Submissions are due by January 15, 2026.  Additional Information can be found on the Ohio FCCLA Website.

2025-2026 Ohio FCCLA FACTS Stipend Application

Ohio FCCLA and the Ohio Department of Public Safety are partnering to offer up to 100 Ohio FCCLA chapters a $1,250 stipend each to conduct a FACTS project in their community. Chapters interested in receiving the stipend must complete this application.

Applicants should create a complete, well-thought-out plan of action to determine how your chapter will use the stipend. It is recommended that the FCCLA Planning Process be used to assist your chapter in the application process. Each project must focus on one of the following traffic safety topics: Speed, Impaired driving, Distracted driving, or Seat Belt use and demonstrate how it will improve safety within their school or community.

All stipend recipients are expected to:

• Use the funds to conduct a FACTS project in their school or community, if there are remaining funds, the chapter can use them in a way that will most benefit the chapter.  
• Complete a FACTS program award application about their project by the March 2, 2026 deadline. 

The Top 20 chapters will earn the opportunity to receive up to $1,200 in additional supplies to support the continuation of their project. 

The top ten (10) chapters with the most outstanding final projects will be awarded up to $1,000 in travel reimbursements to attend the Ohio State Leadership Conference and present a workshop. 

The top (1) Chapter will receive up to $3,500 in travel reimbursements to attend the 2026 National Leadership Conference and present a workshop. 

Questions: Contact Kelley Smith 

Cleveland Cavaliers FCCLA Day

The Cleveland Cavaliers invite you to the annual FCCLA Day on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Event Information

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

Where: Rocket Mortgage Field House, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115

Education Day: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

The event includes a professional speaker panel, service presentation, and arena tour

Cavaliers vs. Kings: 7:30 p.m.

Payment

Registration is $84-Lower Bowl Baseline and $39-Upper Bowl and it covers the Education Day and Cavaliers game ticket. To register, please contact Thyran Nowden; tnowden@cavs.com; 216-219-3433 as soon as possible.

2025 FCCLA Day with the Cleveland Cavaliers Order Form

Deadline to confirm attendance by payment will be Tuesday, December 23, 2025. 

Drug Free Clubs of America: Making the Right Choice Easy

High-school students throughout Ohio agree to routine random drug testing when they join the Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA). The results of these voluntary tests go directly to their parents, not their schools. 69% of DFCA members agree that the club “absolutely” helps keep them drug free. DFCA members also report other benefits including more self-confidence and better communication skills.

Drug Free Clubs of America is a non-profit, evidence-based drug prevention program, founded twenty years ago in Cincinnati by three firefighters with the premise that teen drug use can be defeated if that drug use never begins. DFCA’s prevention effectiveness has been independently verified by third-party researchers.

Drug Free Clubs of America students are rewarded not only at school, but at area businesses as well. Business owners can provide incentives to celebrate their drug free youth and encourage other students to participate in the program. Additionally, community rewards are now available through the DFCA mobile application.

Drug Free Clubs of America continues to grow in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia and, most recently, California. DFCA is proud to play a part in protecting our youth and in developing a drug free workforce with robust Chapters in both traditional high schools and career and technical centers.

For more information about how to bring Drug Free Clubs of America to your school, visit www.drugfreeclubs.com or contact Julie Martini.

FCCLA

Ohio FCCLA Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Association. The Board receives and acts upon the recommendations of State Staff relative to programming and financial matters.  

Eligibility: Adviser candidates 

• Currently serving as an affiliated chapter adviser
• Must have served as an affiliated chapter adviser for two years
• Attend Fall Leadership Training and State Leadership Conference 

Position: The open position begins in the fall of 2026 and is a three-year term, the open position 

• Family and Consumer Sciences: 1 position
• Business & Industry: 1 position
• Post Secondary Educator: 1 position

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Regional Career Development Events  

Ohio FCCLA Regional Career Development Events registration opened October 27, 2025 and closes December 15, 2025. Registration cannot take place if affiliation has not been paid - pending affiliation does not constitute as paid membership. All registration invoices are final. Career Development Event fees are non-refundable.  

• 2025-2026 Regional Career Development Events Registration Price: $90 per event 
• 2025-2026 Regional Culinary Registration Price: $135 per entry (Baking and Pastry and Culinary Arts)

Culinary Regional Career Development Events (Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, Garde Manger, and Product Development)

• Region 1: Lorain County Community College on March 7, 2026
• Region 2: Cuyahoga Community College (Hospitality Management Center of Excellence at Public Square, Cleveland) on February 28, 2026
• Region 3: Hocking College on February 7, 2026
• Region 4: Divided among Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3 locations

Regional Career Development Events

• Region 1: Lorain County JVS on February 28, 2026
• Region 2: Tallmadge High School on February 21, 2026
• Region 3: Licking Valley High School on March 7, 2026
• Region 4: Ohio Hi-Point Career Center on February 7, 2026

Career Development Event Late Fee Policy – Board Approved October 2025

Chapters who miss the Career Development Events registration deadline must contact the Ohio FCCLA State Staff to request a late submission. In addition to the event fees, non-refundable late fees will be charged.

• $50 Chapter Late Fee
• Plus $50 per Late Entry (individual or team)

After January 15, 2026, no late registration will be accepted except for Emergency Circumstances Only. All Emergency Circumstances must be approved by Ohio FCCLA State Staff. The State Staff have the right to waive all Emergency Circumstance late fees.

• $200 Chapter Late Fee
• Plus $50 per Late Entry (individual or team)

Ohio Only Competitive Events Guideline 

The Ohio Only Career Development Events Guidelines can be found in the FCCLA Portal under the Resource Tab. Using the Resource Type select the dropdown to State Resources:  

• Curriculum Unit Development 
• Language and Literacy 
• Lesson Presentation 
• Observation and Assessment 
• Garde Manger 
• Product Development - updated 11/18/2025
• Regional Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Recipes

2026 Ohio FCCLA Regional Career Development Events

Please reach out to the following Regional Career Development Events Coordinators with specific host site questions. 

Culinary Regional Career Development Events (Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts, Garde Manger, and Product Development):

• Region 1: March 7, 2026: Lorain County Community College CulinaryRegion1@ohiofccla.org
• Region 2: February 28, 2026: Cuyahoga Community College (Hospitality Management Center of Excellence at Public Square, Cleveland) CulinaryRegion2@ohiofccla.org
• Region 3: February 7, 2026: Hocking College CulinaryRegion3@ohiofccla.org

Regional Career Development Events

• Region 1: February 28, 2026, Lorain County JVS Region1CDE@ohiofccla.org
• Region 2: February 21, 2026, Tallmadge High School Region2CDE@ohiofccla.org
• Region 3: March 7, 2026, Licking Valley High School Region3CDE@ohiofccla.org
• Region 4: February 7, 2026, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Region4CDE@ohiofccla.org

Career Development Events Resources

2025-2026 Career Development Events Handbook

2026 Career Development Events Region Location Change Request

Program Event Release and Liability Consent Form

2026 Career Development Events Request for Accommodations

Career Development Events Evaluators

Advisers are the Subject Matter Experts: The Office of Career-Technical Education and Ohio FCCLA State Office have the expectation that advisers will help facilitate Career Development Event competitions in the role of Subject Matter Experts at the regional, state, and national levels. Ohio FCCLA State Staff members are key in identifying qualified evaluators, room consultants, and event volunteers. Because Career Development Events operate on a limited budget, unpaid volunteers are essential. Chapters are responsible for providing one evaluator and/or room consultant for every three event participants.  

Chef Works

Whether your schools wish to make a bulk order or have us set up their own unique ordering portal, Chef Works has a dedicated team that will find a solution that best fits their needs. Culinary Education Apparel

How to order:

Email: Schools@chefworks.com

Visit our website -https://www.chefworks.com/culinaryeducation

For more detail regarding Chef Works, contact Karen Frost, Inside Sales Manager

FCCLA State Advisory and Career Development Events Committee Position 

Ohio Family, Career and Community Leaders of America ask affiliated advisers to serve in a leadership role to continuously improve Ohio FCCLA programming and Career Development Events. 

Career Development Events Committee:

Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Association assumes the leadership role:

• Developing and continuously improving industry relevant Career Development Events. 
• State Career Development Events should reflect the application of technical knowledge and skills relevant to industry demands. 
• Career Development Events are intended to be an extension of the classroom and laboratory instruction. 
• In addition, it is appropriate for the state organization to develop Career Development Events that simulate instruction in emerging areas that reflect both current and future local, state, national and global workforce needs.

State Advisory Committee: 

Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Advisory Committee assumes the leadership role:

• Evaluating structured student programming through feedback from the membership
• Facilitating cooperation and communication between the state advisory committee and membership
• Assist in the development and re-design of the Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America Association structured programming that have been identified as needing restructured
• Assist the developing necessary knowledge and skills as well as performance levels of Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America members through participation in Ohio Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America programs

Eligibility 

• Currently serving as an affiliated chapter adviser
• Must have served as an affiliated chapter adviser for two years
• Attend Fall Leadership Training, Regional Career Development Events and State Leadership Conference

Positions available: Serve a three-year term from June 1, 2026 through May 30, 2029

Career Development Events Committee

• Education and Training (2)
• Family and Consumer Sciences (1)
• Hospitality and Tourism (2)

State Advisory Committee

• Education and Training (2)
• Family and Consumer Sciences (1)
• Hospitality and Tourism (3) 

Application

Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 28, 2026

Teens in the Drivers Seat

Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS) is a peer-to-peer traffic safety program for young people, created by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. The program empowers teenagers to promote safe driving habits and decrease crashes by raising awareness of key risks like distracted driving, speeding, and seat belt use. It is implemented in high schools across Ohio and includes activities like driving surveys, educational games, and creating safety campaigns. 

Teens in the Driver Seat message from Joslynn Baird, Ohio FCCLA Region 4 Executive Council Member.

For additional information, visit the Teens in the Drivers Seat website or contact Therese Standard.

Teens in the Drivers Seat

Teens in the Drivers Seat Driving the Message Contest is now open and will close on February 13, 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and win great prizes.

Contest Categories and Awards:

• Category 1: TDS Program T-Shirt Design
• Category 2: Safe Driving Social Media Reel
• 1st Place: $2,000
• 2nd Place: $1,000
• 3rd Place: $750
• Category 3: Speeding PSA Video
• 1st Place: $1,500 PLUS an NRSF film crew (led by an Emmy-winning producer) will professionally re-film your video on campus!
• 2nd Place: $750
• 3rd Place: $50