Blended learning creates meaningful shift in teaching and learning
A computer is simply a tool, and a tool alone cannot fully teach a child. But place that tool in the hands of a skilled teacher and see how exciting new pathways open to learning and enriching the teaching and learning experience. Read one such success about how our members in the Clear Fork Valley Education Association, Local 4109, are reclaiming the promise by using technology differently in the classroom. Read more.
PISA: U.S. must drop failed policies, embrace what works to improve
The Dec. 3 release of the OECD's latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results show that U.S. students are being outperformed by students in most other developed nations. Does the U.S. have the political will to move away from the failed policies and embrace what works in high-performing countries so that we can reclaim the promise of public education? Read more.
ODE features Toledo's Early High School Option as RTTT success
The Toledo Public Schools Early High School Option (EHSO) program was developed to address the curriculum needs of seventh and eighth grade students across the district. Receiving an early start on high school classes with the EHSO program will allow Toledo Public School students to progress to a fifth year study in such challenging areas as math, science, and languages to support college and career readiness. Read more.
Cleveland leader honored
David Quolke, president of the Cleveland Teachers Union, Local 279, will receive the Educator of Humanity Award Dec. 10 from the Project Love-Purple America Values in Action Foundation. The group is a character-building training and education organization.
Criminal background check updates required
It's time for many educators to complete background checks. Holders of permanent certificates and permanent non-tax certificates for working in schools are required by Ohio law to complete updated FBI background checks every five years. Find out how to complete yours.
Restraint and Seclusion Policy training videos available
Newly developed training videos and resources detailing the new Ohio Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) and Restraint and Seclusion policy and rule are now available on the department’s PBIS Policy Web page. Trainers are encouraged to use these videos and presentations as training instruments for the policy and rule.
Resident Educator Summative Assessment is open
Candidates for the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA) are receiving invitations to register at OhioRESA.com. Learn more.
“I am a Digital Learner” video contest
As part of the third annual Digital Learning Day celebration, Ohio students can showcase their creative talents and technology skills through the “I am a Digital Learner” video contest. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Jan. 6.
Register for Ohio Educational Technology Conference
The Ohio Educational Technology Conference, to be held Jan. 27-29 in Columbus, is the third-largest state educational technology conference in the nation. The event hosts more than 5,000 educational technology professionals and enthusiasts who come together and explore the forefront of P-20 learning and innovation in Ohio. Find out more.
AFT pledges disaster relief for the Philippines
The entire AFT family is heartbroken by the loss of life and devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan, and the AFT is prepared to help any way we can with recovery efforts, says AFT President Randi Weingarten. Find out how you can help.
PARCC releases more sample items
PARCC, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, released new sample test items designed to help teachers, students and parents get a better sense of how PARCC will measure student learning in mathematics and ELA/literacy..
OFT in Action
OFT President Melissa Cropper visited members of our Clear Fork Valley Education Association, Local 4109, last month last month to observe their blended learning program. AFT President Randi Weingarten visited members of our Lordstown Teachers Association, Local 3789, Dec. 3 with President Cropper to discuss teacher and student needs in education. Cropper helped achieve improvement in the state's teacher evaluation system by testifying on Senate Bill 229 Dec. 4.
Save the Date
OFT Convention registration online -- Registration information for the 2014 OFT Convention will be online Monday Dec. 9. All locals are encouraged to register delegates and make hotel reservations soon. The convention will be held Feb. 20-22 in Cleveland. Look for more information online.
News of Interest
Bill to Revise Ohio’s New Teacher Evaluation System Passes Senate