Professional Issues

OFT is partnering with the Ohio Department of Education to provide resources to help teachers deal with a growing drug problem. The resources focus on drug prevention and how to talk to kids and families about drugs.  

Declines in National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores that show widening gaps reflect the failure of the requirements of the old NCLB in improving student learning. These results emphasize the need to redefine public education through the new federal law Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Members of the Ohio Educator Standards Board stood up for teachers as professionals who seek opportunities to grow and improve their skills May 3 by balking at a legislative requirement to define "consistently high performing teacher." What did they do?

It is critical that  practicing classroom teachers participate in validation studies to ensure Ohio Assessments for Educators are credible. OFT is working with ODE to identify teachers willing to participate in validation studies for the new Elementary Reading Assessment and the revised Middle Grades Content Assessments.

It is important that the Resident Educator Program have knowledgeable and experienced assessors in content areas for the Resident Educator Summative Assessment. OFT members are encouraged to participate as assessors. Online training and a small stipend are provided.

With new AIR state assessments coming soon, OFT is gathering and sharing resources to help teachers be better prepared for administering the new tests. The Ohio Department of Education has released new practice materials and test blueprints for teacher review.

OFT recently clarified questions about the new OTES Framework: The new framework changes the automatic trigger for being placed on an improvement plan from student growth to a teacher's summative rating. 

Working with students with disabilities is a task requiring that educators have the proper resources and tools. Check out the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of Education on administering a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities and other resources. 

OFT members are sharing their expertise to improve Resident Educator Resources and the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA). Learn about the changes and available resources.