Professional Issues | Ohio Federation of Teachers, AFT, AFL-CIO

State board amends educator evaluation frameworks

Through their leadership on the Educator Standards Board (ESB), several OFT members have worked to amend the OTES Framework in a way that increases its value as a development tool for teachers. The Ohio Board of Education approved ESB-recommended improvements to the OTES framework for teachers.

New assessment tool determines kindergarten preparedness

Early childhood education is critical in preparing students for success. An important Early Learning Assessment tool available from the Ohio Department of Education can help teachers determine where children are in their growth and development preparation for kindergarten. This could be an important tool in assessing students as they enter kindergarten or are a part of a pre-school program in your local.

Resources support implementation of new standards, tests

As Ohio's New Learning Standards and tests are implemented, OFT will identify professional learning and supports that could be helpful to members.

Testing recommendations a good first step, more discussion warranted

Recommendations to reduce the number and hours of state tests begin a conversation that must delve deeper into whether tests are being used appropriately. Read the recommendations and OFT's perspective.

Third grade reading test updates

Students in grade 3 will take the Ohio Achievement Assessment in reading. They will not take the PARCC English language arts test. Third-graders will still take the new state test for mathematics (PARCC – Math) in spring of 2015. Learn more.

Read aloud guidance for Ohio’s new state tests

The Ohio Department of Education provides information for English language arts test accommodations on IEP and 504 plans in the new IEP or 504 Plan Decision-Making Tool.

Practice tests available

Practice tests for end-of-year English language arts, performance-based tests for math and practice tests for social studies and science will be available later this month.

Requirements outlined for intervention specialists seeking highly qualified teacher status

Resources are available for intervention specialists working with students in grades 7-12 who are eligible for the AASCD to help teachers as they work to achieve highly qualified teacher status, required by the 2016-2017 school year.

Teacher-level value-added training courses available

Teacher-level data will be included as a student growth measure in the Ohio Teacher Evaluation System (OTES) and the Ohio Principal Evaluation System (OPES). The teacher-level expansion requires teachers each spring to verify the students they provided instruction to during the school year. Training on this roster verification process is available. More information on accessing online Value-Added training courses.

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) updates

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is a 19-state consortium working together to create next generation assessments. Find out what's happening in Ohio.