Frequency of Evaluations : Ohio

Analysis of Ohio's policies

Regrettably, Ohio does not ensure that all teachers are evaluated annually.

Although the state now requires that all teachers must be evaluated at least annually, Ohio allows districts to adopt a resolution that would allow for the biennial evaluation of teachers who receive an "accomplished" rating on their most recent evaluation.

The state articulates that all evaluations must be comprised of at least two classroom observations. 

New teachers in Ohio must be evaluated twice a year. The first evaluation must be completed by January 15, with the written report submitted to the teacher by January 25; the second must be scheduled between February 10 and April 1, with the written report submitted to the teacher by April 10.

SB 5, which included policy that related to this goal, was repealed by referendum in November 2011.

Citation

Ohio Revised Code 3319.111, .112

Recommendations for Ohio

Require annual formal evaluations for all teachers.
All teachers in Ohio should be evaluated annually, regardless of their performance on previous evaluations. Rather than treated as mere formalities, these teacher evaluations should serve as important tools for rewarding good teachers, helping average teachers improve and holding weak teachers accountable for poor performance.

Consider feasibility of multiple evaluation ratings in a single year for new teachers.
As evaluation instruments become more data driven, it may not be feasible to issue multiple formal evaluation ratings during a single year. While multiple observations with feedback are critical, applicable student data will likely not be available to support multiple ratings.  

State response to our analysis

Ohio asserted that its interpretation of HB 153 is that there will be two observations within the timeframe listed in the analysis. For beginning teachers, these will be announced observations. The state noted that its intent is not to have two separate evaluations but rather one annual evaluation with two observations.