JUNE 2014

OhioA PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO EDUCATIONSchools ASSOCIATION

Celebrating school Artwork highlights what Ohio students like most about school. p15 Setting the stage Through theatre, New Albany-Plain Local conveys the importance of acceptance and advocacy p12

COVER STORY 15 Celebrating school OhioSchools Artwork highlights what Ohio students VOL. 93 NO. 3 JUNE 2014 like most about school. The professional publication of more than 121,000 members of the Ohio Education Association The OEA Mission Statement: The OEA will lead the way for continuous improvement FEATURE of public education while advocating for members 12 Setting the Stage and the learners they serve. Through theatre, New Albany-Plain OEA Board of Directors Local conveys the importance President Becky Higgins of acceptance and advocacy Copley-Fairlawn Ohio Schools Create A Cover Vice President Scott W. DiMauro Worthington contest grand prize winner Casey Secretary-Treasurer Tim Myers Adams, grade 7, Federal Hocking Elida Secondary School, Stewart Joy Bock, Groveport-Madison; Anne Bowles, Wooster; Nola Brooks, DEPARTMENTS Xenia ESP; Elton Burrus, Dayton; Kevin Cain, Northwest (Hamilton); Barbara Catalano, Mayfield; Patricia Cohen, PATMR; James Cutlip, Wilmington; P. Damian Dagenbach, Lakota (Butler); Michael Dossie, Bellaire; Sandra 2 President’s Message Duckworth, Westerville; Matthew Durham, Washington; Lonnie Dusch, Standing up for our rights Princeton; Joel Gleason, Clearview; Jorge Gonzalez,´ Kings; Amy Grittani, South-Western; Melanie Hameed, Warren (Trumbull); Katie Hendrickson, Athens; Mark Hill, Worthington; Ella Jordan Isaac, Trotwood Madison; Tammy 3 Notebook Koontz,SCOPE; Brenda Lemon, Logan-Hocking; Theresa Lemus Santos, OEA calls for suspension of state-imposed high-stakes decisions Fairless; Sandra Lewis, Dayton; Ivan Maldonado, Youngstown State University— ACE; Marisa Manocchio, Kent State University; Chris Menier, Danbury; Martha in implementation of new Common Core standards Miller, Ashtabula; Rebecca Miller, Tallmadge; Jerry Oberhaus, Liberty Center; Jeff Rhodes, North Royalton; Sophia Rodriguez, Coldwater Exempted Village; OEA issues call to action: Protect “thorough and efficient” provision Kecia Sanders-Stewart, East Cleveland; Bill Sears, OEA-Retired; Tim Skamfer, in Ohio Constitution Gahanna-Jefferson; Patrick Snee, Mentor Exempted Village; Lisa Steigerwald- Kana, Campbell; Angela Stewart, Newcomerstown; Bradley Strong, Mansfield; OEA seeks to raise public awareness of failing Lillian M. Tolbert, East Cleveland; Janice Vaughan, Springfield (Clark); Wil Vickery, for-profit charter schools Chillicothe; Diana Welsh, Columbus; Jeffrey Wensing, Parma. NEA Directors Making the Grade Robin Jeffries, Columbus; Brian McConnell, Warrensville Heights; Emilly Osterling, 8 Lakota (Butler); André Taylor, Twinsburg; Janifer Trowles, Dayton; Gretchen Ohio educators receive NEA Foundation grants Washington, Sycamore. Tell us how issues making an impact on public education Staff Executives are affecting you. Sheryl Mathis, Executive Director; Susan Babcock, Assistant Executive Director—Strategic and Workforce Planning; Andrés Becerra, Director of OEA recognizes recipients of Fiscal Fitness Award Organizing; Jim Capehart, Manager of Membership; Ric Castorano, Executive Assistant—Business Services; Joe Cohagen, Director of Business and Building Ohio Education Association honors 2014 association award winners Operations; Dawn Elias, Human Resources Administrator; Linda Fiely, General Counsel; Kevin Flanagan, Assistant Executive Director—Field; Randy Flora, Director of Education Policy Research and Member Advocacy; 18 OEA on the Web Rose Keller, Manager of Legal Services; Dana Mayfield, Executive Assistant— Strategic and Workforce Planning; Tina O’Donnell, Manager of Administrative Services—Operations; Carol Price, Administrative Services Conference 19 Legislative Update Coordinator; Lisa Ramos, Executive Assistant—General Counsel; Bev Sekella, Ohio Senate passes K-12 education biennial review bill Executive Assistant—Program/Field; Kristy Spires, Assistant Executive Director—Business Services; Jerrilyn Volz-Costell, Manager of Administrative with needed changes to teacher evaluation system Services—Governance; Patricia Collins Murdock, Regional Director, Region 1; Parry Norris, Regional Director, Region 2; Jeanette Cooper, Regional Director, 20 Political Action Region 3; Cristina Munoz-Nedrow, Regional Director, Region 4. OEA-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald stresses Ohio Schools Editorial Staff education policy in landmark speech to OEA members Julie A. Newhall, Editor Gail Botz, Graphic Designer Subscription price for public and university libraries is $18 per year. 23 Organizing Editorial Offices—Ohio Schools (ISSN: 0030-1086) is published seven times Central OEA/NEA Winter Leadership Conference features a year: February, April, June, August, September, October, December by the Ohio Education Association, 225 E. Broad St., Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216. new ESP training Email: [email protected]. Website: www.ohea.org. Interested in building power for your local? Plan to attend the Address all advertising or editorial correspondence to Editor, Ohio Schools. Postmaster: Send address changes to Ohio Schools, Ohio Education 2014 OEA Summer Academy Association, 225 E. Broad St., Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216. Postage: Students and faculty push to expand need-based aid Periodicals paid at Columbus, OH. 25 Association Delegates vote unanimously for three-year suspension of high-stakes decisions tied to testing at OEA Spring RA OEA Board of Directors actions www.ohea.org OEA staff news www.facebook.com/ohioeducationassociation www.twitter.com/ohioea Register NOW for The 2014 OEA Summer Academy—August 4-6, 2014

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Standing up for our rights TOGETHER, WE’RE CONFRONTING OUR CHALLENGES AND FIGHTING FOR OUR STUDENTS

Our voices are proud, strong and full of concern: “Testing is wrong. Testing is wrong. Testing is wrong.” “Teachers and parents have had enough of policies that hurt our kids.” “Charter schools have ruined my district.”

Although we do our best to Delegates to the Representative schools in Ohio. The campaign will improve public education for Assembly shared their concern for highlight the devastating financial and all of Ohio’s children, we worry public education in Ohio through academic impact of such schools on vigorous debate and action on New taxpayers, school districts, public about new education policies Business Items, including a unanimous school employees and students. and their effect on our students. vote to support proposed legislation Recent action by lawmakers has We’re frustrated by high-stakes that would hit the pause button on all been encouraging. testing, implementation of the state-imposed high-stakes decisions In late May, the Senate passed Common Core, inadequate based on student test results in the multiple Mid-Biennium Review bills. implementation of Ohio’s New During committee debate, these funding and charter schools, to Learning Standards. amendments (supported by OEA) list a few. But we know that we We initially embraced the Common were included in the Senate’s bill: the can overcome these challenges Core standards because we agree on Senate-passed version of SB 229 that because we are united. the importance of having standards makes important changes to teacher for the kind of education we want our evaluations; a change to the value- children to receive. But, as New York added measure on school district/ e share a common Times opinion writer Charles Bow building report cards; and the mission—to lead the way observed, “our educational system has involvement of counselors and for children and public become so tangled in experiments and educators in the development education. And we share exams and excuses that we’ve drifted of “locally-based” methods for aW common goal—to make sure we away from the basis of what makes identifying students who are at-risk have the ability to teach creatively education great: learning to think of not graduating. and effectively and help our students critically and solve problems.” The Senate also added language achieve. Fighting for the education our to provide a one-year reprieve from While we’d like to believe that students need and deserve is at the high-stakes decisions based on state lawmakers’ decisions about the center of all of our efforts to support standardized testing. We believe more educational needs of our students are appropriate, effective education policy. time will be needed to get it right, based on what’s best for students, When the Ohio House introduced and we’ll continue to make that we know that’s not always the case. its latest version of Senate Bill 229, case so that our students are in a So we’re taking action—writing an extensive overhaul of the teacher better position to succeed. letters to legislators, testifying at evaluation system, hundreds of Educators know what is best for the statehouse, participating in a educators voiced their opposition to students, and politicians and the telephone town hall and posting the altered bill. We urged them to public are taking notice. on social media about the harmful support the original version passed That’s why we’re standing up for consequences of the state’s over- by the Senate that lowers the student our rights, for our students and our reliance on high-stakes testing, hasty growth measure portion on teacher schools. And we’re just getting started. implementation of the Common Core, evaluations from 50% to 35%, while How are you standing up for flawed amendments to Ohio’s allowing the use of additional public education? Write to me at Teacher Evaluation System (OTES), measures in up to 15% of evaluations. [email protected]. and ill-advised support for failing RA delegates voted to organize an for-profit charter schools. information campaign to raise public It’s what we have to do. awareness of failing for-profit charter Becky Higgins 2 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 OEA President NOTEBOOK OEA calls for suspension Standing up for our rights of state-imposed TOGETHER, WE’RE CONFRONTING OUR CHALLENGES high-stakes decisions AND FIGHTING FOR OUR STUDENTS in implementation of new Common Core standards

Nearly a thousand OEA members from schools one education concern of Ohio voters. The misuse and throughout the state who gathered May 9-10 overuse of standardized testing harms children, demoralizes at the OEA’s Spring Representative Assembly educators, and undermines public confidence in our schools. (RA) voted unanimously to support proposed In late May, the Ohio Senate passed multiple Mid-Biennium Review (MBR) bills, including House legislation that would hit the pause button on Bill 487 (HB 487), the K-12 Education MBR. OEA anticipated all state-imposed high-stakes decisions based a conference committee to address the differences between on student test results in the implementation of the Senate and House versions of the bill. Ohio’s New Learning Standards. This delay would allow school districts across the state to have During the HB 487 Senate Education Committee debate, the OEA supported a critical amendment that included a adequate time to prepare students to succeed. one-year suspension of high-stakes decisions based on standardized testing (this provision builds towards the goal of a three-year suspension set by RA delegates). he new tests are part of the Common Core education Tstandards adopted by 44 states and the District of The amendment: Columbia that are intended to be more-rigorous and boost n Prohibits the report card ratings issued for the student achievement. In Ohio, results will be used as part 2014-2015 school year from being considered in of teacher evaluations, determine whether third-graders are determining whether a school district or school is reading well enough to move on to the fourth grade, and subject to sanctions or penalties, including provisions contribute to schools’ grades on state-issued report cards. defining “challenged school districts” in which new The tests will be given to students in grades three start-up charter schools may be located; provisions through eight beginning next spring, replacing current prescribing a new building where students are eligible standardized tests. A new graduation test will be imple- for the Ed Choice voucher program; provisions for mented later. Under new teacher evaluations—which some academic distress commissions; and any restructuring Ohio districts began using this year—half of a teacher’s provisions required under state law. review will be based on student growth as measured by n Permits a school district, community school or STEM standardized tests, and half on in-class observations and school to enter into a memorandum of understanding other factors. (MOU) with its teachers’ union that stipulates that the Like their counterparts across the country, OEA members value-added rating issued for the 2014-2015 school and their students are beleaguered by the ever-increasing year will not be used when making decisions regarding weight of standardized testing. From federal mandates tied teacher dismissal, retention, tenure or compensation. to the No Child Left Behind Act to the growing number of state-level achievement tests, Ohio’s students are being The OEA recognizes the need for ongoing comprehensive subjected to the overuse and misuse of standardized tests. assessment of student growth and believes the primary Too often, what students are being taught and what is purpose of any assessment should be to assist students and being tested are not aligned, particularly now as Ohio their parents in identifying strengths and needs and to educators continue to develop curricula to match new encourage students to become lifelong learners. and higher-level learning standards. The “safe-harbor” amendment will help provide teachers, In a 2013 PDK/Gallup poll of public attitudes toward administrators, students and parents the time needed to public education, 77 percent of respondents said increased adjust to the implementation of new curriculum standards testing has either hurt or made no difference in improving and related assessments. Although the OEA continues to schools. A recent Ohio poll revealed that 42% believe that support a three-year suspension, this is a step in the right too much emphasis on standardized tests is the most serious direction that will help teachers and students succeed. problem facing Ohio public schools, making it the number 3 Nathan and Dale DeRolph, co-plaintiffs in the landmark school funding case DeRolph vs. State of Ohio, make a return visit to Nathan’s alma mater, Sheridan High School in Perry County.

photo by Tim Revell OEA issues call to action: Protect “thorough and efficient” provision in Ohio Constitution

n May 9, the nearly 1,000 delegates to the OEA Representative Timeline of DeRolph vs. Ohio OAssembly voted unanimously to adopt the following May, 1991: A lawsuit is filed in Perry County Common Pleas Court New Business Item: on behalf of five Ohio school districts contending that the state has failed to meet its own constitutional requirement of funding public The OEA, working through the delegates to the Spring 2014 schools in a thorough and efficient manner. Representative Assembly and its affiliates, shall encourage October, 1993: After considerable legal skirmishing, the trial begins local boards of education to adopt resolutions in support of in New Lexington in the courtroom of Common Pleas Court Judge preserving the ‘thorough and efficient’ provision of Article Linton D. Lewis, Jr. July, 1994: After hearing 70 witnesses and reviewing 500 exhibits, VI, Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution and advocating for Judge Lewis rules that Ohio’s system of school funding is constitutional language that strengthens the fundamental unconstitutional. right to high quality educational opportunities for every Ohio August, 1994: The state appeals the decision of Judge Lewis arguing that, rather than the courts, it should be the Ohio General student. Assembly which determines the level of school aid. The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, a body August, 1995: By a margin of 2-1, the appeals court reverses of 32 legislators and appointed members of the general public, is Lewis’ decision. in the process of reviewing the state constitution and bringing October, 1995: The Ohio Coalition for Equity & Adequacy in School recommendations for changes to the General Assembly and voters. Funding appeals to the Ohio Supreme Court. Chad Readler, Chairperson of the subcommittee tasked with issues March, 1997: The Ohio Supreme Court, in a 4-3 vote overturns the related to public education, has recommended language that deletes appellate court decision and compels the state legislature to rework the state funding system and reduce its reliance on property taxes. the “thorough and efficient” standard from the Ohio Constitution, May, 1998: The Ohio General Assembly allocates $300 million a arguing that the courts should not be involved in what he believes is year to bolster new school construction and repairs of older facilities. a legislative responsibility. February, 1999: Perry County Judge Lewis hands down a decision The Ohio Supreme Court used the “thorough and efficient” determining that the Ohio Legislature has failed to comply with the standard as the basis for its ruling in the DeRolph vs. Ohio decisions Ohio Supreme Courts’s order for a “complete and systematic that declared Ohio’s system of school funding unconstitutional four overhaul” of school funding in the state. times. Without this language, there would be no means for checks and May, 2000: The Ohio Supreme Court agrees with Lewis’ decision balances to ensure that the General Assembly is meeting its obligations that the Ohio Legislature has failed again to fix the school-funding to provide for an equitable and adequate system of public schools for system. all of Ohio’s students. June, 2001: Oral arguments are heard within the Ohio Supreme One of the attorneys in the DeRolph case has stated that without Court as to whether the most recent legislative fix meets the high court’s directive. the “thorough and efficient” provision in the state constitution, “the right to any level of public education for children in Ohio would Sept. 2001: In another 4-3 ruling, the Ohio Supreme Court rules that the system of school funding remains yet unconstitutional. disappear. Public education would exist, if at all, at the whim of the legislature.” December, 2002: After much legal wrangling, the Ohio Supreme Court once again affirmed that the system of school funding in Ohio The complete letter to the editor, ‘Thorough and efficient’ is neces- was unconstitutional. At the same time, it directed the Ohio General sary for accountability, is available at http://bit.ly/dispatchletter. Assembly to “enact a school funding scheme that is thorough and The OEA urges you to contact members of your local board of efficient.” education and encourage them to adopt the resolution. (Resolution is July, 2009: After years of court battles, decisions, injunctions and available online http://bit.ly/constitutionresolution.) appeals, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland was able to shepherd In addition to promoting the adoption of this board resolution, through a sweeping and definitive school funding bill that significantly the OEA asks that you share the results of your efforts. Please email reduced the state’s traditional over-reliance on property taxes. Government Relations staff at [email protected] to let us know March, 2011: Governor Kasich’s first two-year budget cut funding to when your local board of education has taken action on this education by $1.8 billion over the previous two-year period. This is in sharp contrast to his predecessor whose last budget actually marked recommendation. the first time on record that the State provided more toward the cost Detailed background and history of DeRolph vs. State of Ohio that of K-12 education funding than local property taxpayers. includes a chronology and all briefs and decisions is available online at June, 2013: After cutting funding, it wasn’t until the FY13-14 school http://bit.ly/derolph. year that the administration devised a new funding formula.

Brad Strong, lead teacher at Springmill Learning Center and Vice President of the Mansfield SEA photo by Tim Revell OEA seeks to raise public awareness of failing for-profit charter schools At the OEA’s Spring 2014 The action closely followed n Well over half of all state money Representative Assembly, the release of a new study from sent to charters goes to schools Innovation Ohio that raises numerous that perform worse than tradi- delegates passed New questions concerning the funding and tional public schools on either Business Item 2, calling for operation of charter schools in Ohio, or both of the state’s two perfor- the OEA to “work with external especially those run by for-profit mance measurements (the Report operators. Card and the Performance Index); partners to organize an Using data provided by the Ohio n 53% of children transferring information campaign to raise Department of Education, the new into charter schools are leaving public awareness of failing analysis, Short-Changed: How districts whose performance is Poor-Performing Charters Cost All for-profit charter schools in better than the charters into Ohio Kids, finds that in the 2012-2013 which they are going; Ohio. Using existing research, school year, over half of state n On average, Ohio charters spend communications, lobbying and funding for charters went to schools that performed worse than the nearly double the amount spent organizing resources, traditional public districts students by traditional public schools on the campaign will highlight left behind. The result is that the non-instructional administrative costs (24% vs. 13%) the negative financial and students left in Ohio’s traditional public schools receive less support “From the way they’re funded to academic impact of such than the state says they need. the way they perform, Ohio’s charter schools on Ohio’s taxpayers, The study’s principal findings schools are different from those in school districts, public school show that: other states,” said Innovation Ohio President Janetta King. “Until Ohio’s employees and students. The n The “flawed” manner in which charter schools are funded has funding mechanism is fixed, the goal of the campaign will be resulted in traditional school 93% of children who stay in traditional to support the election of pro- students receiving, on average, public schools will continue to be penalized—and cheated out of public education candidates to 6.6% less state funding this year than the Ohio Department of receiving the level of state funding office and build public support Education says they need; that even the Ohio Department of Education says they need. Until there for legislation that stems the n A number of high-performing is true accountability for charters, too flow of funds from traditional suburban school districts are many students and their parents will public schools to lower now among the biggest continue to be victimized.” per-pupil funding losers; performing charter schools.”

6 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 In September 2013, Ohio Schools magazine introduced a series on outstanding educators and schools transforming public education in Ohio. Charter schools have ruined my district. The first story featured Mansfield’s Springmill Learning Center, a former elementary school Brad Strong and Many good kids leave and go to failing charter his colleagues helped transform into a schools while good teachers lose their jobs and hands-on learning environment where students explored energy, chemistry, support staff members lose their jobs. geology, math and more. BRAD STRONG Due to Mansfield’s loss of funding to MANSFIELD SEA charter schools and budget cuts, Springmill will no longer be used as a teaching facility.

Speaking in support of the New In his remarks to fellow delegates, Strong said: Business Item, Brad Strong recalled hearing Columbus EA President Charter schools have ruined my district. Rhonda Johnson speak about charter schools several years before at an RA. Many good kids leave and go to failing charter schools “I’ll be honest, I didn’t really pay while good teachers and support staff lose their jobs. that close attention,” Strong said. That’s what I thought you people in the big We have worked very hard to continue to provide a good city did. We didn’t do it in Mansfield, so it wouldn’t affect us there.” education for our kids, but the funds continue to walk away In 2003, when Strong was elected from our district, and the rules aren’t the same for us. president of the Mansfield School Employees Association, the local had It’s not fair. We have to have certified teachers. We have 800 members. In 2007, Strong understood what to have all of the rules and regulations, all of the testing— charter schools could do to his district. charter schools don’t. That year, Mansfield RIF’d 150 teach- ers and support staff—over 20% of the Our communities don’t understand, and our citizens don’t district’s staff. And in 2010, the district did it again—eliminating another 60 understand how schools are funded. teachers and 35 support staff. In January of this year, Mansfield They believe, like when I was in school, that if you go to went into state receivership. Strong the local Catholic school or if you go to a private school, said the district had to save more than $6 million. And in early May, more than you pay your own way. 60 teachers lost their jobs and another 40 support staff were cut. If that’s not Half of our state foundation money leaves our district and bad enough, the district is set to goes to the charter schools. We then have to bus all of the subcontract support staff jobs as well. students to the charter schools. We have eight former buildings built by the taxpayers in Mansfield that are now being used as charter schools in our city. I don’t know if we RIF’d enough teachers next year to make it. And I don’t know when it’s going to happen again. Innovation Ohio’s study, Short-Changed: How Poor-Performing Charters Cost All Ohio Kids, is available online at OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 7 http://innovationohio.org/. MAKING THE GRADE

Ohio educators photo compliments of NEA receive NEA Foundation grants

hird grade teacher Jodi TGwin and co-applicant, John Paul Kemmenoe, of John Clem Elementary School in Newark, have received a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation to incorporate a set of iPads into their classrooms to increase individualized interventions and enrichment. Multiple Ohio’s most recent grant recipients are among the applications will be used to help meet the varied 47 educators in 23 states that were recently awarded instructional needs of individuals and small groups. a total of $155,000 to support their efforts to improve Students will be provided with publishing options as teaching and learning. The NEA Foundation awards they develop short films using iMovie software. two levels of grant funding, $2,000 or $5,000, for two Montgomery County Educational Service Center primary categories of grants to public education (Dayton) Intervention specialist Michelle Creech and professionals: Student Achievement Grants for co-applicant, Jon Johnson, have received a $5,000 initiatives to improve academic achievement, and Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants for high-quality to introduce tablet technology for students with unique professional development activities. learning needs and students with emotional and A team of 20 educators, many former grantees, learning disabilities. Creech and Johnson will provide carefully reviewed all applications and evaluated students applications that have proven successful in each one against a set of criteria. Funded grants were assisting students with dyslexia and autism. selected for the quality of the grant proposal ideas and Diana Pierson, a para educator at Sheffield Middle their potential for enhancing student achievement. School in Sheffield Village, has received a $2,000 Over the past decade, the NEA Foundation has Learning & Leadership Grant from the NEA invested more than $7.1 million in grants to support Foundation to attend “Character Counts! Character the work of almost 4,500 educators from every state Development Seminars” to improve her knowledge in the country to help students succeed. Each year, of behavior management, classroom management, the Foundation awards approximately 150 Student bullying and economic and social issues. Pierson plans Achievement and Learning and Leadership Grants. to share what she learns at the seminars with her To learn about educators’ projects, visit the NEA colleagues and incorporate the “Character Counts!” Foundation’s Grantee Archive. Search for grantees and curriculum into her classroom. projects by most recent, grade level, subject, state, or “With these grants, we are supporting educator- keyword. driven solutions that contribute to improved student The NEA Foundation awards its grants to educators performance in public schools,” said Harriet Sanford, three times a year. The next grant deadline is June 1, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “Our 2014. Application forms and a video with step-by-step support enables educators to engage in a wide variety instructions on how to apply can be found in the Grants of innovative approaches to the benefit of students to Educators section of the NEA Foundation website, across the country.” neafoundation.org.

8 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 Tell us how issues making an impact on public education are affecting you.

At a time of transformation in public education, you have many challenges to contend with—inadequate funding and resources, implementation of the Common Core State Standards, school safety, standardized tests, evaluations, privatization,attacks from anti-union and anti-public education forces and charter schools. Despite these challenges, you are doing all that you can to make sure that every student succeeds.

How are these issues affecting you personally and professionally? There are more than 121,000 teachers, faculty members and education support professionals who are OEA members, so there are at least 121,000 voices throughout Ohio we want to hear. Share your thoughts and engage your colleagues. Send a note, idea, illustration or video to [email protected]. We’ll share your responses on the pages of Ohio Schools and on the OEA’s website, www.ohea.org. photo by Julie Newhall Columbus teacher Laura Fyfe Smith voices her concern about her students.

OEA recognizes recipients of Fiscal Fitness Award iscal year 2012-2013 Fmarks the ninth year of the OEA Fiscal Fitness Award recognizing local associations that have in place best financial practices. The Fiscal Fitness Award is presented to winning locals rather than to the treasurers of the locals. The award includes recognition at the OEA Representative Assembly (RA) and on the OEA website, a plaque, and photo by Tim Revell a check for $2,000 in the OEA Secretary-Treasurer Tim Myers recognized the following continuous winners at the Spring first year a local meets all RA: Cynthia Gagan (Riverside Local EA), Edwin Eblin (Eastland EA), Kelli Green (Perry CTA), award criteria and $500 for Joel Gleason (Clearview EA), Tim Myers, Robert Mutigli (Perry CTA), Angela Hoy (Lancaster subsequent years. EA), Michelle Augusta (Willoughby-Eastlake TA), Rebecca Templeton (Kettering EA) and Thomas Moscovic (Willoughby-Eastlake TA). Ohio Education Association honors 2014 association award winners

ach year the OEA honors the hard work Eand commitment educators and others have for the success of Ohio’s students. With the announcement of its 2014 prize winners, the OEA celebrates the professional contributions to the achievement and well-being of students and the livability of school communities.

Marilyn Cross Scholarship John F. Kennedy Scholarship Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award The $2,000 Marilyn Cross Scholarship The $4,000 John F. Kennedy is awarded annually to an OEA Scholarship is awarded annually The Education Support Professional member who is an active career to an OEA active member who is Award is awarded annually to an teacher enrolled in a graduate level enrolled in a graduate level program OEA ESP member whose activities program directly linked to his/her and who has demonstrated a need exemplify the contributions of current area of licensure and who for financial assistance to complete education support professionals to has demonstrated a need for financial the program. public education. assistance to complete the program. Recipient: Jessica Lynn Bynum Recipient: Sherri Verdier Recipient: Mawdo Fall Mayfield EA Xenia ESP South-Western EA

Becky Mayer (Ashland City TA, PECFC Left to right, OEA President Becky OEA President Becky Higgins Member), right, presents the Marilyn Higgins, JFK Scholarship Award recipient presents the ESP of the Year Award Cross Scholarship to Mawdo Fall. Jessica Lynn Bynum and Susan Selby to Sherri Verdier. (Olmsted Falls EA, PECFC Member).

photos © 2014 Brent Turner, BLT Productions, Inc. Blue Ribbon Local Association Holloways/Human and Civil Media for Public Service Award Award Rights Award The Media for Public Service Ohio Education Association honors The Blue Ribbon Local Association The Holloways/Human and Civil Award recognizes an individual Award is awarded annually to a Rights Award is awarded to an and/or organization for a major 2014 association award winners local affiliate for its demonstration individual OEA member for making contribution to the better of innovative problem-solving outstanding achievements in understanding of the problems, techniques and/or unique public human relations and related progress and needs of public relations and communication skills interpersonal activities that impact education, or for programming of and who have shown themselves children, communities and the an outstanding educational nature. to be true advocates of public educational process. Recipient: Maureen Reedy education and its employees. Recipient: Janet Monseur-Durr The Central Ohio Friends of Recipient: Xenia ESP Hilliard EA Public Education

Left to right, MaryAnn Harris (East Left to right, OEA President Becky Cleveland EA, PECFC Member), Janet Higgins, Belinda Daye (President of Monseur-Durr (Hilliard EA) receiving the Wilbur Vickery (OEA Board of Directors XESP) accepting the Blue Ribbon Local Holloways/Human and Civil Right Award, Liaison, PECFC Member) and OEA Association Award on behalf of Xenia ESP OEA President Becky Higgins and Alice President Becky Higgins present the and Mary Villarreal (Fairfield Classroom Sneed (Winton Woods TA, PECFC Media for Public Service Award to Teachers Association, PECFC Member). Member). Maureen Reedy.

Media for Public Service Award OEA Friend of Education Award Ohio Teacher of the Year The Media for Public Service Award The OEA Friend of Education The Ohio Teacher of the Year recognizes an individual and/or Award is awarded to an individual program honors, promotes and organization for a major contribution or organization whose leadership, celebrates excellence in teaching to the better understanding of the actions and support have and the teaching profession. problems, progress, and needs of contributed to the improvement Award recipients serve as models public education, or for program- of public education on a statewide for their colleagues, inspiration to ming of an outstanding educational or national level. their communities and leaders in education. nature. Recipient: Plunderbund Recipient: Springboro EA (www.plunderbund.com) Recipient: Debra McDonald Wayne County JVS EA

Samuel Adu-Poku (Youngstown State University Chapter of Ohio, PECFC OEA President Becky Higgins presents Member) and OEA President Becky the OEA Friend of Education Award to Higgins present the Media for Public Plunderbund: left to right, Eric Vessels, Service Award to the Springboro EA: left Joseph Mismas, Brian Guilfoos and Greg to right, Springboro education advocates Mild; Matthew Yuhasz (Columbus EA, PECFC member). Plunderbund member Stephanie Binderman and Lynn OEA President Becky Higgins introduces Abe Zaidan is not pictured. Greenberg (SURE), Matt Bair and Carol Ohio Teacher of the Year Debra McDonald. Evans (Vice President and President of

Springboro EA). FEATURE

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1. 3. Setting the stage THROUGH THEATRE, NEW ALBANY-PLAIN LOCAL CONVEYS THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCEPTANCE AND ADVOCACY

Voices of students reading journal entries lthough New Albany High School drama students of interviews with the people of Laramie, focused on a community in Wyoming when they Wyoming, break the silence. performed The Laramie Project Cycle this spring, they understood that the viewpoints they One of Laramie’s residents offers a personal Aexpressed on stage could just as easily have been those of account about living in the town. Others join in, their classmates, family members or neighbors. offering their own recollections about life in “Our town is like Laramie,” New Albany senior Haley Laramie before the murder of Matthew Shepard. Wilson said. “There are people here who show hatred toward the LGBT community just as there are in many When Jedadiah Schultz speaks, it becomes other cities and towns. clear that something tragically wrong has “It’s easy for people to say that homophobia, racism and sexism don’t exist—that people are simply blowing things happened. “It’s hard to talk about Laramie now, out of proportion or taking things the wrong way—but they Jedadiah says. “If you would have asked me do exist, and they affect people in more ways than one can before, I would have told you Laramie is a imagine.” beautiful town.” The Laramie Project focuses on the aftermath of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard’s brutal FEATURE

4. photos © 2014 Brent Turner, BLT Productions, Inc.

1. Cast members, including (left to right) Josh Billings, Alexis Wafer, Natalie Meilen, For Lemberg and his students, the director Elliott Lemberg, Natalie Wotring (seated), Alexandra Nowicki (seated) and audience response was just what they Colin Sproule participate in a post-show talkback. hoped for. 2. Niko Kasper, playing Tectonic Theatre member Stephen Belber, addresses the “Our goal for the plays was to audience at the end of the first act. Joining him on stage are Josh Billings & Junho educate people and initiate change,” Moon (foreground), Jacob Mangia & Parker Schuppenhauer (seated on floor), Hannah Lemberg said. Auld, Brian Schnell, Zach Poje, Piper Hill, Kenia Viezcas (background from left). He said that the student cast and 3. Student Maci Bingman crew have been profoundly changed 4. The cast and crew of The Laramie Project Cycle with teacher and director Lemberg by the experience of working on the (center), managing director Melissa Schill (right), and technical director Jessica plays, creating a close-knit student Nettler (left). community formed to educate peers as well as the Central Ohio October 1998 murder as the town of The subject matter is challenging, community about the issues and Laramie comes to grips with the and the plays energizing because of the themes they discovered in the plays. meaning of the violence prompted powerful story they share and the way “When you do creative things, by hate. The second play in the cycle, in which the story is told, Lemberg you tend to remember more and The Laramie Project: Ten Years said. Through the plays’ collection of it becomes more relevant,” said Later, shares how the residents—and interviews, journal entries and news New Albany senior Kenia Viezcas. their recollection of the events—have reports, the New Albany students “Learning about these issues through changed 10 years after the murder. showed a community divided about a PowerPoint or lecture might be Under the direction of OEA discrimination, homosexuality, values, one way to do it, but I never thought member Elliott Lemberg, production morality, violence and faith, and I’d be in a play in which I’d learn so director and drama adviser, New challenged audience members to much more about these issues than Albany students first performed The reflect on their own actions and words. I could in a classroom setting.” Laramie Project seven years ago. This “As students we’re still trying to Based on their experiences, the year, a 30-member cast performed both form our identity and become who we New Albany students hope to create a plays as The Laramie Project Cycle. are meant to be,” said senior Abby. culture of acceptance and advocacy Nearly 60 students auditioned, the “So it’s kind of cool to see parents, where everyone feels welcome. most Lemberg has ever seen for one who have maybe thought a certain Through their work in the theatre, of the plays at the high school. way their entire lives, realize ‘maybe Lemberg said, they believe they can The plays share a message of I shouldn’t have treated that person change lives and spread a message of acceptance and advocacy, themes that way,’ or ‘maybe I shouldn’t have dignity, kindness and respect for all. Lemberg raised when proposing that said those things.’ The Laramie “Working on The Laramie Project the drama department perform the Project helped us to change the hearts has made me look at people differ- plays. He stressed that the perfor- of mature, successful adults.” ently,” Abbey Puderbaugh said, “ mances helped fulfill the district’s goal and it’s made me evaluate myself to appreciate diversity and promote a and how I treat other people. safe, bully-free space for students. ➤ CONTINUED goal, community members, parents and stu- During the pre-show of The Laramie dents have participated in educational events, Project: Ten Years Later. Kenia Viezcas, including Peace Week, designed to foster portrays the student who found Matthew dialogue about difficult issues and themes. Shepard, as Josh Billings (who portrays The high school’s recent production of The the emergency room doctor) looks on. Laramie Project Cycle has been a highly visible example of New Albany-Plain Local’s efforts. The district partnered with BRAVO, the Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization, in an effort to further educate community members and stakeholders about hate crimes, discrimination, domestic violence, and sexual assault. BRAVO representatives were available to speak with audience members about violence, threats and intimidation in Central Ohio and participate in cast and crew led talk- backs for audience members. New Albany High School’s guidance department was also present at performances to offer support and to answer questions for community members, students 5. and parents. Lemberg and his students are proud of the Director Elliott Lemberg, at right, joins audience district’s investment in promoting diversity, members in conversation before the evening’s production. ending bullying and providing safe schools, but realize they’re not quite there yet. “There is some bullying in our school that we haven’t addressed,” said Puderbaugh. “We always talk about physical bullying and cyber bullying, but bullying can also take the form of exclusion and making people feel unwelcome.” Viezcas said recently students posted signs containing anti-gay messages in response to posters depicting the school’s pillars in the colors of the rainbow that read, ‘You can be yourself here,’ created by the Gay Straight Alliance. “I thought about what I would have done before The Laramie Project,” Viezcas said. “I probably would have read the signs, but not done anything about it. But I took the initiative, and with some of the other cast members, took the signs to the office and reported it.” 6. “Our second play talked about the University of Wyoming and its domestic partner benefits, said Wilson. “I was surprised to learn “Now I feel I have a charge to make sure that everyone that New Albany doesn’t offer domestic partner benefits, feels equally important, and that we embrace our differences and so a friend and I petitioned the school board to get and accept each other, not simply tolerate each other.” these benefits for teachers. The school board recently “As educators, we need to stress the importance of rejected it again, but it’s something we’ll continue to acceptance and respect,” Lemberg said. “We need to make work on.” sure that every student has a place and knows that they are “It’s empowering to see the next generation embrace valued and an important part of the community.” these issues —equal pay, LGBTQ, civil rights—but we One of New Albany-Plain Local’s goals is to improve still have work to do,” Lemberg said. student culture by “intensifying the conversations to educate “We all need to start by treating people with respect stakeholders” and to improve anti-bullying initiatives, the and kindness,” said Puderbaugh. “The littlest thing can celebration of diversity, and the emphasis on student safety make a huge impact. and wellbeing, Lemberg explained. In working to achieve this “We said that in the show. Matthew Shepard was small—he was 5’2” and 105 pounds—but the impact he has had is so much bigger.” 14 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 COVER STORY Celebrating school ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS WHAT OHIO STUDENTS LIKE MOST ABOUT SCHOOL.

Grand prize winner Group C winners For the sixteenth year, Ohio Schools Casey Adams Demi Heitzman magazine put out a call for creative cover grade 7 grade 12 Federal Hocking Secondary School Penta Career Center ideas expressing what students enjoy Stewart Perrysburg most about school. Hundreds of students Ellen Hadley, teacher Lori Dewyre, teacher heeded the call and put their pens, Group A winners Josh Simmons markers, colored pencils and paints grade 11 Kirin Loughrey Federal Hocking Secondary to paper. grade 4 School Indian Springs Elementary School Stewart Just what do Ohio’s students like most Powell Ellen Hadley, teacher Amanda Brown, teacher about their schools? Some surprised us Kristianna Samuels with careful depictions of mathematical Madison Wright grade 10 grade 4 Xenia High School equations and spelling tests. But many Lincoln PK-8 School Xenia more offered illustrations of best friends, Warren Kathleen Jones-Napper, Lisa M. Scavnicky-Mamula, teacher teacher favorite teachers, sunny playgrounds, school bus rides, creative art lessons, Sarah Hartwig Group D winners grade 2 science classes, reading time in the library, Felicia Taylor Hilltop Elementary School grade 12 jam sessions during music class and Canfield Penta Career Center Linda Magyar, teacher basketball games. Perrysburg Lori Dewyre, teacher Group B winners Casey Adams Daryl Devese udging categories consisted of the following: grade 7 grade 12 Group A, grades K-4; Group B, grades 5-8; Federal Hocking Secondary School Streetsboro High School J Streetsboro Group C, grades 9-12; and Group D, electronic Stewart Ellen Hadley, teacher Pauline Dierkens, teacher art. Artwork was displayed at OEA headquarters, where judges, including OEA officers and staff, Morgan Fisher Nick Scholes grade 8 grade 7 reviewed row after row of entries. Edison Middle School Willard Middle School The artwork of grand prize winner Casey Massillon Willard Adams is featured on the June 2014 Ohio Schools Meredith Self, teacher Peggy Opatken, teacher cover. Artwork of winners for each age group can Marlana Vazquez´ be seen on the following pages. Scanned images of grade 8 contest entries are also available on the OEA web- Edison Middle School Massillon site at www.ohea.org. Meredith Self, teacher ➤ CONTINUED Ohio Schools congratulates all participants. Thank you for your interest and for sharing your talent! OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 15 Create a Cover Contest winners

GROUP A WINNERS: GRADES K, 1-4

Kirin Loughrey, grade 4 Madison Wright, grade 4 Sarah Hartwig, grade 2

GROUP B WINNERS: GRADES 5-8

Casey Adams, grade 7 Morgan Fisher, grade 8 Marlana Vazquez,´ grade 8

16 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 GROUP C WINNERS: GRADES 9-12

Demi Heitzman, grade 12 Josh Simmons, grade 11 Kristianna Samuels, grade 10

GROUP D WINNERS: ELECTRONIC ART

Felicia Taylor, grade 12 Daryl Devese, grade 12 Nick Scholes, grade 7

OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 17 OEA ON THE WEB Spotlight on member videos

The Wayne High School Music Department from Huber The winner of the OEA 2014 Read Across America Video Heights City Schools put together this clever music video winner is Susan Craig and her colleagues at Loveland City about Student Learning Objectives, currently featured on Schools. This funny parody of a silent film is called “The our homepage. Mystery of the Missing Books.” http://youtu.be/b0VRXGrQhwo www.ohea.org/2014-read-across-america

TAKE ACTION: On our website & on Facebook http://capwiz.com/nea/oh/home/

Join Us on Social Media www.facebook.com/OhioEducationAssociation | www.twitter.com/OhioEA | www.youtube.com/OhioEdAssoc | www.flickr.com/oea | blog.ohea.org

18 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Ohio Senate passes K-12 education biennial review bill with needed changes to teacher evaluation system enate Bill 229 (SB 229) was In his testimony, OEA Vice President OEA applauds the efforts of all Soriginally created to make Scott DiMauro mentioned research educators who advocated for this reasonable changes to Ohio’s by education experts published in critical legislation and members of Teacher Evaluation System (OTES). U.S. News & World Report that finds the Senate Education Committee who Although the Senate adopted the bill that placing significant importance on took action to provide much-needed unanimously, the House Education student growth measures has a “weak flexibility in the implementation of Committee transformed the bill into to nonexistent link” with teacher OTES. a sweeping overhaul of the system. performance. The House Education Committee “In April 2014, the American As passed by the Senate, HB 487 unveiled a second House version of Statistical Association issued a includes the following provisions: SB 229 on May 14. The committee statement criticizing the use of value- n Adopts the Senate-passed accepted the new version of the bill added model measures, stating that version of SB 229 requiring for consideration on a party-line vote, these scores ‘can have unintended that student academic growth with Republicans voting “Yes” and consequences that reduce quality,’” he account for 35% of each Democrats voting “No.” said. “They also noted that the majority teacher’s performance The OEA opposed the latest House of variation in test scores is attributable evaluation, rather than 50% version of SB 229, remaining in strong to factors outside the teacher’s control, as is required by current law. Up to 15% of each evaluation support of the Senate bill that called such as student and family background, may include other measures, for lowering the student growth mea- poverty, curriculum.” such as formal observations sure portion on teacher evaluations to In a May 20 hearing, the Senate and reviews, student surveys, 35% from 50%, while allowing the use Education Committee inserted the peer review evaluations or any of additional measures in up to 15% language from its version of other factors. of evaluations. SB 229 into House Bill 487, the n Hundreds of educators from across A school district would be bill containing the education permitted to evaluate any Ohio urged the House Education components of Governor Kasich’s teacher who received a Committee to support the sensible biennial review bill. The full Senate rating of “accomplished” modifications passed by the Senate. adopted these changes and passed on the teacher’s most recent The OEA testified in opposition House Bill 487 on May 21. At press evaluation once every three to the latest House version of SB 229, time for Ohio Schools, the bill was years and any teacher who highlighting two of the bill’s most headed to conference committee. received a rating of “skilled” fundamental flaws. First, the on the teacher’s most recent “alternative evaluation framework” During the HB 487 Senate Education Committee debate, the OEA strongly evaluation once every two that set the stage for an even higher years. percentage of teacher evaluations supported critical amendments to the bill including the Senate-passed n Additional language has been to be based on student growth added that would allow a measures than the previous version of version of SB 229 and a one-year suspension of high-stakes decisions school board to elect not to the House bill. Second, the limitation evaluate a teacher who either of the “alternative” teacher evaluation based on standardized testing (See story on page 3 of this issue). was on leave from the school components to a single option: district for 50% or more of the student surveys. The bill included Senator Randy Gardner, chief school year, or has submitted language stating that teachers would sponsor of the bi-partisan, Senate- notice of retirement and that only be allowed to collectively passed SB 229 language included notice has been accepted by bargain whether a school district in HB 487, said the provisions are the board not later than may adopt student surveys, but the result of what the Senate learned December 1 of the school year not with regard to the percentage, by listening to educators. “The in which the evaluation is procedures or type of survey selected. Ohio Senate is leading toward otherwise scheduled. better education policies in Ohio,” Gardner said.

OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 19 POLITICAL ACTION

If you want kids to drop out of school, I’ll tell you what you do—you underfund the schools, you demoralize their teachers, you create high-stakes tests that half of them aren’t going to pass, and then you take all of the fun and the passion and the joy out of learning. ED FITZGERALD

OEA-endorsed gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald stresses education policy in landmark speech to OEA members

n a landmark speech to the OEA Representative Increase state investment Assembly, Ed FitzGerald, OEA’s endorsed candidate for I FitzGerald will invest in our public education system at the governor, previewed his plan for public education. state level. Ohio’s working families shouldn’t face higher In his talk, FitzGerald thanked OEA members for their local taxes every year because the state is funding tax breaks work on behalf of Ohio’s children and listed many of for the wealthy, rather than our schools. Tax cuts for the top the problems with Ohio’s current education system— one percent are not going to educate Ohio’s children. inadequate school funding, the diversion of resources to for-profit charter schools, privatization, standardized testing and unfunded mandates such as the third-grade End unhealthy obsession with testing reading guarantee. A FitzGerald administration will also end the unhealthy He expressed his dismay with unfunded, poorly- obsession with standardized testing that’s bad for students implemented policies saying of the current governor and and teachers, including placing a moratorium on the third leaders, “when their policies predictably fail, they pass the grade guarantee. blame to the same teachers and educators and staff who are struggling with all of these ill-conceived policies. Stop privatization of public education “It doesn’t have to be this way. We already have all of the ingredients that we need to have the best educational The race to privatize our public education system is a race system in the country. We have the financial resources to to the bottom. FitzGerald will reform a funding system that adequately fund education in our state, we’re just not benefits for-profit institutions regardless of performance, putting the resources where they belong. We have the and put the focus back on creating quality public schools. teaching talent in this state, and we have children with unlimited potential to succeed, but we have to nurture Address the development of the whole child that potential instead of testing it out of existence.” A FitzGerald administration will treat children as human FitzGerald called for an immediate moratorium on beings, not numbers. A complete education should include the consequences of Governor John Kasich’s third-grade art, music, physical education, foreign language, and business reading guarantee as he outlined six principles he would education. Stripping our schools of everything but high- apply to education policy as governor: stakes testing is a recipe for increasing the dropout rate.

Include educators in decision-making and Invest in early childhood education policy formulation at the state and local level States across the country have implemented successful early Educators are the experts on education. The FitzGerald childhood education initiatives, but Ohio’s children are administration education policies will be shaped by falling behind. Students who do not start kindergarten someone who is actually in the classroom every day. prepared to learn are at risk for falling behind and staying It’s long past time we stopped blaming educators, and behind for the rest of their education. started including them.

20 OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 Ed FitzGerald addressed numerous education issues during his speech at the OEA Spring Representative Assembly. On May 14, gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald In response to FitzGerald’s announcement: announced his plan for universal preschool in Ohio. Ohio’s children and teachers are being Alongside students, teachers and parents at the Early Learning Center in Westerville, FitzGerald spoke of the cheated out of positive academic outcomes benefits universal pre-k will have for Ohio’s schools, because so many students start school working families and the economy. without a quality early education experience. We know that a child starts to develop IZETTA THOMAS PRESCHOOL TEACHER, COLUMBUS educationally before kindergarten. Teachers can see a difference in elementary school between children who have had access to high-quality As a kindergarten teacher, I see everyday how pre-kindergarten and those who have not. a student’s experience in pre-k affects their academic and behavioral development. Universal We know that it works, and we know it’s something pre-k is essential to making Ohio’s children Ohio isn’t doing well enough. prepared for a changing, competitive economy. ED FITZGERALD ANGELA STEWART KINDERGARTEN TEACHER, NEWCOMERSTOWN FitzGerald’s Pre-K All the Way plan calls for legislation to fund preschool for all Ohio three and four-year-olds beginning in fall 2016 with full implementation by 2018. All As a first grade teacher, I see everyday how new pre-k teachers would be required to have a bachelor’s degree, and class sizes would be capped at 25. a student’s experience in pre-k affects their Despite growing national attention to the benefits of academic and behavioral development. early childhood education, Ohio has lagged behind most Universal pre-k is essential to making Ohio’s states in state-funded pre-k. Only 2 percent of Ohio children prepared for a changing, competitive children attend such programs, well below the national average of 28 percent, according to a May 2014 report economy. from the National Institute for Early Education LYNN YOHEM Research at Rutgers University. FIRST GRADE TEACHER, COPLEY FAIRLAWN SCHOOLS FitzGerald says he plans to work with parents, admin- istrators, lawmakers and others to ensure the capacity to house and operate the preschool programs.

John Kasich has shown his priorities. In a massive $62 billion state budget Candidate for Help OEA make a difference Ohio Governor larded with giveaways to special Ed FitzGerald in crafting education policy that interests and those at the top, he can signes a book for works for all Ohio students find virtually no new real investments Natasha Nagy at the OEA RA. by electing candidates like for pre-K education, the one solution Ed FitzGerald. that Republicans and Democrats, business and labor, teachers and Go to http://fcpe.ohea.org parents all agree is the single most to make a contribution to effective way to improve learning and OEA’s Fund for Children and build a skilled workforce. Ohio ranks Public Education. And visit very near the bottom nationally in pre- www.edfitzgeraldforohio.com k because John Kasich simply won’t to learn more about FitzGerald’s properly invest in our littlest minds, positions on education. preferring to heap more and more resources on the biggest wallets. Photos by Tim Revell ED FITZGERALD

OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 21 Ten OEA locals honored for outstanding efforts to support the OEA Fund for Children and Public Education At the 2014 Spring RA, 10 locals—Sheffield-Sheffield Lake TA, West Liberty-Salem EA, Belpre EA, Lebanon EA, Bellaire EA, Athens EA, Xenia ESP, Maple Heights TA, Sylvania EA, Newcomerstown TA—were recognized for outstanding support for the OEA Fund for Children and Public Education (FCPE). Local leaders shared a few of their secrets for success:

We hold our annual FCPE fund drive on opening day. We I attribute a lot of the success of our local’s effort to have a table set up for teachers to verify membership forms educating our members that this is a member-driven and rejoin the Association. We place an FCPE contribution process. A lot of people are misinformed and think that form in front of them and ask, ‘can you afford $1 per pay?’ this (the Association’s screening process and endorse- The true question is, ‘how can you not afford to give?’ ments) is done by OEA staff. It is not. Having them understand that our members choose who we endorse Our members understand that all of the decisions that affect and that our members, as the FCPE State Council, help us as public school employees and as individuals are made allocate funds is important. by elected leaders. Attacks against collective bargaining, high-stakes testing, charter schools, vouchers, school We’ve asked members to provide testimonials—and funding, OTES, Third Grade Reading Guarantee—all of these we look for members who are not leaders—people who affect us. My members understand that FCPE is important are teaching down the hall. Why do they give to FCPE? because our local leaders make it important for them. We’ve had recognition lunches and competitions between buildings. And then, ultimately, you walk around with a What we need to remember as public education employees stack of forms, and you say, ‘Do you like OTES?’ The is that Election 2014 is too important to sit on the sidelines as answer is ‘no,’ so you say, ‘sign here.’ And you ask, ‘Do observers. The results will mean the difference between the like writing an SLO? No? Sign here, and we’ll fill in the preservation or demise of public education. rest.’ BILL VAN PELT, BELPRE EA ANDREW SMITH, SHEFFIELD-SHEFFIELD LAKE TA Lebanon hadn’t done an FCPE drive in at least 17 years. As a local leader, I decided as a personal goal to have an Every fall, we hold a meeting where we invite various FCPE drive. My president, Rich Packert, says, ‘we can’t speakers to address members. Kenton Ridge teacher expect members to contribute if we don’t ask and we don’t Jim Templeton is usually my key speaker for FCPE. He educate.’ introduces teachers to the drive every year and helps to distribute forms to every member. My goal was to ask and to educate members about the importance of FCPE. I found a key group of people willing Instead of telling members who to vote for, we try to educate to go to teachers and ask: ‘Is your job important to you?, them about what the various candidates have done for us— Are you a proud member of OEA? Don’t you understand the or against us—before they go to the polls. importance of how Governor Kasich is hurting education?’ Why did our membership give so strongly this year? I think A 34-year veteran teacher who voted for Kasich and we all know that—Governor Kasich. If you remind members understands the mistake that she made, was willing to about OTES, SLOs, AYP, merit pay, Senate Bill 5—they share her personal testimony throughout the district and willingly contribute because they understand that this is the went from building to building to encourage other members future of their career. As someone once said, teaching isn’t to give to FCPE. what we do, it’s who we are. We’re tired of being under RACHEL HAHN, LEBANON EA attack. JUNE SEYMOUR, WEST LIBERTY-SALEM EA

STAND UP for Public Education— make a contribution to FCPE today!

Practically every aspect of your school day is decided by elected officials—the tests students take, the resources available, and even your pay and benefits. We’ve seen the results when people who don’t have your best interests and the interests of your students at heart are making the decisions—attacks like Senate Bill 5 and huge cuts in funding for our schools. FCPE supports pro-public education candidates, regardless of party. We contribute to those who understand the issues and support actions that will improve our schools and help our students. Contribute today and make a difference for our students and our schools.Visit http://bit.ly/oeafcpe. ORGANIZING Central OEA/NEA Winter Leadership Conference features new ESP training

n March 8, union leaders from locals all over participants moved on to community engagement, OCentral OEA/NEA gathered for the district’s beginning with a basic power mapping exercise that annual Winter Leadership Conference. Many sessions allowed members to identify influential groups in their updated members on the latest developments in community. After lunch, the conversation turned to very familiar topics, including bargaining, teacher political involvement, specifically how ESP locals could evaluations, and of course, leadership. For one group assist in screening and endorsing local candidates of members, however, the training was brand new. for school board and other offices. Finally, the day For the first time, the conference featured a full day of wrapped up with a brief discussion of OEA’s training specifically designed for Education Support place in the greater labor movement and a documen- Professional (ESP) locals. A dozen ESP members from tary on famous union organizer Mary “Mother” Jones. several locals participated. LRC Amber James and Organizer Jeremy Baiman The day began with a round table to discuss conducted the training. Members were excited to have local challenges and opportunities. Participants then an entire day focused specifically on ESP local issues learned the fundamentals of having one-on-one and look forward to even more leaders participating organizing conversations to engage inactive members next year. and identify potential leaders. After some practice,

Interested in building power for your local?

Want to inspire your members to be active in their association? Partnering with community allies is on your to-do list? Want to learn about labor history and how it shaped public education today?

f you answered, “Yes!” to any of these questions, you When you register for the 2014 OEA Summer Academy, Iand your colleagues should plan to attend the 2014 OEA please sign up for sessions under the Organizing strand. Summer Academy, August 4-6, Hilton Columbus Downtown. For more information or to register, see Working with OEA’s Organizing Department, participants http://oeasummeracademy.ohea.org or contact will learn about labor history, the dynamics of community the Organizing Department at 614 227 0046 or power structures, how to engage your members to be pub- [email protected] lic education advocates, why we partner with community stakeholders, and how to create a strategic action plan. OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 23 Students and faculty push to expand need-based aid

n 2009, Ohio cut the General Revenue Fund appropriation student debt and the restoration of the Ohio College Ifor the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) need- Opportunities Grant (OCOG). Together with OHEC based financial aid program in half and ended the program partners, students, faculty, staff and campus community for students in public two-year institutions. At the same members encouraged the Ohio legislature to expand time, rates of student debt skyrock- funding for OHEC, and open up the eted in Ohio, while funding for higher eligibility of the grant to two-year education and support for campus community college students. labor declined across the board. These The group’s goal is to organize issues have compelled members of the voices of those who are seeking the Ohio Higher Education Coalition affordable and accessible higher (OHEC), a statewide collaboration education in high quality colleges representing faculty, staff, students, and universities that treat those they parents and the community at large, employ with dignity and fairness. to work together to fight for bringing OHEC includes the Ohio Student back stronger need-based aid, as well Association (OSA), Ohio Education as a longer-term partnership among Association (OEA), Ohio Federation our organizations to focus on improv- of Teachers (OFT), American ing higher education for all Ohioans. Association of University Professors On March 4, OEA members rallied (AAUP) and Ohio Part-Time Faculty with student allies in the Ohio Association (OPTFA). Student Association at the statehouse to bring greater attention to increasing photo by Makia Burns ASSOCIATION

OEA President Becky Higgins opens the Spring 2014 OEA Representative Assembly at Veteran’s Memorial in Columbus. The theme for the assembly was “One Mission, One Goal, One Team.”

Delegates vote unanimously for three-year suspension of high-stakes decisions tied to testing

1. photos by Tim Revell 3. McDonald addresses President Higgins presents the delegates gathered an award to Ohio Teacher of at the RA. the Year Debra McDonald. 4. OEA Vice President McDonald teaches early Scott DiMauro presents childhood education at an update on pending Wayne County JVS. legislation that affects public education.

2. 3. 4.

elegates to the OEA Spring Representative portunities for every Ohio student, support the work of the DAssembly voted unanimously to support proposed Network for Public Education, and build relationships with legislation that would hit the pause button on all labor organizations. state-imposed high-stakes decisions based on student On the first day of the assembly, delegates elected state- test results in the implementation of Ohio’s New wide candidates Emilly Osterling (Lakota EA) NEA Direc- Learning Standards. tor 1, Janifer Trowles (Dayton EA) NEA Director 2, Andrea At the May 9-10 meeting held at Veteran’s Memo- Beeman (Maple Organization Support Team) OEA Board of rial in Columbus, 938 delegates elected new leaders, Directors At- Large, Karen Wright (Wellington Schools SS) honored champions of public education and took action OEA Board of Directors At-Large ESP. All terms of office to bolster public education. Echoing the theme “One end August 31, 2017. Mission, One Goal, One Team,” delegates were united Delegates demonstrated their serious concern for the in voting to organize an information campaign to raise state of public education in Ohio through their debate and public awareness of failing for-profit charter schools in action on numerous New Business Items. Ohio, preserve constitutional language that strengthens the fundamental right to high quality educational op- ➤ CONTINUED

OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 25 At the RA, delegates passed the following New Business Items: n SP-2014-01—The OEA shall propose and organize support for legislation to implement a three- year suspension on all high-stakes decisions tied to student standard- ized test results beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. n SP-2014-02—The OEA shall work with external partners to organize an information campaign to raise public awareness of failing for-profit charter schools in Ohio. Using existing research, communications, lobbying and organizing resources, 8. the campaign will highlight the negative financial and academic impact of such schools on Ohio’s taxpayers, school districts, public school employees, and students. The goal of the campaign will be to support the election of pro-public education candidates to office and build public support for legislation that stems the flow of funds from OEA’s endorsed candidate for Governor of Ohio, Ed FitzGerald, greets OEA members and leaders traditional public schools to lower during his visit to the RA. At top right, speaking performing charter schools. to the RA, FitzGerald stresses the need for n SP-2014-03—The OEA, working elected leaders to listen to educators. 5. through the delegates to the Spring 2014 Representative Assembly and 6. its affiliates, shall encourage local 9. boards of education to adopt resolutions in support of preserving the “thorough and efficient” provision of Article VI, Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution and advocating for constitutional language that strengthens the fundamental right to high quality educational opportunities for every Ohio student. n SP-2014-05—OEA will perform a study to establish 3/4 time dues for members. n SP-2014-07—OEA will publicly support the Network for Public Education (NPE) in their pursuit of 10. ending high-stakes testing and the use of test scores to evaluate schools 7. 6. Members contribute to the OEA Fund for and teachers. Specifically, OEA Children and Public Education. Contributors were entered into a drawing to win Columbus support NPE’s call for congressional Crew memorabilia. hearings on the overuse and misuse of testing in our public schools. 7. Member Joe Bettura of Trumbull Career and n Technical Center participates in debate on a SP-2014-09—OEA will form an New Business Item calling for a three-year advisory committee to expand and suspension of testing. deepen our relationship with other 9. At the RA, Andrea Beeman (Maple Organizing labor groups and organizations. Support Team) was elected to the OEA Board The committee would coordinate of Directors At-Large. efforts to support labor projects and initiatives necessary to promote and 10. Delegate Rachel Hahn (Lebanon EA) shared her local’s success in raising FCPE protect all Ohio workers. 26 contributions. Delegates referred New Business Item SP-2014-04 to the OEA Legisla- tive Committee: The OEA supports developing a strategy to strengthen Ohio Operating Standards 3301-35- 05, Faculty and Staff Focus, (A) (4) to include the following service person- nel: school counselor, library media specialist, school nurse, school social worker, art teacher, music teacher, and physical education teacher in accordance with OEA’s legislative policy, resolutions and/or standards. In other action, delegates: 11. 142. 13. n Approved the proposed 2014-2016 14 two-year budget. n Approved the appointment of Mary McGriff to the OEA Appeals Board for a seven-year term ending August 31, 2021. n Approved the proposed 2014-2015 Resolutions Report. Among the highlights of the Spring RA were visits from several OEA Award winners. Delegates honored Ohio Teacher of the Year Debra McDonald (Wayne County JVS EA), Education Support 15. Professional of the Year Sherri Verdier (Xenia ESP), and OEA 16. Friend of Education Award recipient Plunderbund (Brian Guilfoos, Greg Mild, Joseph Mismas, Eric Vessels and Abe Zaidan). Delegates also welcomed special guest Ed FitzGerald, OEA’s endorsed candidate for governor, who shared his plan for public education in Ohio. Delegates to the Spring 2014 RA contributed $40,669.99 to the OEA Fund for Children and Public Educa- tion. FCPE giveaway winners were: $2,000—Don Traxler (Retired); $500— Angela Stewart (Newcomerstown The Columbus Clippers rallied late to beat rival Syracuse on EA); $400—Julie Haack (South- OEA Educator Appreciation Western EA); $300—Amy Butcher Night held on May 9. (Westlake TA); $200—Rich Packert (Middletown EA); and $100 —Sherri Nott (Logan EA) The following Constitution articles were read by title for amendment at the December 2014 RA: Article I—Names, Goals and 11. Gail Andrews Turner represents the OEA Women’s Caucus at the organization’s table. Objectives, and Authorities for Governance; Article II—Membership; 12. Xenia bus aide Clarice Thomas works at the WOEA table. Article III—Governance Structure; 13. Parma teacher Sue Messinger visits with fellow NEOEA members Kim Sevier and Doug Article IV—Representative Assembly; Charters at the NEOEA table. Article V—Board of Directors; Article 14. OEA member Libby Kopec, a school counselor in Circleville, talks with Dennis Haskins, VI—Officers; Article VII—Appeals better known as Mr. Belding from the TV show “Saved by the Bell.” OEA prizewinners Board; Article VIII—Committees; were first in line to meet and greet the actor. Article IX— Affiliates; Article X— 15. Seventh-grade teacher Valerie Heban sets up the ECOEA table. Amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws; Article XI —Indemnification; Article X II—Savings Clause. OEA Board of Directors actions April In other action, the Board uring a conference call held April 27, the OEA Board of n Accepted the financial reports for March 31, 2014. DDirectors took the following actions: n Approved and transmitted the 2014-2016 Strategic n Approved the recommendation of the Executive Budget to the Spring RA for action. Director to hire Ryan Brooks as an Education Research n Accepted the resolution to amend the Management Development Consultant pending the satisfactory Employee’s Pension Plan to sunset features of the plan completion of a background check. that no longer have an impact on any participant’s n Approved the recommendation of the Executive future benefit accruals. Director to hire Matthew Whitman as an Education n Amended Board of Directors Policies 340.030, Research Development Consultant pending the Guidelines for the Division of Higher Ed, and 340.040, satisfactory completion of a background check. Guidelines for OEA-R. May n Amended Policy 340.040 as follows: President to Chair, Vice President to Vice Chair, Past President to Past Chair t its May 8 meeting, the OEA Board approved the and similar references throughout the policy. following President’s recommendations: A n n The appointment of Chris Menier to the Business/ Approved the following New Business Items: Support/Administration Committee. n Endorsed The Ohio Voters Bill of Rights initiative n The appointment of Mary McGriff to the OEA Appeals petition to amend the Ohio Constitution and authorizes Board for a seven-year term ending August 31, 2021. the officers and Executive Director to determine an appropriate plan of action to provide organizational n The appointment of the following to the Convention support for the measure. Planning Committee: n Adopted a resolution opposing the removal of the Kathy Abrahamson, representing OAESP, effective im- words “thorough and efficient” from Article VI, mediately, with a term ending August 31, 2015; Andrea section 2 of the Ohio Constitution. Skamfer, representing Central OEA/NEA, effective n immediately, with a term ending August 31, 2016 The OEA shall work with external partners to organize an information campaign to raise public awareness of n The appointment of Melissa Robey, representing failing for-profit charter schools in Ohio. OAESP, effective immediately, to the Legislative n Committee, with a term ending August 31, 2015 The OEA shall propose and organize support for legislation to implement a three-year suspension of all n The appointment of Wendy Menier, representing state-imposed high-stakes decisions based on student OAESP, effective immediately, to the Resolutions standardized test results beginning with the 2014-2015 Committee, with a term ending August 31, 2015. school year. n The appointment of Martha Miller, representing n Ratified the 2014-2016 Master Contract between the OAESP, effective immediately, to the Local Develop- OEA and the Professional Staff Union. ment and Training Core Function Committee, with a term ending August 31, 2015.

Brian Larson began his employment LLP. He earned a BA in history, politics OEA staff news with OEA in March as a LRC Northwest and government from Ohio Wesleyan Ryan Brooks began employment SC (Defiance).Larson was most recently University and the Juris Doctor (Cum on May 5 as an Education Research employed by the American Federation Laude) from The Ohio State University. Development Consultant (HQ). Brooks of Teachers (AFT)—Vermont as a Field RETIREMENTS was most recently employed by Project Representative. Prior to that, he was Brad Kappes Tomorrow in Irvine, CA, as an a Campaign Organizer with the AFT , Computer Technician- Education Research Manager. Prior to —Michigan. Larson received a BA in Technical Support, retired on April 30. that he was a Graduate Research and Political Science from Case Western Kappes joined OEA in 1981. He was a Teaching Associate for the Ohio State Reserve University and a JD from member of Circle Services—providing University, Department of Sociology, Washington University in St. Louis. computer support to OEA and the where he trained in statistical analysis, businesses that leased time on OEA’s Matthew Whitman joined OEA May 19 mainframe—before OEA had its own data management and research as an Education Research Development methods. He also worked for five internal Computer Services Depart- Consultant (HQ). Whitman brings ment. For many years, he supported years as the Program Director of Part experience in researching and organizing of the Solution (POTS), a legal and terminal-based access to mainframes, municipal and county financial data in the statewide NeXT Unix system and basic service organization serving preparation for negotiations and fact- persons of poverty in Bronx, NY. the migration to Microsoft Windows finding hearings, along with extensive and mobile platforms. Kappes was also Ryan received a BA, Sociology from work studying, summarizing and Arkansas State University, a MPA, an integral part of the membership presenting information on the Affordable processing functions of the organization Emphasis on Nonprofit Management Care Act. Previous employment includes from Indiana University and a MA and and worked closely to support the the Ohio State Employment Relations Membership department. OEA staff will PhD in Sociology from the Ohio State Board/State Personnel Board of Review University. all miss his friendly voice at the other and, most recently, as an associate end of the line when calling CSD for 28 attorney with Fishel Hass Kim Albrecht support. OEA wishes him all of the best in retirement. REGISTER NOW FOR The 2014 OEA Summer Academy AUGUST 4-6, 2014 Hilton Columbus, Downtown • 401 N High St • Columbus REGISTER ONLINE NOW Courses on key association leadership knowledge, skills and strategies: n Officers Leadership Development n Member Advocacy and Organizing n Collective Bargaining n Professional Advocacy n Hot Topics/Electives

See http://oeasummeracademy.ohea.org for detailed information on schools and courses, guest speakers, special events and more.

Summer Academy Schools and Courses School of Association Leadership School of Communications, Organizing and Members seeking practical knowledge and leadership skills for strengthening Political Action the local association as the chief advocate for education employees and 3.1 Organize, Engage and Activate! for school quality may choose from three courses. Each course consists Participants will gain useful organizing knowledge, skills and techniques of several 90-minute sessions of leadership training, including organizing in order to effectively engage and activate their colleagues, members the local for strength and membership retention. Whether you are a new or and community allies. They will practice and experience proven methods experienced association representative or a current or prospective leader to strengthen their locals and gain a powerful understanding of how to in your local, the courses offer knowledge, skills, and strategies for your set goals, think strategically, communicate with members, facilitate power leadership role. assessments, and build energetic organizing teams. 1.1 Officers Leadership Development 3.2 Messages and Methods to Unify, Organize and Mobilize Local This workshop is intended for local leaders to help them learn the fundamental Associations skills and strategies to build and maintain an effective local. Change and challenge rule Ohio schools and colleges. With less funding, 1.2 Advanced Member Advocacy for Experienced Association larger class sizes, and cutbacks in student opportunities, OEA members Representatives need to understand the origin of attacks on our profession and learn how Through instruction, simulation and reflective discussion, experienced to use proven tools to fight back. This course provides participants with association representatives will further develop their skills as member strategies, messages and best practices for organizing and political action. advocates as they enhance their understanding of internal communications Together, we can turn adversity into power, just as we did in the fight to and organizing. repeal Senate Bill 5 in 2011. 1.3 Member Advocacy and Organizing for Beginners School of Professional Advocacy This course is exclusively for individuals in their first three years serving as 4.1 Professional Efficacy a building/association representative.Through exciting instruction, simulation The School of Professional Advocacy addresses critical topics relative to and activities, novice building/association representatives will gain/increase professional efficacy for Ohio educators. This course is grounded in the their awareness of the importance of communications within their buildings Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession and provides the opportunity and the local and will develop their abilities and knowledge as leaders and to build professional efficacy while becoming an advocate for the member advocates! teaching profession. 1.4 Emerging Leaders (By Invitation Only) 4.2 Professional Issues Advocacy: Common Core Program The OEA Statewide Emerging Leaders Program offers a unique opportunity (Invitation Only) for selected individuals in each OEA region to develop their leadership This training for the participants of the Professional Issues Advocacy Learning skills. The program targets participants with less than seven years as a Network is designed to assist selected local affiliates increase influence and member of OEA who have not held a position of leadership higher than that voice in school improvement efforts at the local, state and national levels. of a building representative and who possess a willingness to attend future leadership training at the OEA Summer Academy. Electives School of Collective Bargaining Electives to be offered at the 2014 Summer Academy include: Local Leader Legal 101; What ACA Means for ESPs, DD, Higher Ed and Teacher Contracts; 2.1 Fundamentals of Collective Bargaining Ohio’s New Learning Standards, OTES, and Other School Reform Initiatives; This course is divided into several sessions designed to provide OEA What’s New and What’s Not in Ohio’s Local Report Card and Teacher Reports; members with bargaining-related information, skills and strategies to make Ensuring Safety, Fairness and Equality for Members and Students; Exceptional the member comfortable participating in the local bargaining environment. Children – Expectations and Compliance; Association Representative Tool Box; The information will reflect both current and anticipated bargaining and Building Strength from Within. climates. Completion of this course should enable the member to successfully participate as a local bargaining team/committee member. OHIO SCHOOLS JUNE 2014 29 ATTENTION POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER NO LATER THAN JUNE 13 OhioSchools

It’s never been so important When I testified on Senate to have teacher voices at Bill 5, the legislators had no We need to get our the table…The target has clue what I had said. I told them members—all of our been moved for Ohio’s the way it was and nothing teachers. We have members—to see that changed. They are ignorant legislators who are a union needs to stand about education and the facts continually moving our together. It takes all of about education. They do not start line. But I’ve met us to reach the students know what you know. As the years have gone by, we see that with the teachers of Ohio and to enhance their they don’t care. and they have the same lives. We need to determination that our show our unity and be Have passion in your heart, students have. We won’t productive advocates but use your brain. You have be discouraged. We won’t of our union if we are to more educational training than the vast majority of elected give up. We will continue to make a difference for our do the exemplary work that officials. Use your skills—do students. research and come up with we have always done. And solid arguments of fact about we will hit those targets SHERRI VERDIER our profession and the things because we care about (XENIA ESP) we do. Don’t be passive about children. OEA 2014 ESP OF it. Use your knowledge and THE YEAR education to educate. DEBRA MCDONALD (WAYNE COUNTY GREG MILD JVS EA) (COLUMBUS EA 2014 OHIO TEACHER AND PLUNDERBUND) OF THE YEAR OEA 2014 FRIEND OF EDUCATION