Educator Standards Board Monthly Online Update  

January 2006  

Overview

Today’s monthly online newsletter includes updates on the following topics: 

• ESB Reviews ODE Response to Ohio Association of School Nurses Concerns

• ESB Toolkit Development Underway

• ESB Continues Development of Career Ladder Proposal and Master Teacher Definition

ESB Reviews Response to Ohio Association of School Nurses Concerns

In November 2005, the Ohio Association of School Nurses (OASN) presented a concern to the Higher Education Committee at its October meeting regarding the incorrect use of the title “school nurse” within school buildings.

The ESB’s Higher Education Committee reviewed the Ohio Department of Education’s response, which included a notification in Dr. Zelman’s weekly e-mail to all Ohio superintendents reminding them that, according to the Ohio Administrative Code, school nurse licensure includes the following: 1) a baccalaureate degree; 2) successful completion of an approved school nurse preparation program; and 3) a current license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) issued by the Ohio Board of Nursing. While the district may employ "health service providers" such as RNs or LPNs to serve student health needs, these individuals should not use the title school nurse since this is a specific licensure area. 

ESB Toolkit Development Underway

The Educator Standards Board is currently developing an awareness toolkit to increase awareness and understanding of the new standards and how they may be used. It will include a set of brochures, presentations tailored to various audiences, tools to increase awareness and understanding, examples of how the standards may inform practice, and an evaluation component to ensure that the messages being delivered are consistent.

The ESB will be reviewing drafts of the toolkit in January, and March 1 is the projected rollout date. The toolkit will be available on CD ROM, and a statewide mailing to school districts is anticipated.  

ESB Continues Development of Career Ladder Proposal and Master Teacher Definition

The ESB’s Professional Policies Committee continues to research best practices and develop parameters to frame the career ladder proposal for Ohio mandated by SB 2. It is anticipated that work with a consultant will begin in February and that a draft document of the proposal may be ready for the June 26-27 ESB retreat. The Committee is also researching models for defining what “Master Teacher” means in Ohio.