House Bill (HB) 64 created the OSCES, which required, among other things, that the State Board of Education (SBOE) develop a standards-based framework for the evaluation of school counselors by May 31. At its April meeting, the SBOE adopted the framework, which may be adjusted as needed. Not unlike the other evaluation systems, revisions will be necessary to provide additional information as districts transition to the new evaluation system.
Boards must adopt an OSCES policy that complies with Revised Code (RC) section 3319.113 and the SBOE adopted framework by Sept. 30. Districts must implement OSCES beginning with the 2016-17 school year, and must create procedures for using evaluation results for retention and promotion decisions and removal of poorly performing school counselors beginning in the 2017-18 school year. The policy becomes effective at the expiration of any collective bargaining agreements covering school counselors in effect on Sept. 29, 2015, and must be included in any renewals or extensions of such agreements. It’s also important to note that the RC 3319.113 requirements prevail over conflicting provisions of collective bargaining agreements entered into on or after Sept. 29, 2015.
OSBA released sample language to subscribers in the May 2016 Policy Development Quarterly (PDQ). Most sample policies will track the legal and framework requirements, but a good amount of customization is necessary prior to policy adoption and implementation of the new system. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has released a number of tools and guidance documents to assist with creation and implementation of the required board policies. Those resources are available on ODE’s school counselor standards and evaluation page.