Definition

The Ohio Teacher Evaluation System 2.0 calls for an educator who has a Final Holistic Rating of Ineffective to be placed on a written Improvement Plan. However, districts have discretion to place any teacher on an Improvement Plan at any time based on any individual deficiency in the evaluation system. The notice requirements for being placed on an Improvement Plan, the components of the plan and the implementation process for the plan may be subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. The purpose of an Improvement Plan is to identify specific deficiencies in performance and foster growth through professional development and targeted support. If the teacher does not take the corrective actions within the time specified in the Improvement Plan, the evaluator may make a recommendation either to dismiss the teacher or continue the plan.

When an administrator initiates an Improvement Plan, he or she must:

• Identify, in writing, the specific area(s) for improvement, aligned to the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession;
• Specify, in writing, the level of performance the teacher is expected to reach and a reasonable timeframe to correct the deficiencies;
• Develop and implement a written plan for improvement that will be initiated immediately and include available resources and assistance;
• Determine additional education or professional development the teacher needs to improve in the identified area(s); and
• Gather evidence of progress or lack of progress.

An evaluator must reassess the educator’s performance in accordance with the written plan. This reassessment should include multiple performance observations. When the reassessment is completed, if the evaluator has documented an acceptable level of performance improvement, the teacher may transition to a Professional Growth Plan. If the teacher’s performance remains Ineffective, the administrator may reinstate the Improvement Plan with additional recommendations for improvement or take the necessary steps to recommend dismissal.

Key Components

The following are recommended components of the Improvement Plan:

Section 1: Improvement Statement—List specific area(s) for improvement as related to the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession. Attach documentation.

• Performance Standard(s) Addressed in the Plan
• Date(s) Improvement Area or Concern Observed
• Specific Statement of the Concern/Area(s) of Improvement

Section 2: Desired Level of Performance—List specific measurable goal(s) to improve performance. Indicate what will be measured for each goal.

• Beginning Date
• Ending Date
• Level of Performance: Specifically Describe Successful Improvement Target(s)

Section 3: Specific Plan of Action—Describe in detail the specific plan(s) of action that must be taken by the teacher to improve his/her performance. Indicate the sources of evidence that will be used to document the completion of the Improvement Plan.

• Actions to be Taken
• Sources of Evidence that Will Be Examined

Section 4: Assistance and Professional Development—Describe in detail specific supports that will be provided as well as opportunities for professional development.

Section 5: Alignment to Any District and/or Building Improvement Plan(s)— Describe the alignment to any district and/or building improvement plan(s).

Evaluator’s signature verifying the proper procedures as detailed in the local contract have been followed

Source: Ohio Department of Education. (2020). OTES 2.0 Model (032720).