News and Events for January 26 through February 6, 2026

One Needs Assessment: NOW OPEN!

Are you writing a One Plan this year? If you are in Cohort 3 you will need to complete the One Needs Assessment and One Plan by April 30th. Please visit the EDSTEPS website to register for these upcoming webinars. 


One Needs Assessment, One Plan & Progress Monitoring on March 4, 2026 10-12pm 



ED STEPS: One Funding Application Training May 19, 2026 10-12pm



If you are looking for helpful resources from SST8, they can be found on our website.

SAVE THE DATE and PLAN AHEAD!!

Join math educators from across Ohio October 8–9, 2026, at the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) 76th Annual Conference held at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH! This year’s theme — Revitalized, Relevant, and Reimagined — invites all of us to breathe new life into instructional practice, connect cutting-edge ideas to today’s classrooms, and reimagine what meaningful mathematics looks like for our learners.


We’re especially thrilled to feature Dr. Jo Boaler, Stanford University Professor and globally recognized leader in mathematics education, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Boaler’s work on growth mindset, equitable instruction, and joyful mathematics experiences has influenced educators around the world — and we can’t wait to hear her insights on making math more creative, accessible, and relevant for every student!


Whether you’re looking to revitalize your teaching, explore relevant strategies for today’s learners, or rethink what’s possible in math classrooms, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with new tools and connections.


Learn more and register: https://ohioctm.org/Annual-Conference-Sandusky-2026


Did You Know Ohio Has Its Own State Math Journal?

Many Ohio educators are surprised to learn that our state is home to a valuable professional resource: the Ohio School Journal of Mathematics (OSJM). This peer-reviewed journal elevates Ohio voices, shares classroom-connected research, and supports high-quality mathematics instruction across the state.


In the newest issue, OCTM President Mike Lipnos authors a timely article titled Making the New Ohio Math Plan Work. His piece directly addresses the implementation of Ohio’s Plan for K–12 Mathematics, offering insight and guidance for educators, coaches, and leaders working to bring the state’s vision for mathematics to life in classrooms and schools.


Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of Ohio’s math direction, support effective implementation of the new math plan, or engage with the broader mathematics education community, the Ohio School Journal of Mathematics is an important resource to explore.


 Learn more and read the journal at: ohiomathjournal.org

Ohio Administrative Code

The OAC Chapter 3301-51-11 Education of student with special needs, draft rule, and the Business Impact Analysis document was posted on DEW’s website. The public comment period closes on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Click here for public comment.


For the draft rule click here



Comments may also be submitted to rulescomments@education.ohio.gov.


 Please submit any questions regarding the rule process to Brittney Kneisel at Brittney.Kneisel@education.ohio.gov.

Tiered Fidelity

Inventory 3.0

The purpose of the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) 3.0 is to provide a valid, reliable, and efficient measure of the extent to which school personnel are applying the core features of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The TFI is divided into three sections (Tier 1: Universal PBIS Features; Tier 2: Targeted PBIS Features; and Tier 3: Intensive PBIS Features) that can be used separately or in combination to assess the extent to which core features are in place.


The TFI 3.0 is based on the features and items of existing PBIS fidelity measures. The TFI has been revised to prioritize content related to the integration of mental health supports, equity, and classroom implementation and to better align with current guidance and training content available through the national Center on PBIS.


Click here for TFI 3.0 resources


Winter Special Education Legal Update Series

Join Christina Henagen Peer and Lisa Woloszynek, Partners with Weston Hurd LLP, for an engaging and informative series designed to keep you and your team up to date on the latest legal developments in special education.


Please invite your district and building-level administrators to attend one session or the entire series, each event offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.



Click the flyer for more information and to register! 


“But I’m NOT a Reading Teacher”

Harnessing the CTE Advantage for Literacy

Career and technical educators play a critical role in developing students’ literacy and communication skills—far beyond traditional reading and writing. Join us for a virtual professional learning opportunity focused on the real-world literacy skills students need to succeed on the job.

Dr. Sandra Adams, co-author of But I’m NOT a Reading Teacher, will lead this engaging session, sharing proven literacy strategies specifically designed for use within Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms.


This virtual professional learning experience is a collaborative effort by CTPD consultants from across the state and is hosted through SST 13, bringing statewide expertise together to support high-quality literacy instruction in CTE settings.


Who Should Attend?

This learning experience is ideal for:

  • Career-technical educators
  • Literacy and instructional coaches
  • Intervention specialists
  • Administrators


Virtual Professional Learning Session

📅 February 24, 2026

⏰ 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM (includes a 30–45 minute lunch break)

💻 Register Here

Participants will engage in interactive whole-group and breakout sessions. Active participation is expected, including camera use and collaboration with the presenter and fellow attendees.


Virtual Follow-Up Sessions

All participants will be invited to attend one of two optional virtual follow-up and feedback sessions with Dr. Adams. During these sessions, Dr. Adams will answer questions and provide feedback on participant-submitted lessons.

  • March 4, 2026 | 3:00–4:30 PM
  • March 5, 2026 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM


Links to these sessions will be shared with registered participants at a later date.

Contact Hours

Participants will receive contact hours to share with their LPDC. Approval of contact hours is determined by each individual LEA.


Strengthening Mathematics Learning Across Ohio: Ohio’s new Plan for

K-12 Mathematics

Ohio’s Plan for K-12 Mathematics establishes a common statewide vision of high-quality, research- and evidence-based mathematics instruction, as well as guidance on the system-level conditions and structures needed to bring quality instruction to scale. It is intended to serve as an anchor for local, regional, and state education leaders, policymakers, partners, and others who can play a role in improving students’ access to rigorous mathematics instruction and overall academic achievement.  


More resources will be shared throughout the year.  Until then, please find the plan here: Ohio’s Plan for K12 Mathematics