Ohio's Formative Induction Results in Stronger Teaching program (FIRST) was also modeled after California's statewide Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment program (BTSA). FIRST is collaboration between the Ohio Department of Education and the Educational Testing Service. As of the fall of 2002, a structured induction program is now required for all first-year teachers in Ohio. Under FIRST, a summer institute is held for educators wanting to become mentors to beginning teachers (FIRST Induction Training), as well as for current mentors wanting to further develop their skills (Training to Lead).

Mentors are released from all classroom teaching responsibilities to provide mentees with assistance in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional and assessment strategies. Mentors observe their mentees regularly and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement. Mentees are given a minimum of 30 hours of professional development and two days release time during the first semester and one day released time during second semester. Some Ohio districts have formed partnerships with colleges, universities, other districts, and organizations. As in California and Texas, the induction program is already having a huge impact on teacher retention. Although statewide data are not yet available, the school district of Columbus has reduced its attrition rate to 13 percent, roughly one-third the attrition rate before implementation of FIRST.

Source: Scott, C. (October/November 2001.) "Columbus ready with mentors," CATYLYST for Cleveland
Public Schools. Available online at http://www.catylst-cleveland.org/10-01/1001story5.htm.

Scott, C. (October/November 2001.) "Mentoring for first-year teachers is the law in 2002: Will
Cleveland be ready?" CATYLYST for Cleveland Public Schools. Available online at
http://www.catylst-cleveland.org/10-01/1001story1.htm.