Buckeye Reporter

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine introduced the ReadOhio initiative on Aug. 10 to enhance literacy skills across all age groups, including implementing science-aligned reading curricula in K-12 schools to address the issue of 40% of third graders not proficient in reading. The initiative, aimed at improving literacy statewide, encompasses various resources, including a toolkit and digital materials.

“With 40% of Ohio third graders not proficient in reading, we need to seriously look at how we are teaching reading in the state because reading is fundamental to future success,” said Gov. DeWine, according to an Aug. 10 press release. “Our ReadOhio initiative will encompass all of our efforts to improve literacy skills of Ohioans of every age, from early childhood throughout adulthood because it’s never too early or too late to learn to read or enhance your skills.” 

The Science of Reading encompasses a collection of interdisciplinary scientific findings that illuminate the process of proficient reading and writing acquisition, as well as the challenges some students may face. It emphasizes the necessity of explicit and systematic instruction in various fundamental elements, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, to effectively develop strong readers, rejecting teaching methods reliant on meaning, structure, syntax, or visual cues.

Furthermore, Gov. DeWine issued an Executive Order mandating the Governor's Children's Initiative to collaborate with stakeholders in creating a program that identifies schools showcasing robust adoption of effective instructional approaches in line with the Science of Reading, yielding notable advancements in students' reading skills. This recognition initiative is set to commence in the upcoming autumn.

As part of his Executive Order, Gov. DeWine has introduced the "Governor’s Literacy Challenge" to address literacy issues in the state. The challenge aims to enhance reading proficiency among students, emphasizing evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, and includes various initiatives such as recognizing schools with strong reading practices, fostering public-private partnerships, promoting parental involvement in teaching reading, and developing strategies for improved reading outcomes.

“We know that reading is just a key to so many other things in life,” DeWine said, Business Journal Daily reported. “We want every Ohioan to be able to live up to their God-given potential, and reading is an absolutely essential part of that.”