Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Stephen D. Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), announced that Ohio has been awarded a $60 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding aims to equip teachers with the resources and training necessary to enhance literacy instruction and improve student reading and writing skills.
Elevating Literacy Achievement through the ReadOhio Initiative
Governor DeWine’s ReadOhio initiative is at the forefront of the state’s efforts to align all schools with the Science of Reading methodology, a research-backed approach that has been recognized as the most effective way to teach reading. With this grant, Ohio aims to become a model state in how it supports educators and students.
“As all of our schools in Ohio become fully aligned with the Science of Reading, it is critical that our teachers have the right training and resources to properly teach their students how to read using this groundbreaking method,” said Governor DeWine. “This funding will further advance our efforts to make Ohio a model state, both in terms of how we support teachers with the training and tools they need to raise literacy achievement, and how we provide our students with the skills they need to be successful throughout life.”
The grant will allow Ohio schools to apply for funding to become comprehensive literacy implementation sites. These sites will focus on enhancing the quality of literacy practices through teacher coaching, effective instructional materials, and partnerships with local institutions such as libraries or universities.
Supporting Schools and Teachers Across Age Groups
DEW is set to release a request for applications in early 2025, encouraging schools, early childhood education programs, and preschools to apply. Subgrants will be awarded in four key age groups:
- Birth to kindergarten
- Kindergarten through grade 5
- Grades 6 through 8
- Grades 9 through 12
In addition to supporting individual schools, a portion of the funding will go toward technical assistance and implementation efforts. Schools may collaborate through regional education partnerships to pool resources, sharing assets and expertise to maximize the grant’s impact.
“This program will also help us understand where additional supports are needed and how to make those critical learning connections,” said Director Dackin. “By establishing more of our schools as comprehensive literacy implementation sites and providing another layer of support directly to our teachers, the better positioned educators and staff will be to successfully guide students in developing crucial literacy skills.”
Promoting Equitable Access to Literacy Education
The Comprehensive Literacy State Development program prioritizes children in vulnerable communities, with a focus on children living in poverty, English language learners, and students with disabilities. By investing in literacy development for these groups, the program aims to bridge educational gaps and provide every child with a solid foundation in reading and writing.
Ohio is one of 23 states to receive this grant during the current cycle, and the state’s award is the second-highest in the nation. This significant investment reflects the state’s commitment to literacy education as a means of fostering lifelong success for students.
Awards to subgrantees will be announced in late spring 2025, marking the next step in Ohio’s journey to create a comprehensive and sustainable literacy framework. Through these efforts, the state hopes to empower educators, engage students, and ensure that all children have access to the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond.