Hey Ohio parents! If you’ve been wondering what the state is doing to help your kids become better readers, you’re in the right place. Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement is a big effort to make sure every child—from babies to high schoolers—gets the reading skills they need to succeed. Let’s break it down into simple pieces so you can see what it’s all about, how it started, what’s happening now, and what Governor Mike DeWine has to say about it.
What Is Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement?
Think of this plan as a roadmap to help all kids in Ohio become great readers. It’s not just about one grade or one school—it covers kids from birth all the way through 12th grade. The goal? To make sure every child can read well, no matter their age, background, or challenges they might face (like learning English or having a disability). The plan uses science-backed ways to teach reading, focusing on things like sounding out words (phonics) and understanding what they read.
The plan has five big parts that work together:
- Teachers: Making sure teachers know the best ways to teach reading.
- Leaders: Helping principals and school leaders support reading programs.
- Support Systems: Giving extra help to kids who need it, like tutoring.
- Parents: Getting you involved because you’re a huge part of your child’s reading journey.
- Community: Partnering with libraries and local groups to boost reading.
How Did This Plan Start?
The plan didn’t just pop up overnight. It began back in January 2018 when Ohio’s education team put together the first version. They updated it in January 2020 after a group called the State Literacy Team looked at what was working and what needed to change. The idea came from a bigger state goal called “Each Child, Our Future,” which says every kid deserves a strong start—especially in reading.
Then, in 2023, Governor Mike DeWine made it a top priority with his “Governor’s Literacy Challenge.” He saw that too many kids weren’t reading well (more on that later) and pushed for big changes, like making schools use the “Science of Reading”—a proven method that focuses on phonics and understanding words.
When Did It Start Happening?
Here’s a quick timeline:
- January 2018: The first plan was released.
- January 2020: The plan got a big update.
- March 2023: Governor DeWine announced his Literacy Challenge to supercharge the effort.
- July 2023: New laws (House Bill 33) made the Science of Reading a must-do for schools, starting in the 2024-25 school year.
- October 2024: Ohio got $60 million from the federal government to help make it happen, with schools applying for funds in early 2025.
So, by the time the 2024-25 school year started, schools across Ohio were already rolling out these changes—like training teachers and picking new reading materials.
What’s Governor Mike DeWine Saying About It?
Governor DeWine is all in on this plan. He’s been talking about it a lot because he believes reading is key to your child’s future. Here are some things he’s said:
- In his 2023 State of the State speech, he called reading a “moral imperative” and pushed for the Science of Reading in every school.
- In October 2024, when Ohio got that $60 million grant, he said, “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.”
- In April 2024, at a movie screening about reading, he said, “We’re now following the Science of Reading, but we still have too many classrooms in Ohio where that’s not occurring.” He’s pushing hard to get every school on board.
DeWine’s big push is part of his “ReadOhio” initiative, which ties all these efforts together to boost literacy statewide.
How’s It Going So Far? Current Stats
Here’s the tough truth: Ohio’s kids need help with reading. According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)—often called the “nation’s report card”:
- Only 35% of Ohio 4th graders were proficient readers.
- For 8th graders, it dropped to 33%.
That means nearly two-thirds of Ohio’s 4th graders aren’t reading at grade level. That’s why this plan matters—it’s trying to turn those numbers around. Since the Science of Reading started rolling out in 2024, some schools (like Columbus City Schools, which began in 2020) are seeing early improvements, but it’s still too soon for statewide stats to show the full impact.
What’s Next for Your Kids?
Starting in early 2025, schools can apply to become “comprehensive literacy implementation sites” with that $60 million grant. This means more teacher training, better books, and maybe even partnerships with your local library. The state’s breaking it down into four age groups:
- Birth to kindergarten
- Kindergarten to 5th grade
- 6th to 8th grade
- 9th to 12th grade
Plus, programs like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (free books for kids under 5) and online tips for parents are growing to help you at home.
How Can You Help?
You’re a big part of this plan! Here’s what you can do:
- Barnes & Noble - Free Kids eBooks
- Read with your kids every day—even just 10 minutes helps.
- The Ohio Digital Library is a program of the State Library of Ohio and is supported in whole or in part by federal Institute of Museum and Library Services funds, awarded to the State Library of Ohio.
- Ask your child’s teacher how they’re using the Science of Reading.
- Sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library if you’ve got little ones.
Ohio’s working hard to make sure your kids can read well and succeed. With this plan, Governor DeWine’s support, and your help, we’re on the way to raising a generation of strong readers!
Disclaimer & Sources, this article reflects sentiment and opinions, not necessarily facts. Sources, links, and views may not represent the author’s personal stance. and nothing in this article should be interpreted as such and or advice, legal advice. You have read the article and by reading the article you came to your own conclusions and used your own thoughts.
If you spot an error, please contact me promptly to correct it. ellenniedz@gmail.com. Rights of logos placed here are for recognition for the blind or eyesight problems on this blog. 😎 Be sure to click on all the Blue Links.
References, Sources, and Website Links
- Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement: https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Literacy/Ohios-Plan-to-Raise-Literacy-Achievement.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US
- Governor DeWine Launches ReadOhio Initiative: https://governor.ohio.gov
- Ohio Gets $60M Federal Grant for Reading Instruction: https://www.daytondailynews.com, October 22, 2024
- NAEP 2022 Reading Scores: https://www.nationsreportcard.gov
- DeWine Pushes Science of Reading: https://www.dispatch.com, April 18, 2024
- Ohio Department of Education Literacy Page: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Literacy
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