Level Up with Literacy
2023-2024 Issue 3
Registration is now open for 2024 ReadOhio Literacy Academy
The seventh annual Literacy Academy, hosted by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, will be held June 10-11, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus. The Literacy Academy provides professional learning to support the use of evidence-based language and literacy practices. This event is intended for Ohio districts, schools, and early care and education program professionals working toward raising literacy achievement. There are no registration fees to attend. Agenda and registration information HERE.
Structured Literacy Certification Process
Districts are required to establish a Structured Literacy Certification process for teachers providing instruction in kindergarten through third grade. Districts determine locally which educators will become certified through this process. The certification process must align with Ohio’s Dyslexia Guidebook. District leaders may consider using the Certification Process Planning Tool which includes a checklist of items to consider when establishing their structured literacy certification process. Additional information can be found on DEW's website.
Science of Reading PD Fulfills the Dyslexia PD Requirements
On April 23, 2024 the Ohio Dyslexia Committee voted to approve the Department’s Science of Reading professional development course as an approved course to meet the Dyslexia Professional Development requirements. Effective immediately, teachers and intervention specialists who complete either Pathway A or Pathway C of the Department’s Science of Reading Professional Development course
will fulfill both the Dyslexia Professional Development requirements and the Science of Reading Professional Development requirements. The Department is working to update its resources and guidance documents to reflect this change. Please send questions to Dyslexia@education.ohio.gov.
Approved List for Core Curriculum and Instructional Materials in ELA
The updated list of approved core curriculum and instructional materials in English Language Arts is now available on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website. The Department’s list of approved core curriculum and instructional materials includes all submitted materials that met the required criteria for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten-grade 5. The review process is ongoing for vendors that may have elected to appeal the Department’s Phase 2 decision. Additional guidance on material selection and requirements can be found HERE.
Lynn McKahan, Director
Meet our Literacy Team
Regional Early Literacy Specialist
Adolescent Literacy
Urban Literacy Specialist