Level Up With Literacy

The Department of Education & Workforce's updated list of approved core curriculum and instructional materials includes all submitted materials that met the required criteria for prekindergarten and kindergarten-grade 5. The updated list of approved reading intervention programs includes all submitted programs that met the required criteria for prekindergarten-grade 12.

The Department’s review process is ongoing. A list of core curriculum and instructional materials and reading intervention programs still under review can be found on the Department’s website. The Department will update both lists once all reviews are complete in March 2025. Additional information, including an updated timeline and resources for districts and schools in selecting materials are also available.

Ohio was awarded a $60 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This grant will support teaching and learning opportunities to help more Ohio students advance their literacy skills, with a focus on those who have been traditionally underserved. All eligible applicants must submit and implement a local literacy plan. The Department of Education and Workforce has created a Local Literacy Plan Guidance Video Series along with a PDF version to help applicants in the process. All details can be obtained on DEW's CLSD Grant page on their website.

Please Note: The Funding Application is due March 26, 2025 at 4:59.

Governor Dewine recently announced the ReadOhio initiative, an exciting statewide effort to encourage improved literacy skills for all ages that includes the implementation of a curriculum aligned with the science of reading in Ohio’s schools. The ReadOhio initiative, through the state operating budget and continuing law and legislation, makes historic investments in literacy to support schools and districts in implementing the science of reading.

For a summary of Science of Reading Legislation and Allowable Uses of Federal Funds, as well as Frequently Asked Questions Click Here.

DEW will continue to host ReadOhio Policy Hour monthly webinars to provide updates and answer questions about the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, the Reading Diagnostic, Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plans, high-dosage tutoring, dyslexia support laws, high-quality instructional materials in English language arts, science of reading professional development, and more.

Upcoming webinar dates include:

• Feb. 28, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Register here
• March 28, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Register here

Ohio’s districts and schools receive Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid and Student Wellness and Success Funds to fund initiatives to support wraparound services to help students overcome obstacles to learning, accelerate learning and prepare for future success.

Ohio law now includes several updates related to Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid and Student Wellness and Success Funds. These updates help ensure that districts and schools are positioned to prioritize students’ physical and mental health needs through strategic community partnerships.

For a list of the updates and uses for the funding Click Here.

This document/product/software was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, (Award #H027A160111, CFDA 84.027A, awarded to the Ohio Department of Education). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, and no official endorsement by the Department should be inferred.