Level Up With Literacy
Updated Guidance on High-Dosage Tutoring and the Third Grade Reading Guarantee
The Office of Literacy Achievement has published updated guidance on high-dosage tutoring, which is required under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee for students with a Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plan (RIMP). Guidance has been revised to align more closely with research and best practices. Specifically, the updates include the integration of high-dosage tutoring with multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). A Frequently Asked Questions document has been developed to provide further clarity on this requirement and address common inquiries. Additionally, the Third Grade Reading Guarantee Guidance Manual has been revised to reflect these updates. Please direct additional questions regarding high-dosage tutoring to Tutoring@education.ohio.gov.
Read Ohio Policy Hour Webinars
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce hosts a monthly webinar where the Department’s literacy policy team provides updates and answers questions about the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, (Reading Diagnostic, RIMPs, High-Dosage Tutoring, Dyslexia Support Laws, HQIM ELA Curriculum and Intervention requirements, Science of Reading Professional Development, and more). The next webinar is November 22, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00. Register for the webinar HERE.
If you would like to see past recordings of the ReadOhio Policy Hour Webinars as well as the Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plan (RIMP) Intervention Video Series, you can find them HERE.
Science of Reading Recognition Program
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, in coordination with the Department of Education and Workforce, is pleased to announce the Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program to recognize schools that are demonstrating strong implementation of evidence-based instructional practices aligned to the science of reading and where students are making significant progress.
PreK-12 schools, including public, community, and chartered nonpublic schools, are eligible to apply, and each must apply as an individual building. Review the Application Guidelines and Instructions, which outline the requirements for the recognition. The application period is October 25, 2024 - November 29, 2024.
Visit the Recognition Program’s webpage for more information.
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant
Ohio was awarded a $60 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will support Ohio teachers in providing effective literacy instruction to help students maximize their reading and writing skills.
Elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as district preschools and early childhood education programs across Ohio will soon be able to apply to become a comprehensive literacy implementation site. Selected sites will be able to use these grant funds to strengthen the ways teachers and administrators implement literacy practices, with an ultimate goal of improving student outcomes.
Additional information about the opportunity and resources for prospective applicants, including recommended activities before the application window opens, are available on the Department’s webpage.
Literacy in Action Series
Audience - Teachers who support K-3 literacy including students with disabilities
Dates - January 15, 2025, February 12, 2025, March 11, 2025 and April 8, 2025
Time/Location - 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. | Virtual
Presenter - Debbie Nagel, Regional Literacy Specialist
Brief Description - Participants will explore cutting-edge, evidence based instructional strategies rooted in Reading Science, designed for immediate application with little prep and can be applied to any curriculum. Register Here.
Literacy Leaders Network
Audience - Anyone in a literacy leadership role (curriculum directors, special education directors, principals, assistant principals, superintendents)
Dates - November 19, 2024, January 28, 2025, February 25, 2025, March 20, 2025, April 23, 2025 and May 13, 2025
Time/Location - 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual
Presenter - Debbie Nagel, Regional Literacy Specialist
Brief Description - This network is designed to help participants integrate various literacy initiatives and comply with Ohio's literacy laws, creating a supportive framework for all learners, including the educators responsible for instruction and interventions. Register Here.
Instructional Coaching Network
Audience - Instructional Coaches and Leaders (any subject and grade level)
Dates - November 21, 2024, January 23, 2025, February 20, 2025, March 13, 2025, May 15, 2025 (the May date is in person at ESC of Lake Erie West from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)
Time/Location - 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Virtual
Presenter - Debbie Nagel, Regional Literacy Specialist
Brief Description - This network serves as a collaborative system designed to enhance teaching practices and improve student learning outcomes through sustained job-embedded professional development. This network brings together instructional coaches to engage in continuous improvement of instructional strategies, professional growth, working with adult educators, and school culture.
Registration - There are just a few spots open to join this network. If you are interested, please contact Lisa Jenkins by November 13, 2024.
Lynn McKahan, Director
Our Literacy Team
Regional Literacy Specialist
Adolescent Literacy
Urban Literacy Specialist