Districts recognized for literacy

SANDUSKY — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce director Stephen Dackin recently congratulated school districts' efforts in literacy. The state recognized 109 Ohio school districts as Governor's Science of Reading Champions Award recipients. It's an award presented to districts that use the science of reading to improve student literacy. "We know that the Science of Reading is the best way to teach children how to read," DeWine said. "When you see a teacher using the Science of Reading to the fullest in the classroom, it's quite remarkable. For students, it's fun, engaging and effective." The award recognizes school professionals who put the Science of Reading method to work for the best possible educational experience, according to DeWine. "These schools recognized as Science of Reading Champions are the result of a precise and dedicated focus from educators, school leaders and families," Dackin said. "We applaud this group of schools and are encouraged by their growth in literacy because it means more students are strengthening their reading skills." Science of Reading, part of the state's ReadOhio initiative, represents an interdisciplinary evidence-based approach to improve childhood literacy outcomes in Ohio Schools. Specifically, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce says the Science of Reading: • Informs how students learn to read and write proficiently from early childhood through adolescence • Explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing • Indicates that all students benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing to become effective readers • Does not rely on any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues, including a three-cueing approach Among the Local 2026 Science of Reading Champions winners: • Bellevue Elementary School • Monroeville Elementary School • New London Elementary School • New London Middle School • Sandusky Primary School