5 Ohio Schools Named Science of Reading Champions

When Ohio Governor Mike DeWine walked into Beavertown Elementary School this week, he came to celebrate something every parent wants: kids learning to read with confidence.

Five elementary schools in Kettering City Schools just earned the "Science of Reading Champion" title from the state. The honor recognizes schools using research-backed teaching methods that actually work to boost literacy.

The Science of Reading approach replaces guesswork with proven techniques based on how our brains learn language. Instead of memorizing word shapes, kids learn to decode letters and sounds systematically.

Governor DeWine didn't just show up for a quick photo op. He joined a roundtable discussion with school administrators and visited classrooms to watch teachers and students in action.

Beavertown Elementary, Oakview, Orchard Park, Indian Riffle, and JE Prass Elementary all met the state's rigorous standards. That means every elementary school in the Kettering district is now using methods backed by decades of cognitive science.

The Ripple Effect

Reading isn't just one subject among many. It's the foundation for everything else a child will learn in school and beyond.

When kids struggle with reading in early grades, they often fall behind in science, social studies, and even math word problems. Strong readers become confident learners who can tackle any subject.

The statewide program gives other Ohio schools a roadmap to follow. Parents in communities across the state can now ask their own districts about adopting these proven methods.

Kettering's success shows that when schools commit to evidence-based teaching, entire communities of students benefit. Teachers get better tools, kids gain stronger skills, and families see real progress in report cards and confidence levels.

Ohio now has a growing network of Science of Reading Champion schools sharing best practices and supporting each other. More schools are expected to earn the title as the program expands.

Five schools down, and thousands of young readers gaining skills that will serve them for life.