Three FHSD Schools Declared Science of Reading Champions

Ayer, Mercer and Summit elementary schools were all recently honored with the Governor’s Science of Reading Champion Award. This recognition, created by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Department of Education and Workforce, recognizes schools that are demonstrating strong implementation of evidence-based instructional practices aligned to the science of reading and where students are making significant progress.

Only 157 schools across Ohio have ever earned this recognition, with only six being from Hamilton County. Congratulations to Ayer, Mercer and Summit! All PreK-12 schools, including public, community and chartered nonpublic schools, are eligible to apply for this recognition.

When choosing champion schools, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) considers criteria like how schools are implementing Science of Reading materials, instructional intervention and progress monitoring, and staff professional development. Schools provide a variety of data, including student reading growth information.

The district thanks its elementary teachers for providing an exceptional reading education to students across FHSD, especially our talented and dedicated reading specialists who make such a huge impact on young learners. A special thank you to Elementary Reading Specialist Allie Bond who helped organize data and information to support the application process.

You can learn more about the Science of Reading Champion Award on the ODEW website here.