On March 23, Lockland Schools welcomed Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran, for a special visit. Governor DeWine came to observe our literacy program, the Science of Reading, in action. The DeWines visited Ladonna Childers' kindergarten and Amy McLaughlin's second-grade classrooms. They watched a variety of engaging learning activities based on the Science of Reading designed to help our students become proficient readers.
"Hosting Governor DeWine and Mrs. DeWine today serves as an affirmation of the hard work, time, and resources we have dedicated to improving reading outcomes for all kids in Lockland Schools. I appreciate Governor DeWine's commitment to ensuring that all boys and girls in Ohio benefit from reading instruction that is driven by the Science of Reading research," Superintendent Bob Longworth said.
Lockland began implementing the Science of Reading over five years ago as a result of the development of its Local Literacy Plan. Through federal grant dollars and grants from the Ohio Department of Education, Lockland teachers have received professional learning and resources in the Science of Reading. Their most recent grant award has also enabled the district to partner with Mt. St. Joseph University who has provided ongoing coaching and support to successfully implement the program.
The Science of Reading refers to the practices proven by extensive research to teach children how to read effectively. Governor DeWine wants all school districts in Ohio to adopt a reading curriculum based on science and is making that idea one of his top priorities in his budget proposal.
At the end of the visit, Gov. DeWine signed an executive order directing all state employees to focus on the Science of Reading.