High-Quality Instructional Materials in English Language Arts
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Request for Applications for Revised Editions of Previously Approved Core Curriculum and Instructional Materials Grades K-5
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is currently accepting applications for revised editions of previously approved high-quality instructional materials and core curriculum in English language arts for kindergarten through grade 5. The review cycles for revised editions of previously approved materials will run quarterly. The quarterly process is only for reviewing revised editions of previously approved materials.
Key Deadlines
- Intent to Apply - due May 9, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Eastern
- Applications for Review - due May 23, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Technical Assistance and Information for Applicants
Previous Review Cycles for Core Curriculum and Instructional Materials (PreK-Grade 5) and Evidence-Based Reading Intervention Programs (PreK-Grade 12)
The previous two review processes are linked below: the 2024-2025 review cycle and the 2023-2024 review cycle.
Instructional Materials Aligned with the Science of Reading
Under Ohio Revised Code 3313.6028, instructional materials in English language arts must be aligned with the science of reading and strategies for effective literacy instruction. The resources below provide information on the science of reading and Ohio’s commitment to effective literacy instruction.
Supporting the Selection and De-Selection of Instructional Materials
High Quality Instructional Materials Subsidy Allocation
The state operating budget (H.B. 33) set aside $64 million to subsidize the cost of high-quality instructional materials purchased by schools and districts aligned to the Science of Reading. The funds are provided to support both high-quality core curriculum and instructional materials in English language arts and evidenced-based reading intervention programs. Following the release of the approved list for high-quality core curriculum and instructional materials, the Department reviewed school and district alignment to the approved list of Core Instructional Materials for K-5 students (or materials used for prekindergarten students by Educational Service Centers). This spreadsheet details the allocation methodology of the $64 million that will subsidize the expenses schools and districts will incur.
Note: October foundation payments include a reallocation of returned HQIM funds. Most schools and districts will receive supplemental funds. Schools with de minimus amounts (less than $10) will not see additional funds. The reallocation takes into account returned funds, including closed and merged community schools.
The reallocated amount can be spent on core instructional or intervention materials on the Departments approved list. The reallocated amount can be attributed purchases retroactive to July 1, 2023. Please reach out to ReadOhio@education.ohio.gov with additional questions.
October 2024 HQIM Subsidy Allocation Spreadsheet
Funding Guidance (Added December 2024)
Three-Cueing Approach
Beginning not later than the 2024-2025 school year, districts and schools may not use any core curriculum, instructional materials, or intervention program in grades prekindergarten to five that use the three-cueing approach to teach students to read. The three-cueing approach is defined as “any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues.”
Waiver Process (UpdatED august 19, 2024)
Under ORC 3313.6028(D), districts may apply for a waiver on an individual student basis to use curriculum, instructional materials or an intervention program in grades prekindergarten to five that uses the three-cueing approach to teach students to read. The Department of Education and Workforce will ultimately determine if the waiver will be granted. In deciding whether to grant a waiver, the Department will consider the district or school’s performance on Ohio’s State Report Card’s early literacy component.
If a student has an individualized education program (IEP) that explicitly indicates the three-cuing approach is appropriate for the student’s learning needs, a waiver is not required to be submitted for the student per ORC 3313.6028(D)(2).
Students with Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plans (RIMPs) are not eligible for waivers per ORC 3313.6028(D)(1).
Please see this guidance document for more information.
The Department is now accepting Three Cueing Ban waiver applications. Waiver applications will be accepted until Friday, September 20th, 2024. Waiver applications may only be submitted by a superintendent or a superintendent’s designee. Three Cueing Ban Waiver Applications can be accessed within your OH ID accounts. Select the "Data Collection" tile and follow the instructions provided in this document.
Instructional Materials and Professional Development Survey
A required instructional materials and professional development survey was sent to district and community school leaders in late August 2023. The survey completion deadline was Oct. 6, 2023.
Last Modified: 5/19/2025 2:39:17 PM