High-Quality Instructional Materials in English Language Arts

Updated January 2025

The list of approved core curriculum and instructional materials for prekindergarten and kindergarten-grade 5 is available. (Updated January 2025)

The list of evidence-based reading intervention programs for prekindergarten-grade 12 is available. (Updated January 2025)

Additional guidance on material selection and requirements.  

Frequently asked questions about HQIM in English language arts. 

Per vendor/applicant submitted information, all approved core curriculum and instructional materials for prekindergarten - grade 5 and evidence-based reading intervention programs prekindergarten - grade 12 have self-reported having Professional Development Materials available. 

If interested in receiving updates regarding high-quality instructional materials in English language arts, including the approved list of materials, please sign up for English Language Arts updates.

Review Process for Core Curriculum and Instructional Materials (PreK-Grade 5) and Evidence-Based Reading Intervention Programs (PreK-Grade 12) 

Information regarding current eligibility, application requirements, and submission timelines is available in the request for applications, found on the 2024-2025 review process page. The current 2024-2025 review process and the  previous 2023-2024 review process pages are linked below.​

External Reviewer Request for Applications 

The Department of Education and Workforce is currently accepting applications for qualified reviewers to support the quality review of submitted materials for the approved list of high-quality instructional materials and core curriculum in English language arts for prekindergarten through grade 5 and evidence-based reading intervention programs in prekindergarten through grade 12.  

For more information on reviewer timeline, commitments, qualifications, and the link to the reviewer application form, please read the Request for Applications below: 

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: 2/7/2025 9:32:27 AM