Reading Competencies

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced the ReadOhio initiative, an exciting statewide effort to encourage improved literacy skills for all ages that includes the implementation of curriculum aligned with the science of reading in Ohio’s schools. Alignment of educator preparation programs to the science of reading is a vital component of the ReadOhio initiative.

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3301.077 requires reading competencies to be adopted by the Department of Education and Workforce. Reading competencies communicate what teachers should know and be able to do in order to provide effective reading instruction and support to students, inform credential and training programs, while also contributing to the development of the Foundations of Reading test (OAE 190) for educator licenses issued under ORC 3319.233 (A).

In 2000, the National Reading Panel identified five key concepts at the core of every effective reading instruction program: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. These concepts have become known as the five components of early literacy and reading instruction.

ORC 3301.077 requires the reading competencies to include an understanding of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, the appropriate use of assessments, differentiated instruction, the selection of appropriate instructional materials, and the application of research-based instructional practices. The organizational structure of the competencies includes a knowledge section: what teachers should know about reading; and an application section: ways to demonstrate understanding.

Reading Competencies (Revised July 2024)

Please send questions about the Reading Competencies to ReadOhio@education.ohio.gov

Last Modified: 8/22/2024 8:21:29 AM

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