Foundations of Reading Test FAQ

Educators applying for an Early Childhood (grades PreK-3), Primary Childhood (grades PreK-5), Middle Childhood (grades 4-9), or any Intervention Specialist license (including multi-age, PreK-3 and PreK-5), must pass the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading test. This test is an examination of the principles of research-based reading instruction. It is aligned with the reading competencies adopted by the State Board of Education under state law. Please note the previous 090 Foundations of Reading test will be replaced with the OAE 190 Foundations of Reading test January 9, 2023. The last administration date for the OAE 090 is January 8, 2023.

General Questions

Related Topics and Special Circumstances

General Questions

Who is required to pass the Foundations of Reading test?

All teachers seeking any of the following teaching licenses must pass the Foundations of Reading test: 

  • Early childhood education (grades PreK-3)
  • Primary education (grades PreK-5)
  • Middle childhood education (grades 4-9)
  • Early childhood (grades PreK-3) intervention specialist
  • Primary (grades PreK-5) intervention specialist
  • Intervention specialist: mild/moderate
  • Intervention specialist: moderate/intensive
  • Intervention specialist: hearing impaired
  • Intervention specialist: visually impaired
  • Intervention specialist: gifted

Back to Top

What does the Foundations of Reading test cover, and where can I find study materials?
Please see the Ohio Assessments for Educators website for the Foundations of Reading test framework, study guide and practice test materials.
 

Back to Top

Do I have to report my Foundations of Reading test scores to the Ohio Department of Education or to my institution of higher education?
Pearson’s Evaluation Systems group, which provides the Ohio Assessment for Educators, will send your test scores automatically to the Ohio Department of Education. You also may request that Pearson send your test scores to your college or university at the time you register for the test. 
 

Back to Top

Related Topics and Special Circumstances

Does passing the Foundations of Reading test qualify me for a reading endorsement?
No. To obtain a reading endorsement, you must hold a standard, active teaching license, successfully complete an approved reading endorsement program and pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators for Reading Subtests I and II (038 and 039).
 

Back to Top

​If I completed my teacher preparation program through an out-of-state college or university, do I need to take the Foundations of Reading test?
Yes, you do have to pass the Foundations of Reading test, even if it was not required for your out-of-state teacher preparation program or license.
 

Back to Top

I have questions about being qualified to teach reading to retained third-grade students or those students required to have improvement plans per the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Where can I find more information?
A teacher of a third-grade student who has been retained or is on a reading improvement plan according to the Third Grade Reading Guarantee must have at least one year of teaching experience (or be mentored by a qualified teacher) and must meet at least one of the qualifications outlined in state law as noted on the Department’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee Teacher Resources webpage. Please direct any questions to your district or email thirdgradeguarantee@education.ohio.gov. 
 

Back to Top

Last Modified: 1/6/2023 11:36:33 AM