Four things to know about the new state-mandated reading program in Summit County schools

Schools across Ohio that weren't already following the science of reading in teaching students how to read will have to do so starting this year thanks to a new state mandate.

Many districts had to adopt a new curriculum if they didn't already have one that was on a state-approved list of programs.

The state provided some money for the added expense of the mandate, but it didn't go as far as some had hoped.

Here's what's important to know about the mandate and what changes will happen in Summit County schools.

What you need to know: Science of reading takes over schools in Summit County

What is the science of reading?

The science of reading is a way of teaching literacy that aligns with brain science about how the brain learns to read. The brain takes in words one letter at a time, so the science of reading emphasizes phonics as a way to break down the mechanics of words and reading.

The science of reading, also called structured literacy, emphasizes students' vocabulary in order to build comprehension of what they are reading.

Previously, districts in Ohio instead used what's known as "balanced literacy" or "whole language," approaches that focus less on how to read and more on students experiencing rich literature and building a love for reading. Critics have long said they feel that leaves some students, especially with learning disabilities, behind. Those approaches sometimes encouraged students to find other ways to figure out a word they don't know, like looking at the pictures, rather than trying to break down the word itself.

What might be different in my child's classroom this year?

The science of reading often features books called "decodables" that feature a story with language that uses similar sound or letter pattern for young students to learn and read. Students may see different books in their classrooms this year, or the books they used to use may still be there but may be used in a different way.

Young students who do not yet have the skills to read fluently may have less reading time on their own, and more direct instruction with a structured curriculum that builds as students master skills.

More science of reading: Here's how every district in Summit County is meeting the new mandate

Will my school have a new curriculum?

That depends. Many districts in Summit County did adopt at least one new program this year. Most of the districts were already on board with the idea of the science of reading, but not all of them had the required type of curriculum in place. Some districts were already planning to adopt such a program, but others were not .

Some of the most common programs being used in Summit County are called Wit & Wisdom, Wonders, Benchmark Advance and Amplify CKLA. The full list of approved programs is on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's website .

A handful of schools also already were fully aligned with the science of reading and did not need to make changes.

All teachers had to go through state-mandated science of reading training this year, no matter what curriculum their district was previously using, so teachers may have new approaches in their classrooms this year.

Did schools receive money to make this change?

Yes, but in many cases, it was not enough to cover the full cost of a new curriculum. In September 2023, districts were asked to fill out a survey about their curriculum in pre-kindergarten through grade five. That survey was then used to determine if states were aligned, partially aligned or not aligned with the science of reading. The state divided up $64 million in funding based on those designations, giving more money to the districts that needed to make a change, but all districts received at least some money. The money has to be spent on reading materials or intervention programs for struggling students, even if a district already has a science of reading-backed program.

Contact education reporter Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216 or on Twitter @JenPignolet.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Four things to know about the new state-mandated reading program in Summit County schools