Governor DeWine announces funding for Structured Literacy Centers
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), Tuesday announced that the University of Akron, Bowling Green State University and Miami University will receive a combined total of $2.5 million to support the development and expansion of Structured Literacy Centers across the state.
Structured Literacy Centers provide teachers specialized training on the Science of Reading. These awards build on Governor DeWine’s longstanding efforts to bring the Science of Reading into every classroom in Ohio.
“We know that the Science of Reading is the best method for teaching students how to read,” said Governor DeWine. “By supporting Structured Literacy Centers at universities across the state, we will help our future and current teachers master the Science of Reading so they can help every Ohio child become a confident reader and reach their full potential.”
The University of Akron will receive $1 million to expand its Center for Structured Literacy. Bowling Green State University and Miami University will each receive $750,000 to advance their own Structured Literacy programs.
“These campuses have committed to be leaders in Structured Literacy. By advancing innovative methods and models, they will play a pivotal role in shaping educational practices throughout the state and delivering impactful results,” said ODHE Chancellor Mike Duffey. “I look forward to working together to further this important initiative; our collaboration will be key to achieving lasting impact and continued success in Structured Literacy research.”
Structured Literacy Centers equip teachers with strategies to systematically build students’ reading skills – from recognizing letters and sounds to developing vocabulary, fluency, and reading comprehension. They also train teachers on how to identify the signs of dyslexia early and provide appropriate instruction and intervention, so more students receive the support they need to succeed.
In addition to training future teachers, Structured Literacy Centers also offer research and professional development opportunities to support current teachers.
UA’s Center for Structured Literacy was originally launched in 2024, with support from Governor DeWine and ODHE. The center’s core mission is the translation of scientific research on reading instruction, intervention, and dyslexia for educators. The center provides professional development to help both future and current K-12 teachers understand the Science of Reading, Structured Literacy, and dyslexia interventions.
Bowling Green will use the award to advance its Fostering Advanced Literacy Competencies for Ohio Networks using Structured Literacy (FALCON-SL) program. FALCON-SL will focus on developing Structured Literacy strategies for teachers of students in grades 4-8. The center will create materials and research to extend Structured Literacy learning opportunities into workforce-ready literacy skills grounded in the Science of Reading.
Miami University will use the award in support of its Center of Excellence in Literacy, Advancement, Education, and Development (MU-LEAD). MU-LEAD will create materials for professional development in the Science of Reading for school districts, as well as for Educator Preparation Programs that are producing the next generation of teachers.
“In addition to training Ohio’s future teachers, expanding these Structured Literacy Centers will help K-12 districts become even more strongly aligned with the Science of Reading,” Chancellor Duffey said. “By supporting these centers, we hope they become a model for other institutions and states to emulate across the country.”
Governor DeWine has long supported the implementation of the Science of Reading in all Ohio educational settings, including early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education. Thanks to the Governor’s work, and the support of the Ohio General Assembly, the Science of Reading is now the required literacy teaching method for all public schools in Ohio.