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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been focused for years on improving literacy in the state; and in 2023, a law was passed to require teaching universities and colleges to align with the Science of Reading in its curricula for those who hope to become teachers.
But a recent state audit shows that while most (33) have complied, five are in partial alignment and 10 are not in alignment. Among those 10 are Ohio State University and Ohio University.
DeWine says the state has made “great strides” in implementing the Science of Reading in its K-12 classrooms, but that all 10 of the colleges found not to be in alignment were still using what he called “banned training” in their teaching material.
Yes, a lot has been asked of the state’s institutions of higher learning lately, but after some initial resistance, they all managed to scrub diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, offices and training when the state mandated it.
Perhaps it is simply taking longer for them to sort out the Science of Reading than to enact that change.
“Ohio State is committed to enhancing excellence in preparing the next generation of Ohio’s teachers, with the Science of Reading serving as a cornerstone of our research and instructional practices,” OSU spokesperson Chris Booker said.
Ohio University says it has adjusted, too, and that “We will continue to strive to ensure Ohio University’s educator preparation program serves as a state model for reading and literacy instruction,” according to spokesman Dan Pittman.
It’s true, generation after generation has studied the latest miracle teaching method believing each time they had found the key to unlocking every child’s math and/or reading potential. But just because the Science of Reading is the latest in that long line, does not mean it will not be effective, nor does it give colleges and universities license to ignore the law.
Again, a university that had no problem removing funding this fall from those faculty and students who had planned to attend a conference hosted by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science because of the state’s DEI ban should not find it difficult to make adjustments in teaching materials and training techniques that bring them into compliance with a law meant to actually do some good for Ohio kids.
