By 1808Delaware
Two Delaware County elementary schools are among the 109 across Ohio recognized with the Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award for 2026, a statewide honor celebrating schools that have embraced research-based literacy instruction and demonstrated strong results in the classroom.
Buckeye Valley West Elementary School in the Buckeye Valley Local School District and Alum Creek Elementary School in Olentangy Local Schools were both included on the list announced Friday by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin.
The award highlights schools that have committed to the “Science of Reading,” a structured approach to literacy instruction grounded in decades of research on how children learn to read. The model emphasizes phonics, vocabulary development, reading comprehension, and systematic instruction designed to help students build strong foundational skills.
Governor DeWine said the recognition reflects the impact teachers and school leaders are having on literacy across Ohio.
“ We know that the Science of Reading is the best way to teach children how to read,” DeWine said in the announcement. “When you see a teacher using the Science of Reading to the fullest in the classroom, it’s quite remarkable. For students, it’s fun, engaging, and effective.”
Director Dackin added that the schools recognized this year represent the work of educators and families working together to improve reading achievement.
“ These schools recognized as Science of Reading Champions are the result of a precise and dedicated focus from educators, school leaders, and families,” Dackin said. “We applaud this group of schools and are encouraged by their growth in literacy because it means more students are strengthening their reading skills.”
A Growing Statewide Initiative
The Science of Reading Champions Award was first introduced in 2025 as part of the governor’s broader push to transform literacy instruction across the state. That inaugural group included 48 schools, which will continue to hold their designation alongside this year’s new honorees.
Ohio has since taken a significant step by requiring all public schools to use the Science of Reading as their primary literacy teaching method. The state is also expanding support for districts implementing the approach. During his 2026 State of the State Address on March 10, DeWine announced additional initiatives aimed at strengthening reading instruction.
Among the plans is the creation of regional Science of Reading Instructional Implementation Teams, which will assist schools that request help applying the method effectively in their classrooms. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will also expand its ReadOhio coaching program, adding 50 additional state-level literacy coaches and increasing training opportunities for district literacy specialists.
State leaders say the effort is designed to build a stronger pipeline of literacy expertise and ensure more students across Ohio develop the reading skills needed for long-term success in school and beyond.
Source: Office of Governor DeWine
