The term “science of reading” refers to an interdisciplinary body of scientific evidence that:

• Informs how students learn to read and write proficiently.
• Indicates that all students benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing to become effective readers.
• Explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing.
• Does not rely on any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues, including a three-cueing approach.

Ohio House Bill (HB) 33 of the 135th General Assembly mandates a shift in school curriculum, teacher training, and reading intervention approaches. The following resources may be helpful to library staff in youth services and outreach, especially those who plan and present storytimes and early literacy programs.

Resources:

• Science of Reading Webinars for Public Libraries
  The Ohio Library Council hosted a three-part webinar series with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) on the science of reading and how public libraries can help support the changes in classroom reading instruction. Recordings are available for free under "Resources" in the Member Info Hub.
• Science of Reading Toolkit
  ODEW resources and timeline
• Approved List of Core Curriculum and Instructional Materials
  ODEW’s list of approved core curriculum and instructional materials
• What is the Science of Reading
  by Dr. Timothy Shanahan on Reading Rockets
• Why more U.S. schools are embracing a new ‘science of reading’
  by Heather Hollingsworth, Associated Press on PBS News Hour
• Requirements under HB 33 of the 135th General Assembly, Ohio Revised Code 3313.6028
• Information regarding science of reading professional development and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about those requirements

Videos:

• What is the Science of Reading?
  The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) offers a 45-minute course on the science of reading that guides participants in recognizing and explaining the different aspects of the science of reading and enhances their comprehension of successful approaches to literacy instruction. The course includes a short video, resources, reflection questions and articles to briefly summarize the topic and provide practical steps that can be applied in classrooms, coaching sessions or team meetings to improve literacy instruction.
• Governor DeWine recorded an 8-minute video that explains science of reading and highlights successful approaches in several Ohio schools.
• “All Students Can Read” instructional series
  by ODEW aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of special educators in reading science, utilizing research and theoretical models to support reading science, assessment, and instruction within a multitiered system of support.

More Information:

• Ohio’s Phonics Rule
  Ohio’s Phonics Rule outlines the requirements for teaching phonics by providing the nine components needed in phonics instruction and the definitions that connect to instruction.
• Explicit and Systematic Phonics Instruction
  ODEW Literacy on Demand course that provides helpful strategies, resources and practices in teaching phonics.
• Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards
  The Early Learning and Development Standards are the result of a collaborative effort between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The newly revised standards provide a clear and comprehensive set of expectations for content to guide early childhood programs and educators.
• Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement
  Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement serves as a guide to evidence-based language and literacy teaching and learning for all learners from birth through grade 12. This plan articulates a state literacy framework aimed at promoting proficiency in reading, writing and communication for all learners.