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Read Ohio

ReadOhio is a statewide effort to encourage reading, no matter your age, because reading is the foundation for success. Learn more here....

The Science of Reading in Action in Ohio Schools

“Science of reading” means an interdisciplinary body of scientific evidence that:

Informs how students learn to read and write proficiently from early childhood through adolescence.
Explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing.
Indicates that all students benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing to become effective readers.
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

The interdisciplinary body of scientific evidence is the research. From this research, educators have to transform it into instructional practices that include the use of quality instructional materials. Learning to read is not a natural process. We use systematic and explicit instructional practices to train the developing reading brain. Structured literacy practices help all readers develop the pathways in the brain necessary for skilled reading. Nancy Hennesy gives us An Overview of Structured Literacy how it supports the “science of instruction.”

ReadOhio: Dotting the 'i' in Literacy

State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC)

The State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC) was established in accordance with 34 C.F.R. Part 300.167 - 300.169 in order to advise and assist the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce on special education and related services for children with disabilities.

The SAPEC panel members represent various agencies, individuals with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, service providers and administrators. SAPEC Bylaws and Operating Procedures provide details on the required membership and the functions of the panel.

Panel Members:

2024-2025 SAPEC Members

2024 - 2025 Meeting Dates:

September 12, 2024
December 5, 2024
March 6, 2024
May 15, 2024

Full panel meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at approximately 1:00 p.m. Meetings are held at Quest Conference Center.

For additional information and resources: State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC)

Gifted Advisory Council

The Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Students Who are Gifted (Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-15) established the formation of a Gifted Advisory Council. The Council explores the development and implementation of state policies that affect identification, instruction, professional supports, and leadership for gifted education. The role of the Council includes:

Assisting in the development and updating of a Department-approved plan for gifted education in Ohio;
Advising on policy recommendations;
Serving as advisors in establishing criteria for review of proposals to implement innovative gifted services; and
Establishing criteria for identifying and recognizing schools, districts and other educational providers

The Department is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for membership to the Gifted Advisory Council. Members represent a variety of stakeholders from diverse regions of the state, including parents, general and gifted educators, administrators, and others as determined by the Director of the Department of Education and Workforce.

Gifted Advisory Council Meetings

For additional information and resources: Gifted Advisory Council