A novel idea

NEW LONDON — Schools in New London will receive a cash boost from the state to assist in literacy programs. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce director Stephen D. Dackin announced the award of $45.9 million in Comprehensive Literacy State Development grants to 33 schools and districts across the state, including New London Local School District. Through DeWine's ReadOhio initiative, a statewide effort to raise literacy achievement, these grants will expand access to evidence-based literacy instruction for students in grades K-12 and professional learning for educators, with a focus on enhancing literacy instruction for underserved students across the state, according to a press release from the governor's office. The awards come from a $60 million grant given to Ohio by the U.S. Department of Education. The grants will establish comprehensive literacy sites that provide literacy coaching, professional development and daily reading instruction aligned to high-quality materials. Schools will also participate in training to promote family engagement in literacy and partner with community organizations, such as libraries and higher education institutions to support student achievement. New London was awarded over $2.4 million, of which over $1 million was earmarked for Kindergarten through fifth grade, about $750,000 for grades six through eight grades and nearly $670,000 for high school reading initiatives. The school district received a similar grant of about $2.5 million from the state in 2020. The district utilized that money to "build the foundation" for the school's literacy program and the new grant will allow the school to "continue our work in literacy," according to New London Schools Superintendent Brad Romano. "The first grant allowed us to acquire the tools we needed to lay the groundwork and now we are able to hone in on supporting our literacy teachers and administration," Romano said. "This grant allows us to put all the pieces of the program together." In addition to continuing their literacy program, the funds will also assist in the hiring of several new staff members. "We plan to hire additional literacy coaches and this should help assist students who are struggling with reading," Romano said. Romano highlighted the idea that the grant funds not only help improve student performance, but also provide a bit of relief to taxpayers. "When schools receive these grants, it takes a bit of the weight off the community," he said. "When schools receive grants, we can stay away from being on the ballot." DeWine considers increased literacy scores to be an important aspect of educational reforms. "Literacy is the foundation for all learning," DeWine said. "By investing in our educators and aligning instruction to the Science of Reading, we are giving every Ohio student the opportunity to read confidently, succeed academically, and reach their full potential." Added Dackin: "Ohio is investing in long-term literacy success. The learning experiences we provide today lead to tomorrow's opportunities and these grants empower schools to deliver high-quality, research-based instruction, ensuring every learner receives the right tools to succeed." A total of 174 districts and schools submitted applications for the competitive process. Ohio was one of the 23 recipients selected by the U.S. Department of Education and received the second-largest amount of funding among states, according to the release.