News and Events for February 9 through February 20, 2026 | | |
New Information about the Department’s
Science of Reading Refresher Course
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Under Ohio law, teachers, administrators, school psychologists, and speech language pathologists are required to take the Department’s forthcoming Refresher Course in the Science of Reading. Please see the Department’s Science of Reading Professional Development webpage for completion timelines.
The Department’s Science of Reading Refresher Course will consist of two modules. Module One will provide a grade-band specific review of the major components of the Science of Reading and Simple View of Reading. Module One will also contain options for either grades K-5 or 6-12. Participants must choose one of these Module One options.
For more information about Ohio’s Science of Reading Professional Development requirements, please see the Department’s Science of Reading Professional Development webpage. Please direct questions to ReadOhio@education.ohio.gov.
| | What Makes MTSS Effective? | In this article from AIR, Playing the Long Game of Successful MTSS Implementation, Sarah Arden describes her experience working with districts implementing MTSS. She highlights the key practices for successful MTSS implementation. The benefits don't happen overnight, they happen when schools and districts play the "long game". | Save the Date: Ohio School Safety Summit 2026 | |
The Ohio School Safety Summit, the premiere annual school safety summit hosted by the Ohio School Safety Center, will take place at an exciting new location: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. Dive into dynamic sessions led by top voices in school safety and learn about what actually works in Ohio schools. Earn continuing education credits while exploring timely topics. Connect and collaborate with fellow school safety professionals and vendors from Ohio and beyond.
Save the date June 2-3, 2026 in Sandusky, Ohio. Hotel information will be released at a later date.
| | Ohio's Learning Standards for English Language Arts | |
Public comment open for Ohio’s Learning Standards for English Language Arts
The Department seeks feedback on the proposed draft standards for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade English language arts. The public comment survey will close on February 13, 2026. Please direct any questions to ReadOhio@education.ohio.gov.
Ohio educators, many of whom engage daily with Ohio students, drove the process to make improvements to Ohio’s Learning Standards for English Language Arts as part of a periodic review. In many cases, the changes reflect instruction already taking place in Ohio’s classrooms. The clarifications in the revised standards will guide districts in modifying, not replacing their existing local curriculum, instructional plans, and materials. In addition to the information available now, we will be providing additional resources to help educators learn about, and begin using, the revised standards
| | | 2026 ReadOhio Literacy Academy | | |
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s 2026 Read Ohio Literacy Academy will take place June 3 and 4 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. This year’s theme, Integrating Systems for Student Success, will feature sessions focused on advancing literacy across Ohio and a dedicated track on teacher leadership.
The event offers professional learning to support the use of evidence-based language and literacy practices. It is intended for Ohio districts, schools, and early care and education programs working toward raising literacy achievement.
Registration for this free event will open in the spring. Updates and more information will be posted on the Department’s Literacy Academy webpage in the coming months.
Direct questions to ReadOhio@education.ohio.gov.
| | SAVE THE DATE and PLAN AHEAD!! | |
Join math educators from across Ohio October 8–9, 2026, at the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) 76th Annual Conference held at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH! This year’s theme — Revitalized, Relevant, and Reimagined — invites all of us to breathe new life into instructional practice, connect cutting-edge ideas to today’s classrooms, and reimagine what meaningful mathematics looks like for our learners.
We’re especially thrilled to feature Dr. Jo Boaler, Stanford University Professor and globally recognized leader in mathematics education, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Boaler’s work on growth mindset, equitable instruction, and joyful mathematics experiences has influenced educators around the world — and we can’t wait to hear her insights on making math more creative, accessible, and relevant for every student!
Whether you’re looking to revitalize your teaching, explore relevant strategies for today’s learners, or rethink what’s possible in math classrooms, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with new tools and connections.
Learn more and register: https://ohioctm.org/Annual-Conference-Sandusky-2026
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The OAC Chapter 3301-51-11 Education of student with special needs, draft rule, and the Business Impact Analysis document was posted on DEW’s website. The public comment period closes on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Click here for public comment.
For the draft rule click here
Comments may also be submitted to rulescomments@education.ohio.gov.
Please submit any questions regarding the rule process to Brittney Kneisel at Brittney.Kneisel@education.ohio.gov.
| Did You Know Ohio Has Its Own State Math Journal? | |
Many Ohio educators are surprised to learn that our state is home to a valuable professional resource: the Ohio School Journal of Mathematics (OSJM). This peer-reviewed journal elevates Ohio voices, shares classroom-connected research, and supports high-quality mathematics instruction across the state.
Whether you are looking to deepen your understanding of Ohio’s math direction, support effective implementation of the new math plan, or engage with the broader mathematics education community, the Ohio School Journal of Mathematics is an important resource to explore.
Learn more and read the journal at: ohiomathjournal.org
| | | One Needs Assessment: NOW OPEN! | | |
Are you writing a One Plan this year? If you are in Cohort 3 you will need to complete the One Needs Assessment and One Plan by April 30th. Please visit the EDSTEPS website to register for these upcoming webinars.
One Needs Assessment, One Plan & Progress Monitoring on March 4, 2026 10-12pm
ED STEPS: One Funding Application Training May 19, 2026 10-12pm
If you are looking for helpful resources from SST8, they can be found on our website.
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