Five Lorain County schools recognized as 'Science of Reading Champions'

Four Lorain County elementary schools and a pre-school/kindergarten have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Gov. Mike DeWine as "2026 Science of Reading Champions." Powers Elementary School in Amherst; Avon East Elementary School in Avon; Copopa Elementary School in Columbia Township; Westwood Elementary School in Wellington; and the North Ridgeville Early Childhood Learning Community in North Ridgeville received the awards. The Science of Reading is a method used to teach students how to read by focusing on how to sound out and understand words. The awards were given based on schools' commitment to the method to improve student engagement and literacy. The five Lorain County schools were among 109 across the state that received awards. Winning schools received a banner. The Governor's Science of Reading Champion Awards were developed to recognize schools "demonstrating strong implementation of evidence-based instructional practices aligned to the science of reading and where students are making significant progress." "Literacy instruction not only contributes to the education of students, but their overall health and well-being, ensuring the long-term success of our children," state Rep. Gayle Manning, R-Avon and a former teacher, said in a news release announcing the awards.