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West Carrollton, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited Harold Schnell Elementary School today to recognize its exceptional literacy achievements through the new Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program.
Harold Schnell Elementary, part of West Carrollton City School District, demonstrated remarkable results after implementing Science of Reading strategies, with third-grade reading proficiency improving by 7.9% in just one year. The school’s comprehensive approach includes data-driven interventions, small group instruction in their “literacy lab,” and professional development for teachers with literacy coach support.
“Harold Schnell Elementary exemplifies how embracing the Science of Reading helps students build a solid foundation for reading – a foundation that will allow them to thrive throughout life,” said Governor DeWine.
During their visit, the DeWines toured the literacy lab, observed classroom instruction in action, and presented the school with a recognition banner. The Governor announced this initiative during his 2025 State of the State Address on March 12.
Harold Schnell joins 46 other schools receiving this inaugural recognition, including five additional Miami Valley elementary schools. The program will honor new schools annually.
Statewide implementation of Science of Reading practices has already shown promising results, with English Language Arts proficiency improving among elementary students across Ohio – including increases of 2.2 percentage points for third graders, 5.2 for fourth graders, and 3.1 for fifth graders last year.
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Science of Reading FAQs.
