Ohio House Committee Exempts Classical Schools from Science of Reading Mandate
Ohio lawmakers approve exemption allowing classical schools to skip the state’s science of reading mandate despite statewide implementation.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — A recently approved amendment to a math interventions bill would exempt Ohio’s classical schools from the state’s science of reading curriculum mandate, creating a loophole in what was previously a universal requirement for all districts.
The Ohio House Education Committee approved changes to Ohio Senate Bill 19 that would excuse classical schools from teaching the science of reading curriculum, which is based on decades of research showing how the human brain learns to read and incorporates phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Opposition to the Exemption
Education advocates are raising concerns about the proposed carveout. “This legislature and the governor placed a major emphasis … on science of reading to great effect, and now is not the time to start carving out loopholes for certain schools,” said Devin Babcock, senior legislative director for ExcelinEd in Action.
The criticism comes as Ohio has invested heavily in implementing the science of reading statewide after making it a legislative priority.
Statewide Implementation and Investment
Ohio school districts were required to teach the science of reading curriculum starting with the 2024-25 school year after the law took effect in 2023 through the state’s two-year operating budget.
The state allocated significant funding to support the initiative, providing $86 million for educator professional development, $64 million for curriculum and instructional materials, and $18 million for literacy coaches. These investments were designed to ensure all Ohio students would benefit from evidence-based reading instruction.
What’s Next for the Bill
The amended Senate Bill 19 now moves forward with the classical schools exemption included. The legislation originally focused on math interventions but has been expanded to address reading curriculum requirements for specific school types.
The science of reading approach represents a shift toward instruction methods supported by cognitive science research, emphasizing systematic phonics instruction and other evidence-based practices that help students decode words and develop reading fluency.
Classical schools, which typically emphasize traditional liberal arts education and often use alternative pedagogical approaches, would be able to continue their current reading instruction methods if the exemption becomes law.
