(KETTERING, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine visited Beavertown Elementary School in Kettering City Schools today to celebrate the district’s success making their students better readers.
Beavertown Elementary recently earned the Governor’s Science of Reading Champions award. The recognition honors schools across the state that stand out for their use of the Science of Reading to improve literacy outcomes for students.
“We know the Science of Reading is the best method we have for teaching children of all abilities how to read, and every student deserves the chance to learn through instruction that is proven to work,” said Governor DeWine. “The progress we’re seeing here at Beavertown Elementary and throughout Kettering City Schools is outstanding, and it’s helping students become more confident readers who are excited to learn and ready to reach their full potential.”
During their visit, the Governor and First Lady joined Kettering City School District leaders for a roundtable discussion on their implementation of the Science of Reading.
During Monday’s visit, the Governor, First Lady, and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin held a roundtable discussion with Kettering Superintendent Mindy McCarty-Stewart and Beavertown Principal Carmella Friz, along with several teachers and other school and district leaders, to discuss Kettering’s progress using the Science of Reading.
Kettering was an early adopter of the Science of Reading. They began integrating it into their English Language Arts instruction five years ago. In the time since – as teachers and students have become more familiar with Science of Reading-aligned instruction – the district has seen positive results.
The Governor and First Lady were joined by Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin, Kettering City Schools Superintendent Mindy McCarty-Stewart, Beavertown Elementary School Principal Carmella Friz, and many other district and community leaders to discuss the value of the Science of Reading.
Where Beavertown Elementary has particularly shined is in the improvement they’ve seen in their youngest students’ reading skills.
In the 2023-24 school year, 57.6% of the school’s first grade students were reading at grade level. But by the 2024-25 school year, that number was up to 82.5% – an increase of 24.9% in just one year.
Also in the 2023-24 school year, 61.5% of the school’s second grade students were reading at grade level. But by the 2024-25 school year, that number was up to 80.6% – an increase of 19.1% in just one year.
The school also did well in the most recent State Report Cards – earning 4.5 out of 5 stars in their overall school rating and 4 out of 5 stars in early literacy – exceeding state standards in both measures.
During their visit, the Governor and First Lady also visited the 5th grade classroom of Mrs. Sharon Cochran.
After the roundtable, Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine visited kindergarten and fifth grade classrooms to observe the Science of Reading in action.
They watched as Beavertown teachers used Science of Reading-based instruction to keep their students energized and engaged.
The Governor observed as the 5th grade students expanded their vocabulary, learning the meaning of various advanced words in the text of a novel.
Beavertown Elementary is one of five elementary schools in Kettering to earn the title of “Science of Reading Champions” this spring.
Kettering City Schools is among the most decorated districts since the Science of Reading Champions program launched last year. Only eight school districts in the state have had at least five of their schools earn the award.
The Governor and First Lady joined the 5th grade class for a group photo.
In addition to Beavertown – other Kettering schools that earned the award included Indian Riffle Elementary, J.E. Prass Elementary, Oakview Elementary, and Orchard Park Elementary.
“This is an immensely proud day for the entire Kettering City Schools community,” said Superintendent Mindy McCarty-Stewart. “We are unwavering in our foundational commitment to early literacy, and this recognition is a powerful testament to the skill and dedication of our elementary educators. Their tireless efforts in the classroom every single day ensure that our students are building the essential reading and writing foundations that will unlock future opportunities. We also want to recognize our hardworking students, staff, and families for their vital contributions to this success. We are also incredibly grateful to Governor DeWine and our dedicated local leaders for taking the time to recognize and celebrate this critically important work.”
In 2024-25, Kettering City Schools’ third grade reading proficiency was 76.3% – 15% higher than the statewide average of 61.3%.
To conclude his visit on Monday, Governor and First Lady DeWine met with students and teachers from all five of the winning elementary schools and presented them with congratulatory Science of Reading Champions banners.
Kettering City School District had five of their elementary schools win the Science of Reading Champions award. They included Beavertown Elementary, Indian Riffle Elementary, J.E. Prass Elementary, Oakview Elementary, and Orchard Park Elementary. The Governor and First Lady took photos with students and teachers from all five of the winning schools. They were also joined by State Representative Andrea White, State Senator Willis E. Blackshear Jr., and Kettering Mayor Bryan Suddith for the celebration.
Click links below for each school’s individual photo:
About the Science of Reading
Based on decades of brain research and literacy development, the Science of Reading is an approach to literacy instruction that focuses on teaching students how to sound out and understand words. Studies show the Science of Reading informs the most effective strategies for teaching students how to read.
Governor DeWine has long supported the implementation of the Science of Reading in all Ohio educational settings, including early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education.
Thanks to the Governor’s work, and the support of the Ohio General Assembly, the Science of Reading is now the required literacy teaching method for all public schools in Ohio.