Claymont school highlighted in DeWine State of the State address

Education was a central theme in Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s final State of the State address Tuesday. DeWine highlighted student and family programs and outlined efforts aimed at Ohio schools.

Ohio continues to focus on literacy instruction and materials aligned with the science of reading. During the address, DeWine outlined a plan to create instructional implementation teams, expand the ReadOhio coaching program, and offer ReadOhio coaching and credentialing at no cost for current literacy coaches.

Claymont Primary School in Tuscarawas County was highlighted during the address. When the school year started, 14% of its kindergarten students were on track with reading skills for their age. After teachers began working with a ReadOhio coach, 50% of kindergarten students were on track when assessed again in the winter. DeWine recognized Claymont Primary Principal Kelly Cook, ReadOhio coach Christy Hopson, educator Amber Roberts and the school community.

DeWine also addressed student attendance and chronic absenteeism. On April 15, Ohio will launch a statewide attendance dashboard intended to provide schools, districts and communities with attendance data. East Cleveland City Schools was cited during the speech after reducing chronic absenteeism by 10%. DeWine recognized East Cleveland City Schools Superintendent Henry Pettiegrew II and East Cleveland Mayor Sandra Morgan.

DeWine also referenced the Governor’s Healthy Ohio Team Tressel Fitness Challenge. According to the address, more than 390,000 students across the state are participating in the program by setting wellness goals.

DeWine also discussed career-technical education. Ohio has added 10,000 new seats for career-technical education students through investments in facilities and programs, according to the address.