Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey released the results of a statewide audit reviewing how well Ohio colleges prepare future teachers to teach reading using the Science of Reading, now required by state law.

The audit examined educator preparation programs at 48 institutions. Thirty-three programs were rated “In Alignment,” five were “Partially Aligned,” and 10 were found “Not in Alignment,” largely due to the use of banned teaching practices.

Among the top performers was Kent State University, which earned a perfect score. State reviewers found Kent State’s preservice teacher literacy coursework 100% aligned with Ohio’s Science of Reading standards, with no mandatory recommendations for improvement. The audit also confirmed full compliance with Ohio law.

Kent State’s review included syllabi from 30 courses and in-class observations across multiple campuses. The university received commendations for consistency across campuses and for strong collaboration among faculty to ensure future teachers are trained in evidence-based reading practices.

Other schools rated “In Alignment” included the University of Akron, Hiram College, and the University of Mount Union.

Rated “Partial Alignment” was Ohio Wesleyan University.

Institutions listed as “Not in Alignment” included Bowling Green State University, Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University, and The University of Toledo.

State leaders say all institutions now have one year to fully align their programs or risk losing approval for reading and literacy educator preparation programs. Follow-up verification audits are planned for 2026.

FULL LISTS: 

33 institutions received an “In Alignment” rating:

1. Ashland University
2. Baldwin Wallace University
3. Bluffton University
4. Cedarville University
5. College of Wooster
6. Franciscan University of Steubenville
7. Franklin University
8. Heidelberg University
9. Hiram College
10. John Carroll University
11. Kent State University
12. Lake Erie College
13. Lourdes University
14. Malone University
15. Marietta College
16. Miami University
17. Mount St. Joseph University
18. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
19. Muskingum University
20. Ohio Northern University
21. Otterbein University
22. Shawnee State University
23. The University of Akron
24. University of Cincinnati
25. University of Dayton
26. University of Findlay
27. University of Mount Union
28. University of Rio Grande
29. Walsh University
30. Wilmington College
31. Wittenberg University
32. Xavier University
33. Youngstown State University

“Partial Alignment” rating (institutions needed to meet between 50 and 70 out of 73 audit metrics and have zero violations for banned teaching practices):

1. Capital University
2. God’s Bible School & College
3. Ohio Wesleyan University
4. Ursuline College
5. Western Governors University

“Not in Alignment” rating (in this category for having one or more violations for banned teaching practices):

1. Bowling Green State University
2. Central State University
3. Cleveland State University
4. Defiance College
5. Ohio Christian University
6. Ohio Dominican University
7. Ohio University
8. The Ohio State University
9. The University of Toledo
10. Wright State University