As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s fitting to pause and reflect on the past year—to take stock not only of the challenges we face but also of the progress being made and the people working tirelessly to improve education across our state.
At the Fordham Institute, we spend much of our time pointing out weaknesses in Ohio’s education system—lagging math achievement, uneven reading results, and troubling rates of chronic absenteeism. These realities can be discouraging. Yet this time of year offers a reminder that there’s also much to be thankful for—evidence of commitment, collaboration, and persistence that should give us hope for what’s ahead.
A continued commitment to literacy and the science of reading
Governor DeWine and Director of Education and Workforce Dackin deserve tremendous credit for their steadfast focus on literacy and the science of reading. Ohio’s most recent report card results remind us that far too many students still struggle to read proficiently—only 61 percent of third graders reached proficiency in 2024–25. Yet unlike in years past when research-backed reforms were rolled back when there was a small bump in the road, the administration laudably doubled down after this year’s report card making clear that, “Literacy remains a top priority.”
The DeWine team has implemented a strong, research-based literacy framework: from approving high-quality reading curricula to providing $169 million for teacher training and literacy coaches to requiring teacher-prep audits to ensure future educators are ready to deliver evidence-based instruction. It’s an enormous task, and implementation will take time. But the direction is right, and the resolve is unwavering. For that, I’m thankful.
Renewed focus on math achievement
Math achievement has recovered more slowly post-pandemic in Ohio than reading has, but there’s fresh reason for optimism. Just last week, the Ohio Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 19, a bipartisan effort to strengthen math education across the state.
The bill represents a comprehensive approach—one that supports struggling learners while also ensuring advanced students are pushed to reach their full potential. Senate Education Chair Andy Brenner deserves recognition for championing this work and crafting legislation that brought every senator on board. In today’s polarized environment, bipartisan cooperation on behalf of kids is no small feat.
This focus on math—and on ensuring all students have access to rigorous, well-taught content—is something to celebrate.
Expanding career-connected learning
Another bright spot in Ohio education has been the sustained effort to strengthen career-connected learning. From a continued commitment to support incentive funding for in-demand credentials to a reexamination of how those credentials count toward graduation, the state continues to take steps that help young people prepare for meaningful careers.
Senator Kyle Koehler’s recently introduced Senate Bill 328 would strengthen career exploration in middle school, bolster career planning supports, and improve our ability to measure the return on investment for career education programs. These efforts reflect a recognition that success after high school can take many forms—and that Ohio’s education system should empower all students to find pathways that fit their interests and strengths.
Cutting red tape to empower educators
Finally, there’s encouraging movement on an issue that rarely makes headlines but matters immensely: regulation. The Ohio House’s unanimous passage of House Bill 455 (sponsored by Representatives Manning and Bird), which reduces unnecessary mandates on public schools, signals a growing understanding that educators need space to teach, not more bureaucracy.
When lawmakers from both parties come together to streamline rules and keep the focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging every detail, that’s a win for schools and students alike. It’s also a reminder that progress often comes from quiet, bipartisan efforts to make the system work better for those on the front lines.
Looking ahead with gratitude
So yes, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned about where Ohio stands, but there’s also reason for gratitude. I’m thankful for state leaders who continue to prioritize literacy, for legislators who see the value in improving math instruction and expanding career readiness, and for the countless educators who make these reforms real every day.
At Fordham, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done: holding systems accountable, analyzing what works, and advocating for policies that help every child reach their potential. But as Thanksgiving approaches, I’m also taking a moment to simply say thank you to the many Ohioans striving, often behind the scenes, to make our schools stronger and our students’ futures brighter.
Happy Thanksgiving.
