Columbus Catholic school draws state officials and national literacy experts to celebrate a proactive commitment to structured literacy
COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 10, 2026 — Saint Agatha School in Upper Arlington welcomed state officials, diocesan leadership, and national literacy experts today to celebrate its commitment to structured literacy instruction and the impact it is having on students.
The visit brought together state officials, diocesan leadership, and national literacy experts for a morning of classroom observation and discussion. Sherine Tambyraja, Administrator of the Office of Literacy Achievement at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce was joined by Dr. Shantell Blake, Vice President of Education and Outreach at Reading Horizons; Dr. Michelle Elia, President of The Reading League Ohio; Dr. Holly Peterson, Assistant Superintendent of the Diocese of Columbus; and Erica Gowitzka, Assistant Principal of Saint Agatha School.
Saint Agatha School has implemented structured literacy instruction through Reading Horizons®, a research-based program that teaches students to decode words with the same systematic precision applied to mathematics. The school’s adoption reflects a growing movement among Ohio’s Catholic schools to voluntarily align with state literacy recommendations – even though, as private institutions, they are not required to do so.
The Childhood Literacy Crisis Is Extending Beyond School Walls
The visit comes at a critical moment for childhood literacy in Ohio and across the country. Nationally, just over 30 percent of fourth graders are reading proficiently, according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress. In Columbus, more than 63 percent of kindergarteners were behind on language and literacy skills during the 2024–2025 school year, according to state kindergarten readiness data. The urgency has extended beyond school walls: in February, Nationwide Children’s Hospital launched literacy screenings starting at age 3 during pediatrician visits, a direct response to reading struggles surfacing earlier and more frequently than expected.
“When I walk into classrooms using Reading Horizons, I see students fully engaged and excited about learning to read,” Gowitzka said. “Teachers are clearly modeling the skills students need to be successful, making the learning intentional and easy to follow. Students actively apply the Science of Reading, build confidence, and understand why the skills matter. It’s rewarding to watch both teaching and learning come together to grow strong, capable readers.”
“When a state makes structured literacy a priority at the policy level, it gives educators permission to do what the research has always supported,” Dr. Blake said. “Today at Saint Agatha, I saw exactly that: teachers providing explicit, evidence-based, foundational literacy instruction using a structured literacy instructional framework. That is what effective reading instruction looks like, and every student in Ohio, and beyond, deserves that experience.”
Opportunity to Observe Structured Literacy in Action in a K–3 Classroom
Media in attendance had the opportunity to observe a K–3 classroom lesson and speak directly with state officials, diocesan leaders, and literacy experts. Governor DeWine has made Read Ohio a central pillar of his administration’s education priorities, and today’s visit to Saint Agatha School reflected that commitment at the classroom level.
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About Reading Horizons
For over 40 years, Reading Horizons® has partnered with educators to combat illiteracy through effective, research-based reading instruction. Grounded in Structured Literacy, Reading Horizons provides Pre-K–12 core literacy, K–5 supplemental foundational and language literacy, and K–12 intervention solutions that help all students become confident readers. Learn more at readinghorizons.com and listen to Literacy Talks, a podcast exploring fresh perspectives on literacy, learning, and teaching.
About Saint Agatha
Saint Agatha School in Upper Arlington is a faith-filled community committed to academic excellence and the formation of each student. As part of the Diocese of Columbus, we partner with families to provide a Christ-centered education that reflects our Catholic faith and mission.
Our students are challenged through a rigorous curriculum that builds critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning, all within a supportive and inclusive environment. Guided by faith, we inspire students to serve others, lead with integrity, and grow into confident, compassionate individuals prepared for high school and beyond.
About The Reading League
The Reading League (TRL) is a national not for profit that promotes knowledge to reimagine the future of literacy education and accelerate the global movement toward reading instruction rooted in science. As a state chapter, TRL Ohio is committed to advancing this mission in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Ohio educators, and families. We recognize the enduring impact of literacy and the collective responsibility it takes to ensure all children learn to read at grade level, because it truly takes a league. Achieving literacy for all requires the consistent implementation of evidence-based practices, supported by well-informed educators and empowered families. The Reading League Ohio is dedicated to providing free, high-quality resources to educators across the state, equipping them to deliver explicit, systematic instruction that supports all learners in becoming proficient readers.
Press Contact: Cresonia Wong, Assistant Vice President Teak Media + Communication cresonia@teakmedia.com
