Ohio Governor Mike DeWine promised to strengthen his commitment to improving the quality of life for Ohio children during his State of the State address this past week.

The governor talked at length about addressing educational challenges in schools, notably, the need to improve literacy rates.

A January 2023 report from the Ohio Department of Education shows 40% of Ohio third graders are not proficient in reading.

In response, Gov. DeWine launched his "ReadOhio" initiative in August 2023, which implemented an updated curriculum aligned with "the science of reading." The program teaches students to break down words and sounds through phonics and other techniques backed by decades of research from scientists and literary experts.

At the State of the State, DeWine called on universities to teach educators about toolkits and programs that correspond with ReadOhio standards.

Introducing future educators to these concepts before they step into the classroom is something the President of the Ohio Education Association, Scott DiMauro, says is necessary in addressing the children's literacy problem currently at hand. However, he says there are other factors that contribute to inequity in the educational capabilities of some districts across Ohio.

"What's interesting is that since the law was passed last year mandating science of reading, we're finding that most schools were already doing that, most schools were already teaching some element of phonics" DiMauro tells 21 News. "But, we do appreciate additional professional development and support. We need to make sure our schools are fully and fairly funded in order to make sure we're meeting the needs of every single student."

Governor DeWine also vowed to continue expanding mental health care access for Ohio children. DiMauro adds that when a child's overall needs for their wellbeing are met, they are better able to focus and engage with educational material.

"It has a huge impact, and it's not just a huge issue when you think about individual students who are facing mental health challenges. But also if you have a troubled student who is acting out, and we're seeing, you know, some behaviors that we haven't seen in the past, that has an impact on the culture of the whole school," DiMauro says.