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University preservice teacher literacy coursework received perfect score, no mandatory recommendations

Dec. 16, 2025 – The Ohio Department of Higher Education Science of Reading Audit of educator preparation programs found that �鶹��ѡ’s preservice teacher literacy coursework was deemed “in alignment” with a score of 100% and no mandatory recommendations for improvement. Additionally, there is evidence of full compliance with Ohio’s definition of the science of reading as codified in the Ohio Revised Code.

“This finding affirms Kent State’s storied history as one of the country’s top higher education institutions for well-prepared educators,” said Alicia R. Crowe, Ph.D., interim dean for Kent State’s College of Education, Health and Human Services. “Our courses, instructional materials and practices perfectly align with the expectations established in the audit metrics and the Ohio Revised Code.”

The audit by the Ohio Department of Higher Education reviewed syllabi from 30 �鶹��ѡcourses and conducted observations in 10 courses, across all campuses. The audit revealed two commendations specific to Kent State, including:

1. Kent Campus and Regional Campuses are consistently aligned in course materials, instruction and assessments. While aligning the educator preparation program course materials, instruction and assignments to the requirements of House Bill 33, Kent State’s Lori Wilfong, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Reading and Writing Development Center, made a concerted effort to include faculty from the Kent and Regional campuses in the process. Wilfong made the process as collaborative as possible while holding faculty accountable for accomplishing the necessary alignment with the Science of Reading Audit Metrics and ensuring consistency across campuses. The transition work was facilitated using department “point people” with expertise in each of the educator preparation programs. These collaborative structures support coherence and shared accountability across the university’s campuses.
2. Faculty and leadership share a unified commitment to preparing preservice candidates who are equipped to meet the needs of all readers by providing evidence-based literacy practices. Literacy and special education faculty at �鶹��ѡpartnered to develop course materials and assessments, integrating strategies aligned with the science of reading across disciplines. Educator preparation program leaders and faculty were committed to sending the highest-quality graduates possible into local schools, where practices aligned with the science of reading were already underway. Faculty collaborated with local school districts to align preservice teacher preparation with district and state expectations, ensuring that candidates were well-equipped for field placements and future employment.

The Ohio Department of Higher Education commendations highlight notable accomplishments or exemplary practices documented in the audit that aligns with the requirements of House Bill 33 by recognizing, reinforcing and encouraging effective practices, and providing models for replication in other institutions of higher education.

For information about Kent State’s College of Education, Health and Human Services, visit www.kent.edu/ehhs.

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About �鶹��ѡ

�鶹��ѡ is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. The university also holds the esteemed distinction of being one of only seven institutions in Ohio to be recognized as an R1 top-tier research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. �鶹��ѡis one of Ohio’s leading public universities and a major educational, economic and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since 1910. The university has a global footprint with eight campuses throughout Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, a Twinsburg Academic Center and academic sites around the world, including New York City; Florence, Italy; and Curitiba, Brazil. �鶹��ѡoffers award-winning student support services that help students succeed. Its diverse student body comprises more than 33,000 students, including 1,800 international students from nearly 100 countries, and the worldwide alumni family exceeds 280,000. �鶹��ѡprovides transformational educational experiences and leads with its values, which include kindness, respect and freedom of expression. For more information about Kent State, visit www.kent.edu.

Media Contacts:

Joe Richardson, jricha13@kent.edu, 330-672-7532

Lori G. Wilfong, lgkrug@kent.edu, 330-672-2580