Ohio’s 2024-2025 School Report Cards show a mixed picture for students.
Math scores are up, but English language arts, including reading, dropped slightly, according to Ohio Excels, a nonprofit group of Ohio business leaders focused on improving education.
The results, covering all 611 school districts, suggest schools are at different stages of using the state’s Science of Reading approach, which may explain the temporary drop in reading scores.
At the same time, math achievement is the highest it’s been in five years.
“This year’s report cards provide important insights and underscore both progress and challenges,” said Ohio Excels President Lisa Gray.
For the first time, Ohio’s College, Career, Workforce, and Military Readiness measure is fully rated.
Nearly two-thirds of the class of 2024 met at least one of the state’s 11 readiness measures.
These measures go beyond college preparation to include earning industry credentials, completing advanced coursework, and preparing for military service.
Gray said the drop in English language arts isn’t surprising since schools are still ramping up Science of Reading instruction.
She stressed the importance of keeping that focus and supporting science-based methods, as outlined in Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement.
Locally, West Liberty-Salem earned a 4.5 rating.
Indian Lake and Benjamin Logan each earned a 4.
Bellefontaine and Riverside earned 3.5.
“State leaders have invested in the science of reading and made early literacy a priority, and those changes will strengthen outcomes in the years ahead,” Gray said. She also noted that expanding access to high-quality math instruction remains important.
“Continuously improving both reading and math scores must be a top priority if Ohio is to remain competitive in a rapidly changing economy,” she said.
Gray added that every student should have the chance to master math and reading, and every graduate should leave high school ready for college, a career, or military service.
Ohio Excels, started in 2018, works with policymakers, educators, and families to improve K-12 outcomes.
For more information, visit ohioexcels.org.
