Governor DeWine Begins Literacy Leaders Tour With Visit to Putman Elementary School in Blanchester
 (BLANCHESTER, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited Putman Elementary School in Blanchester today as part of a new effort to celebrate schools across the state that are making their students better readers.
The visit marked the first stop of the Governor’s Literacy Leaders Tour – a new initiative to highlight schools that have embraced the Science of Reading and are making great strides in literacy education.
“Reading is the key to success for our kids in school and throughout life,” said Governor DeWine. “Across Ohio, we’re seeing the difference that proven reading instruction can make. Every day, teachers using the Science of Reading are seeing amazing results. Their students are more excited to read than ever, and they are making major gains in literacy achievement.”
 Part of Blanchester Local School District, Putman Elementary School was an early adopter of the Science of Reading. Over the past four years, the school has seen dramatic progress. Putnam Elementary’s third grade English Language Arts proficiency has risen from 46.8% in 2021 to 80.5% in 2025.
During Friday’s visit, Governor DeWine held a roundtable discussion with Blanchester Superintendent Randy Dunlap, Putman Elementary Principal Jeri Earley, and several other school and district leaders to discuss their work implementing the Science of Reading and raising literacy achievement.
The Governor also visited a pair of classrooms to get a look at literacy instruction in action.
 Teachers at Putman Elementary have completed extensive professional learning in the Science of Reading. Additionally, the school’s library program offers weekly student visits and access to decodable and high-interest books to build confidence and vocabulary.
Putman Elementary School was also among the inaugural group of schools to earn the Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award earlier this year.
“By visiting schools like Putman Elementary, we’re able to shine a light on the progress we’re seeing, especially among schools that were early adopters of the Science of Reading,” Governor DeWine continued. “It also allows us to celebrate teachers and administrators for the innovative and dedicated work happening in our schools to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
The Governor’s Literacy Leaders Tour will continue with additional visits with K-12 schools and early childhood education sites throughout the fall.
About the Science of Reading
Based on decades of brain research and literacy development, the Science of Reading is an approach to literacy instruction that focuses on teaching students how to sound out and understand words. Studies show the Science of Reading informs the most effective strategies for teaching students how to read.
Governor DeWine has long supported the implementation of the Science of Reading in all Ohio educational settings, including early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education.
Science of Reading FAQs – Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Additional Media Contacts:
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Lacey Snoke, Chief Communications Officer
614-995-1855
[email protected]
Chad Eberly, Deputy Chief of Communications
614-466-4839
[email protected]
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