Chesapeake Elementary named a Science of Reading Champion
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Designation given to schools for efforts to improve student literacy
CHESAPEAKE — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced on Thursday that Chesapeake Elementary School has earned a Governor’s Science of Reading Champions Award for 2026.
The school was among 109 in Ohio to earn that designation.
The governor’s office said the Science of Reading Champion s Awards recognize schools that stand out for their commitment to the Science of Reading and their work using this method to improve student engagement and literacy outcomes.
Tricia Harris. principal of the school, said the award came about in large part due to a transition in the way reading is taught at the school, which began two years ago.
She said the distinction came from two things — the school’s test scores, for which she noted that Chesapeake Elementary School is the only five star school in Lawrence County, and an outline of the school’s curriculum, which the school submitted.
Harris said she was notified of the award on Thursday.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff who work every day to ensure every student becomes a confident, capable reader,” Harris wrote in a Facebook post. “At Chesapeake Elementary, we believe strong literacy skills open the door to every other area of learning, and we are proud of the progress our students are making. We will continue to build on this work so that every child has the foundation they need to succeed.”
DeWine explained the award.
“We know that the Science of Reading is the best way to teach children how to read. When you see a teacher using the Science of Reading to the fullest in the classroom, it’s quite remarkable. For students, it’s fun, engaging, and effective,” DeWine said. “Our Science of Reading Champions Awards allow us to recognize school leaders and teachers who are putting the Science of Reading to work to provide their students with the best educational experience possible. Reading is the key to everything — in school and throughout life.”
The governor first announced the Science of Reading Champions Award in 2025 as part of his ongoing efforts to highlight the effectiveness of the Science of Reading as the best method for teaching Ohio students to read. The inaugural class of awardees included 48 schools. These schools will retain their designation as Science of Reading Champions following the announcement of this year’s new class of champions.