UD Earns Top Marks in Reading Audit
The University of Dayton earned the strongest possible results in Ohio’s new Science of Reading audit, a statewide evaluation ensuring teacher preparation programs align with evidence-based literacy instruction—an essential foundation for student success and workforce readiness.
In its review, the Ohio Department of Higher Education found that UD met 100% of state metrics, with reviewers praising faculty for preparing future teachers to understand how children learn to read and to implement high-impact, evidence-based practices from day one.
“This audit reinforces for us that we're preparing future teachers to help every child become a strong, confident reader,” said Mary-Kate Sableski, professor of literacy and special needs in UD’s Department of Teacher Education. “Philanthropic support accelerates this work—expanding clinical experiences, faculty development, and tools that directly benefit the children our graduates serve.”
UD’s PreK–5 program holds an A+ rating for reading, and its Dyslexia Certificate carries the International Dyslexia Association’s Accredited Plus designation—recognitions that reflect a deep commitment to high-quality, evidence-based instruction for diverse learners. These distinctions translate into measurable results in classrooms across Ohio and beyond.
Outcomes remain strong: 100% of graduates from UD’s School of Education and Health Sciences in August and December 2023 and May 2024 were employed, enrolled in graduate programs, or engaged in service within six months of graduation. Donor support helps sustain this momentum by providing scholarships for aspiring teachers, literacy intervention resources, and faculty-led partnerships with schools that bring the Science of Reading into real classrooms.
Your impact: Philanthropy powers the initiatives that matter most—early literacy clinics, classroom-based residencies, specialized dyslexia training, and the technology and assessments that enable data-driven instruction. Together, we can ensure more teachers enter the field ready to help every child read confidently by third grade, a milestone linked to long-term academic achievement and community well-being.
Ways to advance this mission:
- Scholarships & Fellowships: Remove financial barriers for future teachers committed to literacy and special education.
- Practice-Based Learning: Fund school partnerships, coaching, and embedded clinical experiences that translate research into classroom results.
- Literacy Innovation: Support assessments, intervention materials, and faculty development aligned to the Science of Reading.
- Dyslexia Expertise: Expand access to the Dyslexia Certificate so more educators can identify and support students with reading differences.
Together with our donors and partners, UD is building a pipeline of educators who change life trajectories—one reader at a time.