The Northwest Local School District (NWLSD) is applying for a competitive grant to significantly enhance the language and literacy of its students. The proposed project directly aligns with NWLSD’s One Plan for continuous improvement and with NWLSD’s Local Literacy Plan, as well as with Ohio’s overarching goals for literacy improvement. The instructional goal in the One Plan for the Northwest Local School District is to earn an overall rating of 4 stars or higher as measured by the Local Report Card by 06/30/2027. The overarching goal in NWLSD’s Local Literacy Plan is to increase the percentage of students scoring proficient by 7% or more each year or reach at least 80% proficiency on their state assessments for English Language Arts by the end of the 2028-29 school year. NWLSD has a targeted subgoal in its Local Literacy Plan that aims to improve literacy outcomes for students with disabilities. NWLSD is requesting funding through Ohio’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant to address critical needs identified through a rigorous and multi-faceted needs assessment across all eight of its elementary and middle schools. NWLSD has identified key areas for improvement and growth within its literacy framework, focusing on leadership, implementation planning, and data utilization. The proposal aims to strengthen core instruction, provide targeted interventions, expand high-quality professional learning opportunities for teachers, expand literacy coaching aligned with state models, foster robust family and community engagement, and enhance the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). The interconnected, evidence-based activities outlined in the project will contribute to Ohio’s overarching goals for literacy improvement and will support the development of model literacy implementation sites within NWLSD schools, ensuring evidence-based practices are embedded and sustained to improve student and adult literacy outcomes.
We are still working to complete our application, and it is not too late for members of our community to provide input. The application deadline for Ohio’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant is April 8th. Individuals who wish to learn more about NWLSD’s Local Literacy Plan and Grant Application, or provide input regarding NWLSD’s grant application, are encouraged to complete this form or to reach out to Brenda Miller, Director of Curriculum, for the Northwest Local School District at bmiller2@nwlsd.org.