Comprehensive Literacy State Development Subgrant K-12

The Ohio K-12 Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Subgrant is a four-year funding initiative supported by a $60 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Administered by the Ohio Department of Education, this subgrant is part of a broader effort to advance the state’s literacy outcomes through strategic, evidence-based interventions aligned with Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement. The initiative is designed to increase reading and writing proficiency among students in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state, with a specific focus on underserved populations. The purpose of the CLSD Subgrant is to help Local Education Agencies (LEAs) implement comprehensive literacy instruction that meets the diverse needs of students. Eligible LEAs will receive funding to support a variety of literacy-related activities, including the adoption of evidence-based instructional materials, delivery of professional development for educators, and creation of data systems to track literacy growth. These funds are meant to strengthen local literacy ecosystems by addressing root causes of literacy underperformance and targeting resources where they are most needed. Only certain LEAs are eligible to apply for this opportunity. These include city, local, and exempted village school districts, cooperative education and joint vocational school districts, community schools, STEM schools, and Educational Service Centers (ESCs). Private chartered non-public schools are not eligible. Additionally, a critical eligibility condition requires that at least 50% of an LEA’s schools be classified as "high-need schools." For elementary and middle schools, this classification applies when 50% or more of students come from low-income families. For high schools, the threshold is 40%. For entities serving mixed-grade levels, eligibility depends on the grade-level majority served. Funding prioritization is structured into three categories. Priority 1 status is given to LEAs with at least 150 students, 80% or more from low-income backgrounds, and 40% or more reading or writing below grade level. Priority 2 includes LEAs with fewer than 150 students with at least 40% from low-income families, or larger LEAs with 40%–79.9% low-income and at least 40% underperformance in reading/writing. Priority 3 is for LEAs that do not meet the above but still demonstrate literacy support needs. All applicants must submit a comprehensive Local Literacy Plan that is based on a needs assessment and aligns with the state’s overarching strategy. The Local Literacy Plan must include documentation of literacy needs, clear articulation of evidence-based interventions, a professional learning plan for educators, and an approach to measuring outcomes using data-driven tools. The application will be evaluated based on these components and how well the plan addresses the unique challenges of the applicant LEA. The full application process for the K-12 CLSD Subgrant will begin in January 2025. While specific open and close dates have not yet been released, LEAs are advised to start preparing their Local Literacy Plans in advance. All inquiries regarding this grant opportunity should be directed to ComprehensiveLiteracy@education.ohio.gov. A separate funding announcement for early childhood education and preschool literacy initiatives is expected to be released later in 2025.

Prepare the Local Literacy Plan in advance of January 2025 release.