COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin is welcoming students, families and educators to the 2026-27 school year while emphasizing preparation, communication and student-centered learning.
In a message marking the start of the new school year, Dackin said families share a common expectation that schools provide safe, supportive and child-centered environments where students can build positive connections and focus on learning.
He highlighted the importance of communication between schools and families, as well as daily interactions between students and school staff, in establishing a positive school culture.
Dackin also pointed to an example from the Chillicothe City School District involving a sixth-grade student who was reading at approximately a kindergarten level and had become extremely hesitant to read.
A district intervention specialist worked with a ReadOhio coach to provide the student with two hours of structured literacy instruction each week. After eight weeks, the student had made significant progress in phonemic skills and reading fluency.
According to Dackin, the student’s STAR assessment scores increased by two grade levels during the academic year, allowing the student to access the general education curriculum.
The student also began volunteering to read aloud, helping classmates with difficult words and assisting a younger sibling with reading at home.
Dackin said the example demonstrates the impact educators can have when they combine preparation, targeted instruction and a commitment to helping individual students succeed.
He said the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will continue working with educators through online office hours, policy webinars, professional resources and professional learning courses.
As the school year begins, Dackin encouraged educators to celebrate successes, support their colleagues and look for opportunities to bring positivity into their schools.
He said students will benefit from the preparation, experience and dedication educators bring to the classroom, even if students may not realize how much work goes into preparing for a new school year.
Dackin said he is proud to be part of Ohio’s education community and encouraged educators to make the 2026-27 school year a successful one for students.
Last Updated on August 19, 2026 by AVC News
