Division of Education Receives “Exemplary” Rating for Science of Reading

Lourdes University is excited to announce its recent achievement of receiving an Exemplary rating for its program alignment with the Science of Reading. This esteemed recognition results from the Division’s commitment to excellence in equipping educators with the latest research-backed strategies for effectively teaching literacy.

The Lourdes University Division of Education received the news in a report from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The report evaluated the status of the 51 education preparation programs in Ohio to meet the recent state code requiring alignment with the Science of Reading.

The report findings were resoundingly positive for Lourdes University, as it has been rated Exemplary in its alignment with the Science of Reading. Compared with the other 51 education preparation programs, Lourdes University’s Division of Education stands out as ranked in the top five in terms of alignment.

The Science of Reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. The collection of research explores how proficient reading and writing develop, why some children experience difficulties, and describes the characteristics of effective literacy instruction. It emphasizes the importance of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—critical components for fostering proficient readers. Lourdes University’s Division of Education has integrated this research into its curriculum, ensuring that future educators have the knowledge and skills necessary to support literacy development comprehensively.

Receiving an Exemplary rating highlights the Division’s dedication to staying at the forefront of educational best practices. Driven by a passion for academic excellence and student success, faculty members have worked tirelessly to align the program with the latest research and standards in literacy instruction.

“The Lourdes University Division of Education is excited to receive an Exemplary rating in its program alignment to the Science of Reading,” says Dr. Vince Laverick, Chair of the Division of Education. “The rating displays the effort of Drs. Maggie Lehman and Lindsay Vance to design curriculum and programming using current and research-based reading strategies to prepare our future teachers.” 

Dr. Laverick continues, “Students at the undergraduate and graduate level can be assured the best instruction in the teaching of reading possible. Our hope is the instruction translates to better young readers because of the well-prepared teachers.”

Dr. Maggie Lehman, Associate Professor of Education at Lourdes University, echoes the sentiment: “This exceptional rating shows that our hard work is paying off. I look forward to seeing how these changes continue to impact the pre-service teachers and the students they work with daily.”

“I am extremely proud that Lourdes University prioritizes literacy instruction for our pre-service teachers as well as partner school districts,” adds Dr. Lindsay Vance, Assistant Professor of Education. “Our program not only builds knowledge of Science of Reading research, but also emphasizes its practical implication for classroom instruction. It is vital that teachers are adequately prepared to teach reading, and I am confident that Lourdes literacy courses and our exemplary rating will positively influence the future students of our graduates.”

Lourdes University’s Division of Education remains steadfast in its mission to empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to meet the diverse needs of learners in today’s classrooms. This achievement directly reflects the Division’s dedication to excellence and its unwavering commitment to advancing literacy instruction.

For more information regarding the Division of Education’s Exemplary rating, please contact Dr. Vince Laverick at vlaverick@lourdes.edu or 419-824-3840.

For more information about the programs the Division of Education offers, please visit here.