Ohio Approves Collaborative Literacy as Comprehensive ELA Curriculum for Grades 3–5

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 1, 2025 — The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has expanded its list of approved core curriculum materials for grades 3–5 to include Collaborative Literacy, Third Edition, a comprehensive K–5 English language arts program developed by Collaborative Classroom. 

This expansion builds on the state’s prior approval of Collaborative Classroom’s core reading program, Being a Reader™, Second Edition for use in grades K–3 and its approval of the SIPPS® foundational skills program for reading intervention. 

Collaborative Literacy Builds Proficient Readers and Writers

Collaborative Literacy is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that builds strong and knowledgeable readers and writers, creates vibrant and caring classroom communities, and empowers teachers to deepen their knowledge and expertise. 

Two dynamic programs—Being a Reader and Being a Writer™—comprise Collaborative Literacy, weaving together the latest research in literacy and learning, integrated social skills development, and embedded professional learning.

Key Features of Collaborative Literacy’s Comprehensive Instruction

A complete solution for core reading and writing instruction, Collaborative Literacy provides: 

• Comprehensive, research-based reading instruction that systematically develops both foundational skills and comprehension.
• Whole-class, student-centered writing instruction that focuses on process and conventions across genres.
• High-quality, high-interest fiction and nonfiction texts selected to support the instructional focus of each lesson and engage all students.
• Knowledge building through the integration of reading and writing experiences. Students actively foster their curiosity, build their knowledge, and become experts on topics that truly matter to them.
• English learner pre-teaching, extension, and point-of-need supports that help teachers provide scaffolding and prepare English learners to participate confidently in lessons.
• Integrated social-skills development that creates a supportive classroom community and nurtures students’ sense of responsibility for their own learning and behavior.
• Embedded, continuous professional learning that empowers teachers to expand their content knowledge and deepen their pedagogical expertise.
• Formative and summative assessments that support instructional decision-making for the class, groups of students with similar points of need, and individual students.

Collaborative Literacy Joins Being a Reader and SIPPS as Approved Curricula in Ohio

“We’re honored that Ohio has recognized Collaborative Literacy as a comprehensive, high-quality solution for core reading and writing instruction,” said Kelly Stuart, Collaborative Classroom President and CEO. “With this new announcement, Collaborative Literacy joins two of our other programs, Being a Reader and SIPPS, on Ohio’s list of vetted and approved literacy curricula. We are proud to support Ohio educators with proven, comprehensive, and instructionally aligned solutions grounded in the research base.” 

“We hear from educators every day who are looking for well-structured programs that support strong, evidence-based instruction, are adaptable to the classroom, and also foster positive, connected classroom communities,” added Maria Arnett, Regional Director at Collaborative Classroom. “Collaborative Literacy does all of this, and has the results to prove it.” 

To learn more about Collaborative Classroom’s programs in Ohio, visit https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/ohio-readers-succeed-with-collaborative-classroom/.

About Collaborative Classroom

Collaborative Classroom is a mission-driven nonprofit committed to ensuring that all students become readers, writers, and thinkers who learn from, care for, and respect one another. Through evidence-based programs and embedded professional learning, the organization transforms teaching and learning and builds thriving school communities. Since its founding, Collaborative Classroom’s work has reached more than 10 million students and 440,000 educators across the country. Learn more at https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/.

SOURCE: Collaborative Classroom