Business Leaders Applaud Reading and Math Gains in Latest Ohio School Report Cards

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September 15, 2026

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Business Leaders Applaud Reading and Math Gains in Latest Ohio School Report Cards

Chronic absenteeism declines but remains far too high

COLUMBUS – Ohio’s newly released 2025-2026 School Report Cards show encouraging gains in reading and math proficiency, along with a decrease in chronic absenteeism. However, the results also reveal that too many students still struggle academically or miss significant amounts of school, according to Ohio Excels, a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of Ohio business leaders committed to improving educational outcomes.

Statewide reading proficiency increased from 60.4% to 62.2%, while math proficiency rose from 55.3% to 56.4%, according to this year’s report cards. Third-grade reading proficiency increased from 61.3% to 63.4%.

The results are headed in the right direction, and Ohio’s educators deserve credit for the progress being made, said Ohio Excels President Lisa Gray.

“At the same time, proficiency rates remain much too low, with nearly four in 10 students not proficient in reading, and more than four in 10 not proficient in math,” Gray said. “We cannot be satisfied when so many students are still falling short of the skills they need to succeed.”

The reading gains come as Ohio schools continue implementing instruction based on the Science of Reading, an approach long advocated by Ohio Excels. To that end, state leaders have invested significant resources in improving literacy instruction, providing educators with training and giving schools access to high-quality instructional materials.

“The improvement in reading, especially in third grade, is encouraging and suggests that Ohio’s focus on proven literacy instruction through the Science of Reading is beginning to show results,” Gray said. “We need to stay committed to this work and make sure that educators and students continue receiving the support they need. Ohio Excels will continue to work with policymakers to make Ohio the top state for reading and math.”

The report cards also show that chronic absenteeism declined from 25.1% to 23.9%. While that drop represents progress, nearly one in four Ohio students remains chronically absent. As study after study has shown, students cannot learn if they are not in school.

“The decline in chronic absenteeism is welcome news, but 23.9% is still far too high,” Gray said. “Schools, families, and communities must continue working together to understand why students are missing school and help them return to the classroom consistently.”

Ohio Excels has long supported clear, transparent school report cards that give families, educators, policymakers, and communities an honest picture of student performance. The annual report cards help identify areas of progress, show where students need more support, and give communities accurate information they can use to improve their schools.

The report cards also provide a broader look at how well Ohio is preparing students for life after high school, including participation in career-technical education and earning college credit while in high school. The cards also shed light on the number of students who neither attempt college nor earn an industry-recognized credential.

“As Ohio attracts new employers and creates more high-skill jobs, students must leave school with strong academic skills and a clear route to college, a career, or military service,” Gray said. “Ohio Excels and our coalition of business leaders will continue working with policymakers, educators, and families to build on this progress and help every student succeed.”

Ohio Excels is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization created in 2018 by state business leaders to improve educational outcomes and ensure that K-12 schools prepare students for success in higher education, the military, and the workforce. For more information, visit https://www.ohioexcels.org/.

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