Raising Academic Standards Through Policy and Curriculum Reform
How the Dayton Board of Education Strengthened Teaching, Learning, and Student Outcomes
The Dayton Board of Education recognized that true reform required more than new buses and balanced budgets. Improving learning outcomes depended on stronger academic standards, updated curriculum, and consistent policy enforcement. Between 2014 and 2017, the Board approved a series of measures that modernized instruction, improved literacy, expanded career opportunities, and created a sustainable framework for long-term academic success.
Table of Contents
- Updating Curriculum and Standards
- Improving Early Literacy and Reading Programs
- Investing in Career and College Readiness
- Supporting Teachers and Professional Development
- Improving Academic Accountability
- Frequently Asked Questions
<a id=”curriculum”></a>Updating Curriculum and Standards
Many of Dayton’s instructional materials had not been revised for years. The Board authorized a complete overhaul of the district’s Courses of Study for all grade levels. Outdated textbooks from the 1990s were replaced with modern editions that included six years of free digital updates.
These updates aligned Dayton’s curriculum with Ohio’s state standards and ensured that every school followed the same pacing guides. By standardizing academic expectations, the district reduced disparities between schools and created a consistent foundation for achievement across all grade levels.
<a id=”literacy”></a>Improving Early Literacy and Reading Programs
The Board made early reading one of its top academic priorities. To help students meet the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, new phonics and reading intervention programs were introduced.
Seventeen phonics coaches were assigned to kindergarten and first-grade classrooms to strengthen reading fundamentals. Over two years, the percentage of third-grade students meeting the reading requirement rose from 70 percent to 84 percent. These improvements helped boost the district’s Value-Added score on the state report card and positioned Dayton as a success story in literacy reform.
Next: Career and College Readiness ↓
<a id=”career”></a>Investing in Career and College Readiness
Preparing students for life after graduation became a cornerstone of the Board’s academic strategy. Every high school introduced new Career Technology Education (CTE) programs designed to match local workforce demand.
Students at the district’s career centers earned industry credentials and even professional certifications. For example, the district became the first in the nation to offer SAS Certified Base Programmer credentials to high school students, opening the door to competitive job opportunities right after graduation.
The Board also expanded partnerships with colleges, allowing students to earn more than 1,000 college credit hours while still in high school. These programs made postsecondary education accessible and affordable for families throughout Dayton.
Learn about Teacher Development ↓
<a id=”teachers”></a>Supporting Teachers and Professional Development
The Board recognized that lasting improvement required supporting teachers with the right tools and training. Professional development programs were redesigned to focus on instructional quality, data-driven teaching, and classroom technology.
Online and summer training sessions allowed teachers to earn certifications and expand their expertise without interrupting the school year. The Board also created Teacher Leader positions in every building to improve mentoring and communication between administrators and staff.
These efforts helped raise morale, reduce turnover, and ensure that instructional reforms reached the classroom level effectively.
Continue to Academic Accountability ↓
<a id=”accountability”></a>Improving Academic Accountability
Policy implementation was only effective if paired with measurable results. The Board adopted new evaluation frameworks that tracked student progress using data analytics.
With the introduction of the NWEA MAP and RIT band assessments, teachers could better identify learning gaps and tailor instruction to student needs. As a result, the district recorded measurable improvements in literacy, graduation rates, and overall academic growth.
The Board also began publishing detailed performance reports, allowing the community to see tangible progress and hold the district accountable for continued improvement.
Continue to Article 5: Technology and Innovation in Education →
<a id=”faq”></a>Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of updating the curriculum?
To align all grades and subjects with modern standards and ensure equal learning opportunities across schools.
How did the literacy programs help students?
By focusing on early reading intervention and phonics-based learning, thousands of students reached or exceeded grade-level expectations.
Why were career and college programs expanded?
To prepare students for real-world success through job certifications, internships, and early college credit opportunities.
How did teachers benefit from these reforms?
They received structured professional development, mentoring, and leadership opportunities within their schools.
What tools improved academic accountability?
New data analytics systems and standardized evaluations that tracked progress across classrooms and schools.