Students who are not reading at proficient levels by the end of third grade are more likely to struggle throughout their school years, which in turn leads to higher dropout rates and fewer students being college and career ready.

State achievement tests tell us how well our students are performing in the knowledge and skills outlined in Ohio’s Learning Standards. These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our students for long-term success in school, college, careers, and life. Test results also allow citizens to know how their local schools are performing compared to others around the state.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools had to be shut down for awhile and remote learning was completed by students. We are starting to see these effects, and are focusing to increase 3rd grade reading literacy in our 2023 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).

Multi-Sector Collaboration

Community Engagement

Policy Change

Muskingum County Literacy Council
Muskingum County Library System
Enterprise Muskingum
Zanesville City Schools
Bethel Community Center
Zanesville Civic Center
Muskingum County Community Foundation
Muskingum Valley Education Service Center
Muskingum County Job & Family Services
Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services
Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department
Bridges to Wellness
 

 2025-present

• Enterprise Muskingum held a Strategic Planning Session with multiple community partners. 

  • Partners at the meeting committed to CHA and future CHIP efforts for the Education and Literacy Priority focusing on kindergarten readiness and helping those struggling with literacy from kindergarten to 3rd grade. 

• Enterprise Muskingum working on Charter development for Education & Literacy priority for the new CHIP.

• Muskingum County Literacy Council working on funding efforts for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. 

• Muskingum County Literacy Council has been providing additional tobacco prevention education to schools and afterschool programs, to teach children how to say no and healthy coping mechanisms. 

  • These education opportunities are being completed in partnership with Rambo Memorial Health Center. 

 2024

• The Muskingum County Literacy Council (MCLC) is enhancing its Literacy in Action initiative, which includes:

  • Read-aloud sessions

  • Reading assistance for preschool to kindergarten children

• An evaluation was created for teachers and after-school providers to:

  • Assess the program's effectiveness

  • Gather improvement suggestions

  • Positive feedback has been received

• Financial stability was addressed through:

  • A partnership with Red Rose Tattoo, raising $10,000

  • Funding from ZMCHD for youth education on nicotine risks

• Future plans include:

  • Stabilizing the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

  • Drafting a sustainability plan for 2024 to measure impact and boost partner engagement

• MCLC conducted a successful first Community Scavenger Hunt with:

  • In partnership with 

    • Muskingum County Literacy Council

    • Urban Greens

    • Muskingum County Library System

    • Foodworks Alliance

  • Over 30 families participated

  • Plans for future events

• A new partnership with Enterprise Muskingum focuses on:

  • Cradle-to-career readiness using the STRIVE method

  • Collaborating with ZMCHD to improve education and income outcomes

  • Their efforts are included in an addendum to the CHIP

• Zanesville City Schools saw improvements in:

  • Kindergarten readiness

  • Third-grade reading

• MCLC plans to revamp kindergarten outreach for 2025 by:

  • Updating materials

  • Collaborating with schools

  • Enterprise Muskingum will be taking the strategic lead in 2026 in partnership with MCLC.

2023

• The Healthier Muskingum County Network collaborated with the Muskingum County Literacy Council.

• Partnered with schools to create a Kindergarten Readiness Guide.

  • Achieved a Flesch Reading Ease of 88%.

  • Reached a Flesch-Kincaid Reading level of 3rd grade.

• Conducted outreach efforts at community locations such as:

  • Schools

  • Preschools

  • Doctor offices

• Promoted literacy initiatives through these efforts.

• Developed a flyer for "Brain Fuse," a free eLearning app.

  • Offers tutoring for K-12 students in various subjects.

  • Tutors available from 2-11 PM.

• Utilized social media and community meetings for outreach.