Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

The Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Workgroup of the State Support Team is committed to advancing the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce vision for academic excellence in math and literacy. We support districts, schools, and community schools in implementing Ohio’s Learning Standards through high-quality curriculum, evidence-based instructional practices, and aligned assessments. Grounded in equity and inclusive education, our work fosters strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics for all learners, preparing them for lifelong success. We collaborate with educators to ensure every student receives the support they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Literacy in Action Network
SST3 and ESC-NEO consultants are excited to present the Literacy in Action Network. This monthly virtual series is designed for area literacy leaders to:
  • Access timely and relevant information
  • Receive updates from the Department of Education and Workforce
  • Share best practices
  • Discuss strategies for effective implementation
Focus on Adolescent Literacy: Every other month will feature a dedicated focus on adolescent literacy.

Upcoming Dates:
  • August 28, 2025
  • September 25, 2025
  • October 30, 2025
  • November 20, 2025
  • January 29, 2026
  • February 26, 2026
  • April 30, 2026
  • May 21, 2026
The following resources are available on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's website:
Dr. Anne Zito
Dr. Anne Zito
Educational Consultant
2022 to present
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Youngstown State University
M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology, Kent State University
B. A. in Organizational Communications, Purdue University

Anne Zito is an Educational Consultant with the State Support Team (SST) Region 3 at the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio. She is responsible for supporting districts by developing and facilitating professional learning and providing technical assistance for school personnel. Her areas of focus at the SST3 include Special Education, the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP), Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment, and Literacy. 

Anne previously worked as a speech-language pathologist in Akron Public Schools (APS) for over 20 years. While in APS, she collaborated with and provided services to students, staff, and families from preschool through high school. She served on the Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Council, School Improvement Team, and Intervention Assistance Teams (RTI). She holds a Principal license (PreK-12), Administrative Specialist license, and SpeechLanguage Pathologist licenses. She has her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 

Anne completed her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on building collective efficacy, supporting diverse voices, special education, and implementation science. Her dissertation focused on understanding how teachers perceive their own silence during staff meetings. Findings highlighted specific practices that school leaders can use when designing and facilitating meetings to build a positive climate/culture and equity. Anne is a strong believer in the power of both voice and silence to impact organizational change, and it is through a respect of diverse perspectives that real change can be realized. Anne presented her dissertation research at the American Evaluation Association Conference in New Orleans in November 2022. 

Anne lives in Hudson with her husband, their three children, and their three dogs.
Theresa Richardson
Theresa Richardson
Administrative Assistant
2015 to present
Associate of Applied Business

Theresa Richardson is an Administrative Assistant for the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio's State Support Team. She is responsible for providing administrative support to six Education consultants.