Literacy skills lay the foundation upon which every individual's education rests. When a learner receives the necessary tools to develop strong language and literacy skills, he or she becomes able to achieve personal autonomy and pursue aspirations. Ohio is committed to supporting an education system that prioritizes the language and literacy development of all learners in keeping with its overarching strategic plan for education, "Each Child Our Future." That plan promotes the importance of early learning and expanding access to quality early learning experiences. Further, it calls for Ohio and its schools to develop literacy skills in all age groups, grades and subjects. "Ohio's Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement" serves as a guide to evidence-based language and literacy teaching and learning for all learners from birth through grade 12. Acquiring language and literacy skills affects learners' access to, and interest in, content materials and instruction at all grade levels and all aspects of their lives. Thus, Ohio does not treat language and literacy as a separate field of study or course, but layers them over all aspects of education. It is critical that every educator and educational activity promote language and literacy development. This plan articulates a state literacy framework aimed at promoting proficiency in reading, writing and communication for all learners. It is driven by scientific research and encourages a professional movement toward implementing data-based, differentiated and evidence-based practices in all manners of educational settings. Specifically, this plan illustrates the strong language and literacy efforts in place in Ohio and the state's vision to expand and strengthen them to support improvement. [For the appendices, see ED605041. For "Each Child Our Future," see ED594758.]