Over the past 65 years, the roles of the reading specialist have continually evolved. Historically, reading specialists have been hired by schools to work predominantly with struggling readers (Bean, Cassidy, Grumet, Shelton & Wallis, 2002; Bean, Swan & Knaub, 2003). Reading specialists today serve in a variety of roles within their positions. Reading specialists play an instrumental role in facilitating reading achievement (IRA, 2000; Bean & Dagen, 2012; Helf & Cooke, 2011; Bean et al., 2015). It is important to understand how reading specialists currently fulfill their roles, specifically in public school districts with exemplary literacy programs. Nationally, reading specialists are considered to assume the roles of both teacher leader and expert teacher, teaching struggling readers as well as coaching teachers on multiple levels (Bean & Dagen, 2012; Helf & Cooke, 2011; Kern, 2011). However, there is scant research pertaining to the roles of the reading specialist specific to Ohio's public elementary schools. Further, studies focusing on the roles of reading specialists in exemplary schools were completed more than a decade ago (Bean et al., 2003). Updated research is needed to analyze the evolving roles of reading specialists in contemporary classrooms. This research seeks to answer the question: What are the roles of reading specialists in Ohio's public elementary schools? Further, are there differences in the ways in which Ohio reading specialists are spending their time in schools with high performing literacy programs (exemplary schools) versus low performing literacy programs (non-exemplary schools)? These findings will have direct implications as to the specific roles of reading specialists that are most effective, serving as important information for administrators who hire reading specialists as well as reading specialists themselves. Furthermore, findings may produce implications for those who prepare reading specialists, specifically Ohio Reading Endorsement programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]