HIRAM, Ohio – Hiram College’s education program logged two achievements recently that underscore its quality.
The college earned accreditation with no stipulations from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and a state Science of Reading audit found Hiram In Alignment, the highest rating.
Following its 2025 review, CAEP awarded the education program accreditation with no stipulations and no areas for improvement – the highest level of recognition granted by the accrediting body.
During the comprehensive review process, CAEP evaluated candidate quality, school partnerships, program impact and continuous improvement practices. Reviewers commended Hiram’s evidence-based curriculum, student teaching experiences and commitment to supporting pre-service educators throughout their preparation.
“These recognitions affirm the strength of our academic mission and the intentional work of our faculty,” said Jeffrey Swenson, vice president for academic and student affairs and dean at Hiram. “Earning CAEP accreditation with no stipulations, alongside the highest possible rating in Ohio’s Science of Reading audit, reflects our commitment to evidence-based teaching, meaningful clinical experiences and preparing future educators who are ready to make an immediate and lasting impact.”
In addition to national accreditation, the education program earned the top designation of In Alignment in Ohio’s Science of Reading audit, recognizing its integration of research-based literacy instruction. The audit assessed how educator preparation programs incorporate the Science of Reading, the body of research that explains how students learn to read and identifies proven instructional practices.
Hiram ensures all faculty teaching literacy courses are trained in Science of Reading principles, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and data-informed instruction. Through coursework, clinical practice and ongoing professional development, teacher candidates receive preparation aligned with Ohio’s literacy priorities and national best practices.