(INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — New SAT results showed more Hoosier students meeting college-readiness benchmarks in reading, but overall scores remain low — especially in math.

More than 81,000 Indiana high school students took the test in 2024-25. Most of those were juniors — students slated to graduate in spring 2026. 

Results showed slight improvement on the SAT this year in both the evidence-based reading and writing and math sections.

In reading and writing, the share of students scoring at or above the college-ready threshold rose to 54.5%, up from 51.8% the year before and 50.5% in 2023.

A greater number of students continued to score in the “below college-ready” category for math, however. Just 25.2% of test-takers earned passing scores in 2025.

About 24.5% of Indiana students who took the SAT during the last academic year met the readiness benchmark on both subject portions, according to the Indiana Department of Education. That’s a 0.3% increase compared to last year, but still 4% down from 2023.

“We still have a large number of students in that below-college-ready group,” said Lynn Schemel, IDOE’s chief academic officer. “We want to move that … in the (right) direction … but we have more work to do.”

The new test results were released last week and discussed by the State Board of Education. Data from the latest round of ILEARN testing was also published.

State law requires IDOE to administer a national college entrance exam to high school students before graduation.

How scores work

The SAT includes math, reading and writing sections. The assessment, administered by the College Board, scores students as “At College-Ready,” “Approaching College-Ready,” or “Below College-Ready,” depending on their performance.

A student who scores “Approaching” with one more year remaining in high school is expected to be at “At College-Ready” by graduation.

Students who score at or above the benchmark have a 75% chance of earning at least a C in their first semester of credit-bearing college courses in that subject area, IDOE officials said.

Of the 81,620 students who took the reading and writing assessment in 2025, more than half met the college-ready benchmark. About 36.4% of students were approaching a passing score, while 9.2% remained below.

In math, 21.6% of students were “approaching” college-readiness, and 53% were below the readiness benchmark.

That’s a decline from 2024, when roughly 52.8% of test-takers were below college-ready levels, and from 45.2% who trailed the benchmark in 2023. 

About 25% of students posted college-ready math scores in 2024. IDOE data indicates 30.7% of students who took the SAT were college-ready in math in 2023.

“(The latest data) underscores the urgency of the work we’re doing,” Schemel said, referencing new instructional resources and educational screeners designed to improve foundational math skills. 

The state, she noted, is currently building math support systems for students in grades K–2 and 9–12 to mirror recent literacy investments made for elementary and middle school grades.

Board members weigh in

Board members acknowledged the need for additional math support, but some questioned whether the SAT is the right tool to evaluate all progress among all Indiana students, especially those not planning to attend college.

“This is a college-ready exam, and we administer it to students who aren’t going to college,” said board member B.J. Watts. “Let’s be honest — it’s not important to them. That doesn’t mean they don’t have other skills where they shine. But that’s not going to show up here, at least not yet.”

Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner echoed the need for continued discussion. 

“As a board, we’ve talked a lot about what skills students need in high school,” Jenner said. “Does the SAT fit that? I think that’s a conversation we’ll continue to have.”

Education officials further pointed to a wave of reforms aimed at supporting students earlier in their education, like numeracy screeners, teacher training in evidence-based instruction methods, and math intervention plans. 

All of those efforts are still ramping up, Schemel said.

“We’re trying to wrap our arms around the standards at the high school level now, too,” Hurst said. “That includes what students are getting in their courses before they even get to this SAT moment.”

Jenner added that SAT scores are likely to evolve more as Indiana rolls out new pathways to graduation. 

Under the state’s new high school diploma model — which is set to take effect for all schools by 2029 — all juniors will still be required by law to take the SAT, but scores are only used toward graduation if a student chooses that option under one of the college-bound or employment-readiness tracks, or “seals.”

“We’re maximizing the four years of high school,” she said. “Whether students pursue enrollment, enlistment or employment, our work has to prepare them for all three.”

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — The Colts will be without starting linebacker and team captain Zaire Franklin for at least the first day of training camp.

Franklin had surgery over the offseason on his left ankle.

“I’m just looking forward to when I get out there and be with the guys,” Franklin said. “I’m not going to be out there, first day of school, but I’ll be ‘turnt up’ on the sidelines.”

Franklin said he’s feeling a lot better and has been getting better every day, but doesn’t have a set day for his return from injury.

“We still progressing,” Franklin said. “We still working. I will say I’ve been running, and that’s a big thing. But I don’t know if there’s necessarily a timetable on it for us. I just know we want to make sure it’s right because, as you know, this is a marathon.”

Franklin shared his mindset on dealing with the injury.

“It’s definitely been a transition, but I’m just so process oriented,” Franklin said. “I’ve been focused on just getting better and growing every single day. The team in Indy did a great job with me this summer.”

Franklin has played at least 16 games in all seven seasons of his NFL career.

He led the NFL in total tackles in 2024, receiving his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro (second team) selections of his career.

The first practice of training camp for the Colts is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Grand Park in Westfield.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana Landmarks is actively working to designate the Martindale neighborhood in Indianapolis as a national historic site, and is hosting a community meeting Wednesday at the Frederick Douglass Park to discuss the process.

• RELATED: Inside Indiana’s ‘best-kept secret,’ historical markers

The Martindale neighborhood, located northeast of the Interstate 65/70 North Split in Indianapolis, is being considered for the National Register of Historic Places, due to its rich cultural heritage and its significance to Black history.

The area includes important sites such as St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke, and historically Black schools like School 26 and School 56.

“This is a very important project that we are undertaking,” said Eunice Trotter, director of Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation program. “We’ve been at it for a couple of years, first trying to determine what the boundaries of a historic district will be in that community.”

The proposed historic district spans from Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue to Brouse Avenue and between 30th and 25th streets. Indiana Landmarks says the effort to preserve Martindale’s history is crucial as the area faces challenges from gentrification and loss of historical integrity. Trotter emphasized the urgency of documenting the neighborhood’s history, noting that many sites have been demolished or altered, affecting their historical integrity.

“We don’t have time to waste in terms of getting this history documented and getting that district recognized,” Trotter said.

Brooklyn Ferrell is an intern with Indiana Landmarks and helped organize Wednesday’s meeting. She says it will feature Kurt Garner, who will explain the process of getting Martindale on the national registry, and a historian who will provide an overview of the neighborhood’s historic elements.

People will also will learn more about tax incentives, access to grants, and opportunities for tourism and education that come with National Register listing. The meeting aims to educate people on the preservation process and gather support for the initiative.

People are asked to register in advance of the meeting, you can do that online here or by calling Indiana Landmarks at 317-639-4534 or 800-450-4534.

Trotter says the effort to designate Martindale as a national historic site highlights the importance of preserving Black heritage in Indianapolis. She emphasized that the community meeting at Douglas Park will serve as a pivotal step in recognizing and safeguarding the neighborhood’s rich history.

Listen to the entire interview with Trotter and Farrell in the video above.

Meeting details:

• 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday
• Frederick Douglass Family Center – 1616 East 25th St.
• Register in advance
• Free parking (lot adjacent to the building)
• The venue is accessible to all

This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A brief break in the humidity is around for Tuesday. However, we bounce back quickly in central Indiana and are expected to have multiple days in the 90s.

TODAY: More comfortable conditions will be in place today. Mostly sunny skies with high temperatures in the mid to upper 80s.

TONIGHT: Mostly clear skies stay in place. Low temperatures in the 60s.

TOMORROW: Another sunny day, but humid air will start to work in. High temperatures in the low 90s. A heat advisory is in effect for western Indiana.

7-DAY FORECAST: Central Indiana is likely to see more heat alerts for Thursday & Friday. Dew points will consistently be in the miserable category. Multiple days are expected to eclipse 100 degrees with the heat index to close this week and potentially into the weekend. Rain chances will increase for the Brickyard 400 weekend at IMS, however, Sunday looks drier than Saturday at this point.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A familiar and friendly face from the Pacers will be trading in his basketball gear for a steering wheel as the honorary Pace Car driver at the Brickyard 400.

Pascal Siakam, a three-time NBA All-Star, two-time All-NBA selection, and Red Bull athlete, will behind the wheel of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV SS during Sunday’s race.

INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles said in the announcement that Siakam as the driver is like a match made in Indiana heaven.

“Basketball and motorsports – Pacers and racers – go hand in hand in Indianapolis,” he said. “Following the Pacers’ electrifying postseason run, it’s only fitting to have Pascal join us to pace the field as NASCAR’s biggest stars compete to win the In-Season Challenge and add their name to the history books with a win at the Brickyard.”

Siakam’s journey to becoming an NBA champion began in Douala, Cameroon, where he grew up in a family of six siblings.

Despite his brothers playing Division I college basketball in America, Siakam initially had other plans – he wanted to play soccer.

But after an invite to a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa when he was 16, Siakam’s basketball career took off.

He attended a prep school in Texas and played college basketball at New Mexico State before being drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2016. There, he evolved from “promising prospect” to bench player, earning the league’s Most Improved Player award in 2019.

Siakam was traded to the Pacers in 2024, becoming a “key veteran presence on a young, dynamic roster.” That presence helped the team reach Game 7 in the NBA Finals and earning the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.

The Brickyard 400 is set to start at 1 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information, visit the IMS website.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers dozens of license plate designs, but none are quite as sleek as the bold new plate that’s coming in August.

BMV leaders unveiled new “blackout” plates on Monday, joining Kentucky, Minnesota, and Iowa in offering the sleek, minimalist design.

The state’s first black license plate will let Hoosier show off their personalities, says BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey.

“It’s very simple in its design, but it really gives car drivers and vehicle owners an opportunity to express themselves in a way that they haven’t had,” Garvey said Monday.

The blackout plate will be available starting Aug. 8 for Hoosiers registering a car, light truck, motorcycle, or RV. The plate comes with an annual fee of $45.

Hoosiers who don’t want to wait for their current plate to expire can swap it out for a blackout plate for $45, plus an additional fee to cover the cost of a new plate.

The blackout plates were approved by state lawmakers during the most recent legislative session in House Enrolled Act 1391, which covered various BMV-related items.

Indiana BMV teased the plates in a July 5 Facebook post, encouraging Hoosiers to “swap the standard for something that stands out.”

The new plates are expected to generate several million dollars for the state each year and help the BMV achieve Gov. Mike Braun’s executive order directing the agency to improve and expand services.

Visit myBMV.com to learn more.

(CNN) — Roughly 700 active-duty US Marines who were mobilized last month to respond to protests in Los Angeles are being sent home from the mission, the Pentagon said Monday.

“With stability returning to Los Angeles, the Secretary has directed the redeployment of the 700 Marines whose presence sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated,” chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement Monday, adding that their “rapid response, unwavering discipline, and unmistakable presence were instrumental in restoring order.”

Parnell announced last week that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had released 2,000 California National Guard members with the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from duty.

The Marines, with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, were mobilized in June and assisted in protecting federal buildings and personnel. They were intended to provide the task force overseeing the federal protection mission in LA “with adequate numbers of forces to provide continuous coverage of the area in support of the lead federal agency,” US Northern Command said at the time.

There are still another roughly 2,000 California Army National Guard soldiers assigned to the mission who were mobilized later in June.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement Monday called for the remaining National Guard soldiers to be withdrawn from the state.

“The women and men of the California National Guard deserve more than to continue serving as puppets in Trump and Stephen Miller’s performative political theater,” Newsom said. “There was never a need for the military to deploy against civilians in Los Angeles. The damage is done, however. We, again, call upon them to do the right thing and end the militarization once and for all.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the decision to withdraw the Marines.

“This is another win for Los Angeles but this is also a win for those serving this country in uniform,” Bass said in a statement on Monday. “Just this morning I stood with Veterans, families of active duty officers, and business leaders to show the impact of this unnecessary, unprecedented, and unconstitutional assault on our city.”

The Marines’ deployment to LA was immediately met with criticism as a significant escalation of the use of the military by President Donald Trump. LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said at the time that the arrival of Marines “absent clear coordination” would present “a significant logistical and operational challenges for those of us charged with safeguarding this city.”

The Marines, like the National Guardsmen who were activated under Title 10 status, were prohibited from conducting law enforcement activity, which is outlawed under the Insurrection Act.

Newsom said in a statement in June that the “level of escalation is completely unwarranted, uncalled for, and unprecedented,” adding the Trump administration was “mobilizing the best in class branch of the U.S. military against its own citizens.”

A senior Pentagon official said during a congressional hearing last month that the mobilization of the Marines and National Guardsmen was estimated to cost $134 million.

“The current estimated cost is $134 million, which is largely just [temporary duty] cost, travel, housing, food, etc.,” Bryn MacDonnell, a special assistant to the Secretary of Defense and official performing the duties of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Asked further about the funding for the mobilization, MacDonnell said it would come from other operation and maintenance accounts.

During the same hearing, Hegseth aggressively defended sending US troops to LA, arguing that “all three” requirements in the US Code that authorizes the president to federalize the National Guard applied to the situation.

“Let’s talk about the US Code … as a legal basis that the president used, cites three examples and circumstances for the guard: invasion by a foreign nation, rebellion or dangerous rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States, or the president is unable, with regular forces to execute the laws of the United States,” Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar said. “Which authority is triggered here to justify the use?”

“I don’t know, you just read it yourself, and people can listen themselves, but it sounds like all three to me,” Hegseth responded.

“The governor of the California has failed to protect his people, along with the mayor of Los Angeles, and so President Trump has said he will protect our agents, and our guard and Marines are proud to do it,” he later added.

This story has been updated with additional details.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — New Direction Church in Indianapolis is set to host its annual Back 2 School Block Party on Saturday.

The block party is from 11 a.m. – 2 p .m. at 5640 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis.

The event will span six city blocks and offer a variety of free activities and entertainment for attendees of all ages, including food, live music, and free fair-style amusement rides such as a pirate ship, giant trampoline games, and a giant bounce house. A special sensory area will be available for children with autism, providing a calm and engaging environment.

Every school-age child attending will receive a free backpack filled with essential school supplies and free school clothes. There will also be an opportunity to win giveaways including bikes, skateboards, and Big Wheels. Kids can also receive grooming services from KUTS 4 Kids, including braiding stations, and get a free dental checkup.

Vendor Village Park will host over 50 vendors offering a variety of products, from healthcare to unique gifts. Teen Town Park will offer thrilling activities such as mechanical bulls, dunk tanks, water activities, a foam party, and basketball. Animal lovers can visit the Animal Park to meet Mufasa, a stunning black stallion, along with ponies and other animals.

To ensure a seamless experience, multiple registration kiosks will be set up for quick entry, and Spanish-speaking interpreters will be on hand to assist attendees.

Click here for more information.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Cookie Monster, the beloved character from children’s TV series “Sesame Street,” will serve as the grand marshal for the Brickyard 400.

The race will start at 2 p.m. Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

As grand marshal, Cookie Monster will give the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars before the race.

The event will mark a reunion with NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, who has shared a video highlighting Cookie Monster’s cross-country trip with his friends to showcase the ways “Sesame Street” helps children.

This story was created from a script aired on WISH-TV. This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Several days of dangerous heat move in starting Wednesday.

Today:

Beautiful weather is expected on Tuesday as high pressure continues to strengthen across the eastern United States. Expect mostly sunny skies, near-average temperatures, and, most importantly, lower dewpoint temperatures. Highs will reach the mid- to upper 80s, but dewpoint temperatures in the mid-60s will make for a relatively comfortable late July afternoon.

Tonight:

Humidity will begin to rise later this evening into the overnight hours. Otherwise, conditions will remain quiet with mostly clear skies and lows in the mid- to upper 60s.

Hot and humid stretch:

Hot and humid conditions will return as a ridge builds overhead starting Wednesday. Expect several days with high temperatures in the low to mid-90s through the end of the workweek. Dewpoint temperatures will climb into the low to mid-70s, pushing heat indices between 100 and 105 for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Heat advisories are already in place for the western portion of the state on Wednesday, and they may expand into central Indiana for the rest of the week.

Dry conditions are expected through at least early Thursday, as this area of high pressure and hot dome of air keeps us dry. Some isolated showers and thunderstorms may develop by Thursday afternoon and evening, but they will likely be few and far between.

Slightly higher chances for rain will arrive on Friday as the ridge begins to break down. Even so, most areas will likely remain dry to wrap up the workweek.

Weekend storms?

A more active weather pattern is expected as we head into the weekend. Showers and thunderstorms will become more likely with a northwesterly flow starting on Saturday. Similar to last weekend, several waves of storms may move through the state. It’s too early to pinpoint the exact timing of these waves, but numerous chances for showers and storms are possible to kick off the weekend.

At this point, severe weather appears unlikely, but heavy rain, frequent lightning, and some gusty winds are possible with any storms that develop on Saturday.

As of now, Sunday has a lower chance of showers and thunderstorms. Any storms that do occur could produce heavy rainfall.

7 day forecast:

High temperatures over the weekend will reach the upper 80s. Hot conditions will persist into the new workweek, with highs in the low 90s for Monday and Tuesday. There are indications that temperatures may finally cool to more seasonable levels by the middle of next week as we wrap up the month of July.