INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Third-grade literacy rates saw the biggest jump in the state’s history of the IREAD assessment. It’s also the fourth year in a row rates climbed.
This year’s numbers show Indiana’s early literacy strategy is working, boosting reading skills for all student groups. State and local leaders said this is just the beginning.
Statewide, 87% of third graders passed the IREAD exam. That’s up 5% from last year, and it is the largest single-year increase since 2013. The gains put Indiana back to pre-pandemic reading levels.
Black students, English learners and children in special education saw the largest jumps.
“It’s because of all the people who put their hand in and said we can do more, we can do better for our kids,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, secretary of education for Indiana. “We’re going to keep our foot on the gas pedal. We’re going to continue to improve in Indiana.”
Patrick Mapes, superintendent of Hamilton Southeastern Schools, is thrilled with his district’s success.
“We’re up to a 96 passing rate overall, Mapes said. “So, for the large school districts that have over 1000 students in grade three, we’re ranked number one across the state.”
Educators said the next challenge is keeping the momentum going so that students are prepared before they go to middle school.
“We focused in on the data, we looked at student skills, we made good, effective lesson plans, and we have the resources now, and the state has helped us identify those effective resources that we’ve implemented in our schools,” Mapes said. “We just need to keep getting better.”
Jenner said data breaking down the numbers and where the state needs to focus will be released in October. She said getting students help where they need it will be top of mind.
“Really understanding the very specific skills where students are struggling, and where they’re strong,” Jenner said. “We really have to struggle straight in on to the individual student and what they need.”
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