As the calendar pages flip to July, Indiana is gearing up to implement a wave of new legislation. Notable among these is a bill that's slated to rigorously address the state's declining literacy rates. On July 1, according to a report by WHAS11, this bill will join others as they move swiftly from the legislative floor to the lived realities of Indiana residents.

Authored by figures like State Senator Linda Rogers and State Senator Jeff Raatz, the new law aims to significantly enhance the reading proficiency of students through a regimented approach. To eventually strive to attain better outcomes, the law introduces the IREAD assessment in second grade, with those passing the hurdle not having to take it again, as mentioned by FOX59. Providing specialized support and a focus on reading instruction in third grade, the bill carries the weight of potential retention if a student fails to pass on the second try.

Further extending support, the legislation mandates schools to deliver summer school programs and personalized tutoring for students falling behind in their reading skills, details FOX59. The anticipation for this measure comes with the expectation that it might just deter the trend of underachievement that has gripped the state for years.

"Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students," State Rep. Jake Teshka told WTHR, expressing enthusiasm for the bill's potential to uplift student's literacy. With the instructional framework now required to pivot to closely reflect science of reading standards, Indiana’s Department of Education is set to comprehensively overhaul academic standards and teacher preparation programs beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.