Monroe County legislators are expressing approval over the significant leap in third-grade literacy rates among Indiana students, with recent results from the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment showing a notable improvement, as reported on August 26th by Indiana House Republicans. State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) highlighted that the third grade reading scores have increased by nearly five percentage points, marking not just a return to pre-pandemic levels but also the most considerable single-year gains since the state began administering IREAD in 2013, with over 87% of students demonstrating proficiency in reading.
According to the same source Indiana’s legislators are thanking education leaders, schools, teachers and families for their commitment to this educational achievement, State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) recognized the collective work of educators, parents and communities, making a specific note that literacy rates have improved across the entire student population the dedication and collaboration result in providing the necessary tools for students to thrive. "Our students are capable of great things when we give them the tools they need to thrive," Heaton said in a statement reflecting on the collaborative effort that contributed to these improvements, as per the Indiana House Republicans.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) brought attention to Indiana's recent ranking within the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) where the state secured the sixth spot in the country for fourth and eighth grade reading. She underscored the impact of strong reading skills on a child's confidence and long-term success, appreciating the concerted efforts of Hoosier educators, parents, and families who propelled the state toward this milestone, "Strong reading skills give children confidence and set them up for success in life," Mayfield said in a statement reminiscent of the broader importance of foundational education.
The marked progress in literacy follows legislative actions by the General Assembly, which in 2023 implemented science of reading standards designed to enhance reading competency through various instructional methods in 2023 and in the following year 2024 passed a law mandating screenings for students potentially lagging in reading proficiency and providing earlier intervention for those identified, the evident results of these efforts are observed in the improvements in third grade reading proficiency and are further reflected in Indiana's tangible strides as detailed by the lawmakers and results that are publicly accessible for individual schools and corporations on the Indiana Department of Education's website, as per the instructions within the news release.
