Indiana's third graders have shown a remarkable improvement in literacy, according to recently released data from the 2024-2025 IREAD assessment. State Representatives Jack Jordan and Jake Teshka are celebrating this significant uptick, which saw third grade reading scores surge by nearly five percentage points. This is considered to be the most substantial single-year growth since the inception of the IREAD program back in 2013. More than 87% of the states' third graders now demonstrate reading proficiency, a return to the literacy rates observed before the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Acknowledging the hard work that brought about these results, Rep. Jordan said, "Hoosier students have really turned around our literacy rates through hard work and determination." He highlighted a "total team effort" involving parents and teachers, and expressed enthusiasm about helping students gear up for success in future endeavors. In a statement reported by the Indiana House Republicans website, Teshka, who sits on the House Education Committee, also noted improvements across all student populations.
These impressive literacy rates follow on the heels of Indiana securing the sixth position on a national scale for fourth and eighth grade reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) rankings. The state's commitment to elevating literacy is reflected in recent legislations tailored to boost reading skills among young Hoosiers. One such law, inked in 2023 and crafted by Teshka, introduced science of reading standards—an evidence-based instructional approach designed to develop reading competency through multiple facets, including phonemic awareness and comprehension.
Continuing the legislative drive to bolster literacy, a subsequent law sponsored by Teshka in 2024 provided for screenings to identify students at risk of slipping behind in reading proficiency and implemented early interventions. Rep. Teshka told the Indiana House Republicans, "This unprecedented increase is exciting news for our students and state." He extended his gratitude to the teachers, school staff, and parents for investing the time to support the children in improving their literacy skills.
The individual schools and corporation-level results from the 2025 IREAD assessment are available for review on the Indiana Department of Education's website. Those interested in learning more about the state's literacy standards and the measures undertaken to enhance them can find additional information through provided resources.
