As Indiana’s Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner always says, our students first learn to read, then read to learn.
With that in mind, I’m thrilled to share some news about Indiana’s IREAD scores – Indiana’s third graders just achieved the largest increase in reading proficiency our state has seen since the launch of IREAD in 2013. Last week, the State Board of Education shared the 2024-2025 IREAD assessment scores, which show a nearly 5% increase in literacy rates for third graders across the state.
Additionally, 87.3% of third graders are now proficient in foundational reading skills, an increase of 6,000 more students than last year.
Recognizing the acute need for our students to improve their literacy skills, the General Assembly supported legislation to implement Science of Reading curriculum in our classrooms, increase financial investments in literacy initiatives and provide targeted support for students who are falling behind.
Though I’m pleased to have played a small part in the efforts to increase our literacy rates, we must thank and recognize our educators who are working with our students every day to help them improve. We could not have achieved this level of improvement without their focus, dedication and care for the students they instruct and mentor.
