Indiana's 3rd grade reading scores reach new high in latest IREAD assessment

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Indiana Department of Education has announced a significant improvement in third-grade literacy rates across the state, with the 2023-24 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment.

In a news release on Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Education said the results show the largest single-year increase since the test's inception in 2013.

The results reveal that 82.5% of Indiana's third grade students demonstrated proficient reading skills, marking a 0.6 percentage point rise from the previous school year.

"Ensuring Hoosier students are able to read is key to not only the future of Indiana, but to the individual success of every child," Gov. Eric Holcomb said in the news release.

Holcomb attributed the positive results to the historic literacy investments made over the past several years and praised the hard work of teachers, families and students across the state.

The education department said Indiana's literacy rates declined every year before the pandemic, with the exception of 2014-15. The literary crisis was exacerbated by the pandemic, leading the state to making "historic investments aimed at helping more students learn to read."

Since starting those initiatives, education leaders said literacy rates in the state have now increased for three consecutive years.

Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner highlighted the state's concerted efforts to support literacy, noting that the improvement in reading proficiency is a direct result of providing educators and families with the necessary tools and resources.

"Our collective hard work is paying off, yet there is still more to be done," Jenner said.

Key findings from the data include steady literacy rate improvements over the past three years, with notable gains among specific student populations. Black students, students in special education, and those receiving free or reduced-price meals all saw consecutive years of growth in reading proficiency.

However, literacy rates for Hispanic students and English learners declined slightly, indicating a need for additional targeted support.

The IDOE's report also highlighted the success of administering the IREAD assessment to second grade students.

In 2024, 59% of second graders who took the assessment were either proficient or on track to pass by the end of third grade. The early identification of students needing additional support has proven effective, with 56% of second graders who were identified as at-risk in 2023 passing the IREAD in 2024.

Indiana's literacy improvement initiatives include the Indiana Literacy Cadre, which provides early elementary teachers with instructional coaching aligned with the science of reading. Schools participating in this program saw a 2.5 percentage point increase in students passing IREAD, compared to a 0.2 percentage point increase in schools that did not participate.

These advancements are part of Indiana's broader strategy to bolster early literacy through substantial financial investments, including a partnership with Lilly Endowment, Inc. and funding support from the Indiana General Assembly. The state's commitment to literacy includes the development of new tools and resources, such as a data visualization tool, expanded tutoring services, and professional development for educators.

As Indiana continues to invest in literacy, the focus remains on sustaining and building upon this positive momentum to ensure all students achieve reading proficiency.

To look at the data, click here.

This story may be updated.

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