Number of Indiana students unable to read doubled since 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Since 2012, the number of Indiana students who can't read at the end of third grade has more than doubled, according to literacy data released by the state.

According to a news release, 81.9% of third grade students in Indiana demonstrated proficient reading skills. That's a minimal 0.3% improvement from the 2021-22 school year. Overall, reading proficiency slightly improved for Black students, students in special education and English learners. Reading rates declined for Hispanic students.

Of about 14,000 students who did not pass the test, about 72% were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

On Tuesday, the Indiana Department of Education announced the release of a newly developed data visualization tool available for the state and school level, aimed to help empower educators, parents and families.

"The future of our state depends on our ability to equip our youngest Hoosiers with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful both in life and in their chosen career, and this starts with ensuring students can read," Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a news release. "That’s why in 2022, we established a statewide goal that 95% of third graders are reading proficiently by 2027. As we continue to make historic commitments towards this goal, we know that the investments we make in students today will have a positive impact on our state for generations to come."

Indiana's literacy rates have been declining for a decade.

"In the history of our state, we have never had this level of partnership and support for advancing literacy," Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, said in a news release. "This historic collaboration implores us all to seize the moment and determine key solutions in order to urgently move the needle for students."

People can view the percentage of students able to read by the end of the third grade, number of students not able to read by the end of the third grade and the number of students who are proficient in math, among other benchmarks with this new tool. To view the visualization tool, click here.

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