LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Indiana’s third graders are making progress in reading, with nearly nine in ten now meeting proficiency standards.
New Indiana Department of Education data shows 88.7% of third graders are reading proficiently, marking the fifth straight year of improvement. The rate is up 7.5 percentage points from 2021, according to FOX59.
State officials said the improvement come as schools put more resources toward students who need extra help early. That includes second graders needing extra support and a growing number of schools taking part in the Indiana Literacy Cadre, a coaching program that helps teachers strengthen reading instruction.
The program has grew quickly. About 770 elementary schools are expected to participate this school year, compared with roughly 40 schools in 2022.
The numbers tell a different story for older students.
New ILEARN results show only 42% of Indiana students in third through eighth grade are proficient in English/language arts. Math proficiency is only slightly higher at 43%.
State officials said getting students on track early matters because reading problems can follow them into other subjects.
The numbers also raise concerns about students' preparation for college. Among Indiana high school juniors, 52% met SAT benchmarks in reading and writing, but only 29% met the math benchmark.
Indiana education officials said they plan to keep working with lawmakers and private partners on ways to improve student performance, particularly in math.
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