The Indiana Department of Education says third grade literacy rates are climbing at a record pace. New statewide test results show reading proficiency jumped nearly five percentage points from last year — the biggest single-year increase since the IREAD test began in 2013. A news released that came out Tuesday says that means more than 87 percent of Indiana third graders are now reading at grade level.
Governor Mike Braun calls it proof that the state’s focus on early literacy is paying off, while Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner credits teachers, parents, and communities for the progress.
Officials say targeted programs like the Indiana Literacy Cadre and early second grade screenings are helping identify struggling readers sooner, giving them the support they need.
The state’s goal is for 95 percent of third graders to be proficient by 2027.
