INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education released the 2023-2024 IREAD results Wednesday.
Statewide, the report says proficiency rates for students increased 0.6 percentage points. This is the largest single-year increase since the assessment was launched in 2013.
"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. "The historic literacy investments we have made over the past several years are beginning to show return on investment, which is a testament to the hard work of teachers, families and students in every corner of our state. Let's keep this positive momentum going.”
The results showed that more than 67,000, or roughly 83%, of third graders demonstrated "proficient reading skills" on the assessment across Indiana.
Literacy rates for Black students, students in special education and students receiving free/reduced price meals have increased for three consecutive years, officials said. However, Hispanic students and English learners both saw decreases in literacy rates (0.3 and 0.4 percentage points each) this year.
The report shows 277 Indiana elementary schools have an IREAD passage rate of 95% or higher. This is an increase of 35 schools from last year. IDOE officials noted 20% of participating Indiana elementary schools received a proficiency rate of 95% or higher.
“When it comes to supporting every child to reach their full potential, the single-most important thing we can do is help them learn to read,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Over the past three years, Indiana has made historic investments in ensuring educators and families have the tools and resources they need to best support our students, and today, we are seeing positive results from this all-hands-on-deck approach. Our collective hard work is paying off, yet there is still more to be done. Let’s continue to work together and continue this positive momentum for Indiana and most importantly, our students.”
You can look at the full report here.
