INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) – New numbers from the Indiana Department of Education show Hoosier third graders have achieved an “unprecedented” increase in literacy rates over the last year.
According to the latest IREAD assessment results, this year marks the state’s largest-ever single-year increase since the testing started in 2013.
Several school districts here in Michiana are among those who saw big gains in IREAD proficiency.
Elkhart Community Schools had 81% of its students pass the IREAD. That’s the biggest increase out of all Michiana school districts at +16% compared to last year.
The South Bend Community School Corporation is also increasing its numbers year-over-year, with 71% of students passing this year compared to 62% last year.
Meanwhile, the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation had the highest pass rate in our area with nearly 94% of students third graders passing.
Keep in mind, all second graders can now participate and going forward will have five opportunities to pass IREAD prior to fourth grade.
A new law requires third graders to pass or be held back. Third grade students who do not pass in the spring have two summer retest opportunities.
For a full look at the IREAD results, including a look at the results for each school district in the state, click here.
Copyright 2025 WNDU. All rights reserved.
