INDIANA – Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner recognized educators from 283 schools where at least 95% of students demonstrated reading proficiency in 2024 at a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday.
During the state’s first literacy celebration last February, 241 schools were recognized for reaching the statewide literacy goal, as demonstrated during the 2023 administration of the IREAD assessment. Wednesday’s celebration marked an increase of more than 40 additional schools now meeting this critical goal.
“Our statewide goal of achieving 95% reading proficiency among Indiana students is ever closer because of the work these schools have done and continue to do every day,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Reading is foundational to all other educational and quality of life goals we set as a state. I want to commend the educators at each school honored today for their commitment to a brighter future for our students and the state of Indiana.”
Receiving recognition locally:
- Childs Elementary School in Bloomington
- Lighthouse Christian Academy in Bloomington
- Helmsburg Elementary in Brown County
- CSA Lincoln Campus in Columbus
- Shakamack Elementary School in Jasonville
- Ireland Elementary School in Jasper
- Medora STEM Academy in Medora
- McCormick’s Creek Elementary School in Spencer
- Veale Elementary School in Washington
- Washington Catholic Elementary School in Washington
- West Washington Elementary School in Washington
A list of schools honored at the celebration can be found here.
“When it comes to supporting every child to reach their full potential, one of the most important things we can do is teach them to read,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “The ability to read has an impact on students’ academic achievement, as well as their lifelong opportunities. While we must certainly continue to keep our foot on the gas pedal to ensure all students are reading by the end of third grade, today is about celebrating the impactful work of schools, educators, parents, families, and communities across Indiana working together for students. Congratulations to all the schools that hit our shared 95% goal, and let’s keep this positive momentum going for Indiana students!”
To support schools, educators, parents, and families in preparing students with foundational reading skills, Indiana continues to make historic investments in literacy, totaling over $170 million. Below are examples of how this investment continues to impact students positively –
- Launched a new data visualization tool that allows educators, parents and families, community leaders, and policymakers to view key literacy data.
- Increased school-level science of reading instructional coaching and support for educators through the Indiana Literacy Cadre. Today, nearly 500 schools participate in cohorts one, two, and three of the cadre.
- Provided over 180,000 hours of learning support and tutoring services to over 20,000 students through Indiana Learns, regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
- Procuring a preferred universal screener provider best supports elementary schools with students in greatest need. A complete list of approved universal screeners, including the preferred universal screener, will be available by February 2025.
- Grew the Indiana Learning Lab from 6,000 users in 2021 to over 70,000 users, including launching the Parent and Family Support Hub, which provides no-cost, 24/7 access to resources for parents and families to support their student’s learning.
- Developed online professional development modules supporting Indiana educators with additional science of reading training. Over 5,500 educators have completed the training.
- Expanded the number of schools opting in to administer the state’s IREAD assessment for second-grade students to 1,076 schools. This allows teachers, parents, and families to immediately know if a child is on track or at risk when mastering foundational literacy skills.
