Sen. Deery Shares Update

It’s often said that students first learn to read, and then read to learn. Because that transition typically occurs around third grade, our state has tested third graders since 2013 for reading proficiency to identify those at risk of falling behind.

With that in mind, I’m thrilled to share that Indiana’s third graders just achieved the largest increase in reading proficiency our state has ever seen.

The 2024-2025 IREAD assessment scores show a nearly 5% increase in literacy rates for third graders across the state. Additionally, 87.3% of third graders are now proficient in foundational reading skills, an increase of 6,000 more students than last year.

This is a big deal and worthy of celebration. Please join me in congratulating Indiana’s teachers, parents, students, administrators and state leaders like Indiana’s Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner for making this happen.

As your State Senator, I have supported these efforts through several bills I was proud to back including legislation to implement Science of Reading curriculum in our classrooms, increase financial investments in literacy initiatives and provide targeted support for students who are falling behind.

But the real celebration should be for our educators who work with our students every day to help them grow. We could not have achieved this level of improvement without their focus, dedication and care for the students they instruct and mentor.

Now, we must not let up until every child is proficient.