Indiana ranks sixth in nation for reading recovery, State Rep. Jordan reports

Indiana students are showing strong academic progress in literacy, with the state recently ranking sixth in the nation for reading recovery among fourth- and eighth-grade students, according to State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen).

The milestone is backed by National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data showing Indiana students performing above the national average in reading. The state also recorded an unprecedented third-grade reading milestone, with an over 87% passage rate on the IREAD assessment — the largest single-year increase in more than a decade.

Rep. Jordan credited recent legislative efforts for helping drive the gains. "In 2023, I supported legislation implementing Science of Reading standards, which focus on evidence-based instruction to improve students' reading competency and comprehension," he said. The following year, the General Assembly passed additional legislation to strengthen early literacy support through student screenings and earlier intervention for children identified as at risk of falling behind.

With summer underway, Jordan encouraged families to keep students reading during the break to help retain skills heading into the new school year. Free resources are available through Indiana public libraries, statewide summer learning programs, and digital platforms.

"Thank you to our educators, school leaders, and parents for their continued dedication to helping Indiana students succeed," Jordan said.