Several local schools were recognized on April 8 by the Indiana Department of Education for achieving high literacy rates, according to State Representative Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield).
The recognition was given to more than 400 schools statewide that achieved a passage rate of 95 percent or higher on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment. The Literacy Achievement Celebration took place at the Statehouse.
“Congratulations to the several schools in our district that earned recognition for literacy achievement,” Lawson said. “This reflects the dedication of teachers, students and parents working together to strengthen reading skills across our region and state.”
The local schools honored for their performance include Eastern Hancock Elementary School, Eden Elementary School, Harris Elementary School, New Palestine Elementary School, Pendleton Elementary School, Sugar Creek Elementary School, Weston Elementary School, and Zion Lutheran School.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve reading outcomes in Indiana. In 2023, House Enrolled Act 1558 was passed to implement science of reading standards and provide targeted support for students facing reading challenges. Last year’s third grade reading scores improved by nearly five percentage points—the largest single-year increase since IREAD began in 2013—bringing proficiency back to pre-pandemic levels with more than 87 percent of third graders demonstrating proficiency.
Indiana also placed sixth nationally in fourth and eighth grade reading scores according to the most recent National Assessment of Education Progress rankings. Results from the latest IREAD assessment are available on IDOE’s website.
