Several local schools were recognized on April 13 for achieving high literacy rates, according to Indiana State Representative Jim Pressel.
The recognition highlights the efforts of educators and parents in supporting student learning. Pressel said, “It is exciting to see so many schools in our community going above and beyond for their students. Thank you to the teachers who do the crucial work of educating our kids and the parents who support them.”
More than 400 schools across Indiana achieved a 95% or higher passage rate on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment, as acknowledged at the Literacy Achievement Celebration held at the Statehouse on April 8. Area schools honored include Willard Crichfield Elementary, Handley Elementary School, Kingsbury Elementary School, Kingsford Heights Elementary School, Oregon-Davis Elementary School, Rolling Prairie Elementary School, Saint John Lutheran School, and South Central Elementary School.
Pressel supported House Enrolled Act 1558 in 2023 to implement science of reading standards and provide targeted support for students facing reading challenges. Last year saw a nearly five percentage point increase in third grade reading scores—the largest single-year improvement since IREAD began in 2013—with more than 87% of third graders demonstrating proficiency.
Indiana’s recent results also reflect national progress; the state placed sixth nationally for fourth and eighth grade reading in the latest National Assessment of Education Progress rankings. Individual school results from the most recent IREAD are available through the Indiana Department of Education.
