Several local schools received state recognition Wednesday for reaching at least 95% on this year’s third grade reading assessment.
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and Secretary of Education Katie Jenner honored 283 schools in a ceremony at the Statehouse. It marked an increase of 40 schools from a February literacy celebration.
“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 Holcomb in a release. “Reading is foundational to all other educational and quality of life goals we set as a state, and I want to commend the educators at each of the schools honored today for their commitment to a brighter future for our students and the state of Indiana.”
Jenner agreed reading is a foundational skill for student success.
“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 and families and communities across Indiana working together for students,” she said.
Officials cited a $170 million investment in literacy that includes a data visualization too, increased science of reading instruction coaching support for teachers, and support for tutoring services for 20,000 students.
The state is also giving the IREAD assessment to second graders to detect warning signs of skill weaknesses so they can be addressed.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
NWI schools honored*
Crown Point: Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower
Duneland: Jackson
East Porter: Kouts
Munster: Frank H. Hammond, Eads
Tri-Creek: Lake Prairie, Three Creeks
Union Twp.: John Simatovich
Valparaiso: Central, Flint Lake, Heavilin, Memorial, Jefferson
Private
Diocese of Gary: Notre Dame, St. Casimir, St. John Evangelist, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary (Crown Point), St. Mary (Griffith), St. Patrick, St. Michael, St. Stanislaus, St. Thomas More.
Lutheran: Immanuel Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran
Highland Christian
*Indiana Department of Education