(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana ranked sixth in the nation for reading recovery between 2022 and 2025, according to a new report from the Education Scorecard, a research project led by Harvard and Stanford universities.
Researchers found Indiana students made some of the strongest gains in reading among 35 states studied as schools continue recovering from pandemic-era learning losses.
The report measured academic performance for students in grades 3 through 8 using state and national assessment data. Indiana's average student performed 0.09 grade equivalents above 2022 reading levels, although students remained 0.31 grade equivalents behind 2019 levels.
Researchers pointed to Indiana's "science of reading" reforms as a possible factor in the state's literacy gains. Lawmakers adopted the reforms in 2023, requiring schools to emphasize phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension in early reading instruction.
Additional changes approved in 2024 moved the statewide IREAD assessment to second grade, allowing schools to identify struggling readers earlier and provide additional support.
While reading performance improved, Indiana's math recovery lagged behind. The state ranked 29th among 38 states measured for math gains. Researchers found the average Indiana student performed 0.04 grade equivalents above 2022 levels but remained about half a grade level below 2019 performance.
Education experts cited several possible factors behind the slower math recovery, including teacher shortages, changing academic standards and a greater statewide emphasis on literacy initiatives in recent years.
The report also highlighted several Indiana school districts that outperformed similar districts in student achievement. East Noble, Middlebury, Duneland, Frankfort, East Chicago and MSD of Southwest Allen County were recognized for strong performance in both reading and math.
Other districts singled out for strong reading achievement included Fort Wayne, Hamilton Southeastern, Mooresville Consolidated, Munster, Wawasee and Noblesville.
Researchers noted that student achievement declines began nationally before the COVID-19 pandemic, with reading and math performance trending downward for years before school disruptions accelerated those losses. You can read the latest and most completed report from Education Scorecard here.