Indiana IREAD Law Sparks Parent Concern Over Rising Student Retention

The Impact of the New Indiana IREAD Law on Families and Schools

Parents are experiencing heightened stress, and children are returning home in tears. These emotions are increasingly common among families across Indiana this summer due to a new law that could significantly affect the academic journey of third graders. The legislation, which will hold back students who do not pass the state’s standardized early literacy test, or IREAD, by the end of third grade, has sparked widespread concern among parents and educators.

The law mandates that students who do not meet the required reading proficiency levels must either retake the test or qualify for one of several exemptions. Some parents were confused this summer as their second- or third-graders were informed they needed to attend summer school to improve their reading skills. Others believe that holding these students back may cause more harm than good.

One parent shared their concerns with IndyStar, explaining that their rising third grader is dealing with stress and anxiety over passing the test, especially given the child's severe dyslexia. The parent expressed frustration at the idea of telling an 8 or 9-year-old that they are not good at reading and then making them repeat the year, adding that it seems like the only advice offered is to "try harder at school."

Lawmakers, such as Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, argue that the law is necessary to ensure students are prepared for the next level of education. Bray emphasized that advancing students who are not ready can be detrimental, stating that "kids learn to read and then read to learn," and that ensuring readiness is critical for long-term success.

Educational experts often highlight third grade as a pivotal point in a student's life. If foundational reading skills are not mastered by this stage, it could lead to long-term academic challenges. Final scores for this year’s IREAD results won’t be released until August, but schools are already preparing for the potential need to adjust staffing and classroom sizes as more students are held back.

How Schools Are Reacting to the New Law

Indiana schools have historically had the authority to retain students who are not ready to advance, but recent trends show an increase in promotions despite poor performance. According to data from the Indiana Department of Education, the percentage of third graders promoted without passing IREAD rose from 4.7% in 2012 to 17% in 2023. This trend aligns with national data showing declining retention rates over the past two decades.

Under the new law, students can qualify for exemptions if they meet specific criteria, such as having an intellectual disability, receiving intensive reading intervention, or passing the math portion of the ILEARN exam. English language learners also receive temporary exemptions for the next two years under House Bill 1499.

Schools are adjusting to these changes, with some anticipating the need for additional class sections. For example, Wayne Township expects to require more third-grade class sections at two of its elementary schools. However, not all districts are facing the same challenges. Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) reported the lowest IREAD proficiency rates among Marion County districts in 2024, yet they are not concerned about overcrowding.

Some parents, however, feel misled by the emphasis on passing IREAD before being held back. One IPS parent described feeling anxious about the test and the pressure placed on her child. She noted that the school made it seem mandatory to pass in the second grade, even though the test included content beyond the grade level.

Summer School Expansion and Funding Challenges

Mandatory summer school for third graders who don’t pass IREAD was included in the legislation, along with multiple chances to pass the test before fourth grade. However, funding for summer school is decreasing, with the budget for 2025-27 allocated around $17.4 million, a reduction of approximately $918,000 annually.

Despite the funding challenges, initiatives like the Indy Summer Learning Labs are expanding access to free or low-cost summer learning. With over 140 sites across the state, these labs provide five weeks of instruction in math and English language arts, along with extracurricular activities.

Liberty Grove Schools, an IPS innovation charter school, is one of the lab sites. Founder Morrise Harbour wishes they could offer summer school to all 250 of their K-6 students, but limited resources mean only 75 can participate. Despite these constraints, the school has seen improvements in IREAD scores by implementing science of reading practices.

Improving Reading Proficiency and Parental Involvement

While the new law has caused concern, Indiana has seen growth in reading proficiency rates in recent years. Statewide IREAD proficiency rates have steadily increased since 2021, although they remain below pre-COVID levels. Fourth-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress also showed improvement, with Indiana ranking sixth in the nation.

Parents are also becoming more involved in supporting their children’s reading development. Elisah Smith, a parent in Warren Township, participated in the RISE Indy Freedom Readers program, which trains parents on science of reading practices. Her daughter was able to pass IREAD thanks to transparent communication from teachers, and Smith now plans to volunteer to help other young readers.

Smith encourages other parents to seek help and not hesitate to reach out. “Don’t be afraid, and don’t keep that a secret,” she said. “There are literacy programs out there, and we are not here to judge the parent. We are here to make sure that the student is successful.”