INDIANAPOLIS – State leaders recognized educators from 241 schools with scores of 95% or above on the 2023 administration of the IREAD assessment at a ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday.
“Mastering foundational literacy skills by the end of third grade is vital to achieving our goal that 95% of Hoosier students are reading proficiently by 2027,” said Gov. Eric Holcomb. “Across our state, educators, families and communities are linking arms to help more students read, and it is important that we celebrate this impactful work."
Local schools honored at the celebration included Nappanee Elementary School, North Webster Elementary School and Sacred Heart School.
“While we urgently work to overcome our reading crisis in Indiana, we also must take time to celebrate the schools that continue to improve outcomes for students. Throughout the year, there are opportunities to highlight schools with visits, individual teacher celebrations, and an annual red carpet gala for educators,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana secretary of education. “Today, for the first-time ever, we hosted a celebration for schools that are hitting our statewide reading goal. Today’s celebration included large and small schools, urban and rural, as well as schools that serve diverse student populations, both in terms of race and ethnicity and socioeconomic status, yet the one thing that they all have in common is that they are making it work for students!”
The event program also included remarks from Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston thanking and celebrating the educators in attendance.
“Indiana has a goal of 95% proficiency, and the schools honored today represent that goal and so much more,” said Bray. “These educators are an inspiration to every other school, demonstrating that achieving our state’s literacy goal is not only attainable but attainable year after year.”