STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2026) – Jay County Christian Academy and Randolph Southern Elementary School were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
IDOE recognized more than 400 schools across the state achieving a 95% or higher passage rate on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment at the Literacy Achievement Celebration at the Statehouse on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
"Randolph Southern Elementary School and Jay County Christian Academy earned this recognition through their consistent dedication and hard work," Prescott said. "I appreciate the educators, students and families whose efforts made this achievement possible and who continue to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
In 2023, Prescott supported House Enrolled Act 1558 to implement science of reading standards and provide targeted support for Indiana students experiencing the greatest reading challenges.
Last year, Indiana's third grade reading scores improved by nearly five percentage points, which is the largest single-year increase since the state launched IREAD in 2013. More than 87% of Hoosier third graders demonstrated proficiency in reading, putting Indiana's literacy rate at this grade level back to pre-pandemic levels.
These IREAD results follow Indiana placing sixth in the country for fourth and eighth grade reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) rankings.
Results from the 2025 IREAD for individual schools and corporations are available on IDOE's website. Click here to learn more about the state's literacy standards.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
