STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2026) – Local schools were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers).
"Indiana is seeing real gains in reading achievement which is making a difference in the lives of Hoosier kids," Huston said. "We're so proud of the accomplishments of our local schools and students. Thank you to our administrators, teachers, parents and families for prioritizing these skills and ensuring every student has the tools they need to thrive."
Speaker Huston joined IDOE to recognize more than 400 schools across the state for 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. Several area schools were among those recognized.
"It's exciting to see our students hitting new milestones in reading," Jeter said. "These schools are proof that focused effort and great teaching make a difference. Thank you to all the educators who are shaping our next generation of leaders."
Area schools recognized at the celebration include:
In 2023, the General Assembly passed legislation that established science of reading standards and delivered focused support to Indiana students facing the most significant reading difficulties. 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.
-30-
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents
House District 37, which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
To download high-resolution photos of Speaker Huston click here.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) (center) joins Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner (left) at the Literacy Achievement Celebration on Wednesday, April 8, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Huston congratulated the schools recognized from central Indiana and praised the hard work of the teachers, staff and students who make this achievement possible.
