STATEHOUSE (May 23, 2023) – Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) to boost student reading and test scores.
With test scores showing that 1 in 5 Hoosier children in third grade are not reading proficiently, Teshka authored House Enrolled Act 1558 to implement science of reading standards and provide targeted support for Indiana students experiencing the greatest reading challenges.
"Reading is such a critical skill for all Hoosier students," Teshka said. "Instruction based on the science of reading could raise our children's reading scores and help them in other subjects. I'm thrilled to get this bill over the finish line and I look forward to seeing the results."
Teshka said literacy standards will be expanded to include the science of reading, defined as instruction aligned with reliable, trustworthy and valid evidence that has demonstrated a record of success in adequately increasing students' reading competency in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, oral language skills and reading comprehension. The Science of Reading Grant Fund will be established to place literacy instructional coaches in elementary schools to help teachers.
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, the Indiana State Board of Education and the Indiana Department of Education will adopt academic standards in K-12 schools for reading that are based on the science of reading. IDOE will develop guidelines requiring accredited teacher preparation programs to use curriculum or content that instructs teacher candidates on the science of reading.
The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Indiana State Teachers Association and the Indiana School Boards Association testified in support of this bill.
For more information on House Enrolled Act 1558, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Eric Holcomb (seated, center) ceremonially signs into law legislation authored by State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) (seated, right) implementing science of reading instruction for schools and to boost student reading proficiency on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Indiana Statehouse. Teshka authored the new law after test scores show that 1 in 5 Hoosier children in third grade are not reading proficiently.
