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Indiana its latest third grade reading scores earlier this month, and the results are nothing short of stunning.

The state’s third graders saw a nearly 5 percentage point jump in just one year, with 87.3% of students now reading proficiently. It’s the largest single‑year gain since the test launched, returning the state to pre-pandemic levels. 

To put those outcomes in context nationally, a 1 to 2 percentage point increase in any state would be considered strong. Indiana’s improvement is proof that well constructed policy combined with bold leadership nets tangible outcomes for students.

Two years ago, Indiana leaders recognized that too many children were falling behind. Instead of implementing modest reforms, they responded with urgency. Former Gov. Eric Holcomb, current Gov. Mike Braun, Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, legislative leaders and education stakeholders across the state partnered to design a strategy rooted in research and shared learning. 

They leaned on a time‑tested pioneered in Florida and adapted successfully in Mississippi that’s built on high expectations, professional learning for educators, early detection, targeted support and instruction aligned with the science of reading.

In Florida, the introduction of comprehensive literacy reform in 2002 marked a turning point. Over the following decade, the state saw NAEP fourth grade reading scores gain the equivalent of .

²Ñ¾±²õ²õ¾±²õ²õ¾±±è±è¾±â€™s , which was inspired by Florida’s success, integrated educator professional learning, added literacy coaches in the state’s lowest-performing schools to help transfer knowledge into practice and required early screening to catch students who struggled with reading. The state’s third-grade ensured students did not advance if they were not reading on grade level. Other included summer reading camps, monitoring student progress at least three times per year to catch students before they fell behind and allowing some students to advance to the next grade for on a case-by-case basis. These reforms helped elevate Mississippi from 49th in the nation in 2013 to .

Indiana’s version of the strategy is comprehensive and smart. It includes teacher training in how children learn to decode, build vocabulary and understand texts; tools for early identification of reading challenges; and clear expectations that no child will move forward without mastering critical reading skills. Strong curriculum, ongoing coaching and supports are all part of the mix — backed by a historic from the Lilly Endowment and the Indiana General Assembly.

But great plans succeed only in the hands of dedicated educators. Indiana’s teachers, coaches, principals and support staff have embraced this work with determination and care. Across classrooms, they’re putting the science of reading into daily practice. Families and caregivers are reinforcing literacy at home and contributing to a culture where reading is both essential and enjoyable.

The payoff is clear. Schools in Indiana’s , which develops and implements collaborative professional development for K-3 educators, saw an increase of in students passing the statewide reading exam. Progress at this scale in one year is rare and meaningful.

Indiana’s achievement is both uplifting and instructive. It demonstrates what happens when clear goals, proven methods and sustained support come together behind student success. It’s a reminder that literacy policies built on evidence and collaboration can shift trajectories quickly.

This is just the beginning — for Indiana and for other states aggressively tackling the literacy crisis. 

Reading successfully by third grade is foundational, but far from the finish line. Policymakers must maintain their focus on early literacy while expanding their approach to include adolescent literacy, ensuring students continue building reading strength through middle and high school so they can engage with complex materials, think critically and express themselves with clarity. Those skills are indispensable for success in the workforce, the military and higher education.

Indiana has set a goal that by 2027, 95% of third graders will be reading proficiently, and the state has charted a clear path, proving what’s possible when policymakers enact evidence-based strategies to support students. 

Success is never final. It’s a guiding principle. The work in Indiana and across the nation must continue until every child and young adult can read, thrive and embrace their future with confidence.

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