THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Oct. 8, 2025
Word Count: 299
Reading and math are the two foundational skills that everyone needs in order to be successful in education and life. Without a mastery of these core skills, it is incredibly challenging to acquire a good education.
Indiana has worked hard in recent years to improve reading instruction for elementary students. Today, Hoosier students have earned the 6th best average reading scores in the U.S. because of efforts like implementing the Science of Reading, curriculum in our classrooms.
With our success in reading education, it only makes sense to apply some of the same successful policies to math instruction.
That is why I supported House Enrolled Act 1634, which improves early identification of students struggling with math, requires schools to offer differentiated math instruction and improves math education preparation for teachers.
The law identifies students struggling with math by screening K-2 students to see if they are learning at grade level. It also requires schools to offer targeted math support to K-8 students who are below their grade level in math proficiency.
Starting this school year, students will also have more opportunities to expand their math skills. If a student passes the math portion of the ILEARN test with high proficiency and earns at least a "C" in their current math class, students will be enrolled in an advanced math course that better matches their abilities, unless opted out by a parent.
This new law, along with our efforts to improve our reading scores, will allow Indiana to continue to be one of the top states for education and ensure Hoosier students are receiving the best education possible.
Constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form on the IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Raatz website or by calling my office at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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