STATEHOUSE (Feb. 29, 2024) — A Senate Republican priority bill that would improve reading skills for Hoosier children will now move to the governor's desk for his consideration.
Senate Enrolled Act 1, referred to as the 'Every Child Learns to Read' bill by author State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger), offers a comprehensive plan to help students achieve reading proficiency by addressing the issues of curriculum, assessment, remediation and retention.
"Indiana's IREAD assessment found about 1 in 5 students end third grade without basic reading skills each year," Rogers said. "Reading is one of the most important skills for children to learn. The 'Every Child Learns to Read' bill would ensure all students are prepared for a successful future by identifying those students who need additional help, and, as a last resort, retaining those who still need more preparation. This will give our young Hoosiers the best chance at tackling more challenging lessons."
SEA 1 would require schools to provide kindergarten through eighth grade reading instruction aligned with Science of Reading curriculum. Senate Republicans have previously championed several laws to ensure the Science of Reading is taught in every Indiana classroom, including the 2023 state budget, which provided $60 million in funding for reading initiatives.
SEA 1 would also require schools to give the IREAD test to students in second grade, allowing those who pass at this stage to be exempt from taking the test again in the future. With this change, students who do not pass must receive targeted support during third grade to help them improve their reading skills.
After a full year of remediation and three opportunities to take the IREAD test, SEA 1 would require some students to be retained if they do not pass the test by the end of third grade. Exceptions to this include students who have already been retained in third grade, special-education students when deemed appropriate, certain English language learners and students who pass the math portion of the statewide assessment and receive remedial reading instruction.
"I am proud to have authored a bill that so strongly encourages providing opportunities for all Hoosier children to learn to read, and I am grateful for the input from my fellow legislators in the House of Representatives that helped craft a bill that will give our children a greater chance at educational success in the future."
To track bills on the governor's desk, click here.
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State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger) represents Senate District 11,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Emma Balzer, Senior Press Secretary
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
