By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
When children learn to read, they are preparing themselves for their futures, both in their education and their adult lives.
That's why the Indiana General Assembly has been working so hard to find ways to help improve literacy rates among Hoosier students.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of teachers and educators across Indiana, Hoosier third graders showed a nearly 5% increase in literacy rates in the 2024-2025 IREAD assessment scores.
In recent years, the General Assembly has passed legislation to implement Science of Reading curriculum, increase financial investments in literacy initiatives and offer targeted support for children falling behind.
Thanks in part to these efforts, more than 87% of third graders in Indiana are now proficient in reading skills, an increase of 6,000 students compared to last year.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development, I will continue to work with teachers, parents and my colleagues to find ways to help Hoosier students improve their reading skills even more, and I look forward to seeing the literacy rates throughout the state continue to increase in the years ahead.
A proper education is a cornerstone to a bright future, and I am glad to see so many children getting the skills they need in Indiana's schools.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
