FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING

The Indiana Department of Education says too many third graders who fail a statewide reading test are advancing to fourth grade.

Data from the I-D-O-E shows that over the past few years, more than 96 percent of third graders who failed the I-READ-3 are promoted.

Some students who fail the test receive a “good cause exemption” if they have disabilities, are English language learners, or receive targeted reading interventions.

Data from the I-D-O-E shows the number of students who do not receive exemptions after failing the test has grown disproportionately compared to the number of students who do receive exemptions.

Secretary of Education Katie Jenner says the number of students who moved on to fourth grade after failing the I-READ-3, however, increased significantly according to Jenner…

The I-D-O-E is working on a new data visualization tool that shows student progress on key reading skills and officials say it will help educators and lawmakers track changes as the state works to boost reading scores.

It includes a map that shows I-READ-3 trends and tracks how many students progress to fourth grade after failing the test.

Jenner says the tool will soon be available to educators and parents.

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