Indiana third grade studying scores for 2022 keep flat

Just below 82% of Indiana’s third graders handed the statewide studying evaluation in 2022, an enchancment of lower than half a proportion level over final yr, in line with knowledge launched Wednesday by the Indiana Division of Training.

Disaggregated by ethnicity and socioeconomic and particular training standing, most scholar teams confirmed incremental enchancment on the Indiana Studying Analysis and Willpower check — referred to as IREAD — although none have recovered to their pre-pandemic proficiency charges.

Nonetheless, the share of English language learner college students who handed the check declined by 8.5 proportion factors from final yr, placing their proficiency beneath their stage from the 2017-18 faculty yr. 

The state had raised issues about English learners final month, when it launched a examine displaying the group was performing beneath its friends.

This yr’s IREAD outcomes additionally present English learner college students performing 20 proportion factors beneath their non-English learner friends — a spot that has doubled since final yr.  

Third grade studying scores are sometimes used as an early indicator of future tutorial success, together with commencement.

Proficiency charges additionally remained unequal for different scholar teams, regardless of features amongst college students of colour. 

American Indian college students had the best enchancment in scores, transferring up 6 proportion factors to an 81.5% proficiency charge this yr. 

Black college students’ proficiency charges elevated 2 proportion factors to 64%, whereas Asian and Hispanic college students’ charges every elevated 1 proportion level to round 85% and 70% proficient, respectively. 

White college students’ proficiency charges, in the meantime, remained flat at 87.5%.

The proficiency charge for college kids with disabilities elevated just below half a proportion level, however at 53%, it was 35 proportion factors beneath the speed for college kids with out disabilities. 

Indianapolis Public Faculties posted a 63% proficiency charge this yr — a rise of round 3 proportion factors over final yr, however beneath its pre-pandemic proficiency charge of 71%.

For the primary time, some second graders additionally took the studying check this yr, and 44% handed. Those that handed gained’t should take the IREAD once more as third graders. 

Aleksandra Appleton covers Indiana training coverage and writes about Okay-12 colleges throughout the state. Contact her at aappleton@chalkbeat.org.