Indiana Legislature Passes Comprehensive Early Literacy Legislation  

“Today, the Indiana legislature showed a clear commitment to the academic success of its youngest students. By passing this comprehensive early literacy policy, lawmakers are ensuring every Hoosier student will enter fourth grade as a proficient reader and every Hoosier teacher will have the training and resources they need to properly support struggling readers—early and often.  

“Smart policies grounded in the science of reading, like those adopted by Indiana today, are crucial for ensuring all students become capable readers. Thanks to the unwavering dedication and collaboration of Gov. Eric Holcomb, Secretary Katie Jenner, Senate President Rod Bray, Sen. Linda Rogers, Sen. Jeff Raatz, Speaker Todd Huston, Rep. Jake Teshka and Rep. Bob Behning for bringing this strong early literacy policy home.” 

About the Legislation 

This year, legislators strengthened Indiana’s approach to early literacy by passing comprehensive legislation to identify and support struggling readers. The bill, SB1, provides for these essential actions:   

• Requires screening for students in 2nd grade; for those at risk of not being proficient by 3rd grade, a remediation plan must be developed and implemented. 
• Requires the Department of Education to have a minimum of two assessments that screen for reading deficiencies in students in grades K-2. 
• Requires parental notification of any student reading deficiencies and interventions. 
• Requires summer school intervention for students in grades 2-3 who are not proficient in reading. 
• Provides additional support for struggling readers by requiring retention of students in 3rd grade who are not proficient in reading at the end of the school year, with some exemptions. 

The legislation now heads to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk for signature.