(Statehouse) – You might remember hearing about Indiana jumping to #6 in the nation for reading proficiency according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress Rankings.
State Representative Michelle Davis of Whiteland, Vice Chair of the House Education Committee, says you can thank a lot of people for that.
“I’m proud of our school teachers and staff for their hard work in helping our students not only get back on track, but excel in reading. They, along with parents, have worked tirelessly to ensure students are receiving the necessary support to be successful in their education,” said Davis.
In 2023, House Republicans advanced legislation to implement science of reading standards that also provided targeted support for Hoosier students experiencing the greatest need.
Math scores also improved for Hoosier fourth graders on the recent assessment, putting Indiana 9th in this category.
During the 2025 legislative session, House Bill 1634 was written to improve math education for advanced learners, at-risk students, and educators alike. It unanimously passed the House and is now being considered by the Senate.
State Representative Jake Teshka of North Liberty, a member of the House Education Committee, says HB 1634 allows middle school students meeting certain criteria to be automatically enrolled in advanced math courses to better prepare them for higher-level math and STEM opportunities. Parents would also retain the ability to opt them out. The bill would also require state-approved numeracy screenings for students in kindergarten through second grade to identify learning gaps earlier and provide the support that’s necessary.
“We’ve seen impressive movement in Hoosiers’ reading skills thanks to the great work of our educators and focused attention on cultivating these skills. We want to make sure our teachers have the tools and support they need to achieve similar gains in math,” said Teshka.
Teshka says it’s necessary for people to have academic knowledge after graduation. He believes this legislation can go a long way in helping that cause.
This bill would also have the Indiana Department of Education review teacher preparation programs to ensure they are meeting rigorous standards. Anyone falling short would lose their accreditation after a referral process.
(Story by Network Indiana)
