Literacy bill that would hold back thousands more third graders advances in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday that would hold back thousands more third graders who don’t pass the state’s literacy test, rejecting opponents’ arguments that it could burden schools and emotionally damage children.

The Indiana Department of Education says about 18% of third graders did not pass Indiana’s reading test last year. GOP lawmakers argue that schools exempt too many kids who fail it, allowing them to pass through to fourth grade.

If the proposal becomes law, second graders would be required to take the all-important reading test, which is currently optional for that grade, as an early indicator of their progress. If they pass, students would not have to take it again in the third grade.

If students again do not pass in the third grade, they can attend summer school and take the test one more time. If they choose not to or do not pass the test after three tries, they will be held back from the fourth grade.

<bsp-list-loadmore data-module="" class=«PageListStandardB» data-gtm-region=«READ MORE» data-gtm-topic=«No Value» data-show-loadmore=«true» data-gtm-modulestyle=«List B»> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> READ MORE </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Ban on gender-affirming care for minors allowed to take effect in Indiana </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Indiana justices, elections board kick GOP US Senate candidate off primary ballot </bsp-custom-headline> <bsp-custom-headline custom-headline=«div»> Baldwin, Penn State starters carry scoring load beating Indiana 83-74 </bsp-custom-headline> </bsp-list-loadmore>

About 7,000 more students would repeat third grade starting in the 2025-26 school year,