Most third-graders pass first reading exam

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Results from the first state-administered third grade reading test are in, and the Indiana Department of Education says 84 percent of students passed the exam.

The purpose of IREAD-3 — or Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination for grade 3 — is to ensure students are capable readers by fourth grade. Students took the test March 19-21, but if they didn’t pass they’ll be tested again in June or July.

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Indianapolis Public Schools had schools fall on either end of the spectrum with test results. Merle Sidener Gifted Academy had 100 percent of students pass the exam, and nearly 95 percent of students at Ernie Pyle School 90 passed.

On the lower end, Joyce Kilmer School 69 had only 43 percent of third-graders pass. George H. Fisher School 93 and Clarence Farrington School 61 both had less than 50 percent of students pass.

Indiana DOE officials said whether students will be retained in the third grade as a result of not passing the exam will be up to the school district. Some students may be held back, but others may move on and simply get extra help with reading.