The preliminary 2015 results of the statewide reading assessment given to 3rd grade students each spring were released on May 8. The iREAD-3 (Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination) testing is administered to determine if students have mastered the needed skills to be successful in a 4th grade setting. Education standards for kindergarten through grade 3 are designed to teach children “how to read”. Beginning with grade 4, students must use their reading skills to “read to learn.”
Looking at the elementary school in the Plymouth School Corporation you find Jefferson Elementary with 50 of the 52 third graders for a 96.2% percentage. Webster School had 76 or its 82 third grade students pass iREAD for a 92.7%. 69 of the 76 Menominee third graders passed the state required test for a 90.8% passage and Washington Discovery Academy had the lowest passing percentage with 88.3%. 69 of the 76 third graders passed the reading test.
Triton Elementary third graders were the most proficient with 98.5% passing, 66 of the 67 third graders. Argos third graders were also ranked high on the list with a 95.7% passing, 44 of 46 students. With a 90% passing rate, 54 of 60 Culver third graders passed the test. Bremen third graders passed with a 91.8% or 1001 of the 110 students.
Other schools in the area were Knox Elementary with 106 of 135 students for 78.5%, LaVille Elementary with 68 of 76 students for 89.5%, Walkerton with 85.2% and Oregon Davis with 83.3%.
Those students who did not pass the assessment, along with any students who were absent the day of the spring testing, can use the summer dates designated as official re-takes. Passing scores achieved with the summer testing will be added to the individual school, school district and state totals.
For the most part, any students not passing will be retained in third grade. However, school districts can place non-passing students in fourth grade classes, but the state will still consider them as third graders and schools must continue to give instruction in Grade 3 reading.
Students who have previously been retained two times prior to promotion to fourth grade, have disabilities whose Case Conference has determined that promotion is appropriate; and English Learners, students whose individual Learning Plan (ILP) Committee has determined that promotions appropriate, can be given exemptions.
The results of the testing are reported to the parents/guardians of students on an individual basis.
Overall, 85,267 third grade students took the 2015 iREAD assessment with 71,816 passing or 84.2 percent.
Carol Anders Correspondent
