Oliver comments on literacy bill that would hold back more third graders

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.

About 7,000 more students would repeat third grade starting in the 2025-26 school year, according to an estimate attached to the bill.

Brad Oliver, the chair of the Department of Counseling and Graduate Education at Purdue Fort Wayne says he commends lawmakers for taking up this issue. He says too many kids in Indiana are not reading at the third-grade level. But also believes this bill would hurt young kids mental health if they are held back.

Hear more from Oliver by clicking on the links below:

WANE 15 | 5 p.m. newscast (part I)

WANE 15 | 6 p.m. newscast (part II)

Access extended coverage on this topic including statements from local school districts at wane.com.