Elkhart elementary coaches report iRead gains after statewide literacy-cadre rollout

Elkhart Community Schools officials told the board on March 25 that expanded coaching through the Indiana Literacy Cadre and targeted classroom coaching cycles produced measurable midyear gains and left the district optimistic about the upcoming state iRead summative test.

"We believe we had a 15% increase in our iRead scores this year," the district's elementary lead said during the meeting, noting that state reporting remains subject to the Department of Education's embargo and final calculations.

What the district described

District leaders described a statewide-supported literacy-cadre rollout that placed cadre coaches and principals in 10 elementary schools. The program emphasizes the science of reading and sustained coaching cycles: - Formal coaching cycles last about six weeks: pre-cycle goal setting and pretests, four to five weeks of co-planning and co-teaching, then a post-test and reflection. - Coaches aim to be in classrooms at least twice weekly and use student data to set learning targets and shape instruction. - Training is extensive and ongoing: coaches attend weekly and monthly meetings, twice-monthly statewide sessions, book studies and state-sponsored modules on the science of reading; coaches are supported by a state training specialist, Becky Richard, the district said.

Time spent and early results

One coach presented a combined district time dashboard showing substantial investment in the work: roughly 800 hours analyzing data, 800 hours of co-teaching, 250 hours co-planning, 122 hours setting goals and about 600 hours delivering or participating in professional development across the cadre group.

District staff also reviewed progress monitoring results from the MAP/DIBELS-like mCLASS and iRead practice assessments. Presenters said kindergarten through second-grade M-class progress data show strong within-year gains (for example, a kindergarten cohort moving from roughly 18% proficiency at the start of the year to more than 50% at midyear). Staff said approximately five elementary schools saw double-digit iRead gains and 13 perfect scores at school level on specific items.

Testing opportunities and next steps

Officials noted that the state piloted the new iLearn checkpoint model this year and that the district expects additional growth by the summative iRead window in May because schools can reteach and, in many cases, give students a second opportunity. The district plans targeted summer school for students still below the passing bar and additional practice assessments in the spring.

Why it matters

District leaders framed the literacy work as foundational: early reading success is a predictor of later academic outcomes and is a core part of the district’s strategy to preserve educational quality as funding tightens. The coach-led model emphasizes frequent, data-driven classroom support rather than occasional professional development alone.

Ending

Leaders asked the community to view the results as preliminary but promising and said coaching and progress monitoring will continue as the district prepares students for the spring iRead summative window.