MSD Steuben County staff reviews iRead test changes, results and supports for 2nd–3rd graders

MSD Steuben County staff member presented an overview of the state iRead assessment, recent law changes affecting current 2nd- and 3rd-graders, the district’s recent pass rates and the supports available to help students meet the test standard.

The presentation explained what iRead tests, the testing window and retest rules and listed supports for families and students. The staff member said the testing window “will open in early March” and noted the test is untimed and administered in three parts covering foundational skills, vocabulary and comprehension.

The discussion matters because state law now requires all current 2nd-graders to take the assessment and because results determine retest, summer-program and, for some 3rd-graders who do not meet exemptions, retention paths. The district also described targeted interventions and community resources intended to raise student proficiency.

MSD Steuben County staff reviewed district iRead performance and goals. The presenter said that 3rd-grade pass rates improved to 82.9% in 2024, exceeding the state average, and that the district seeks to reach the commonly cited benchmark that 95% of students can learn to read at basic proficiency. For 2nd graders, the presenter described earlier opt-in testing that began in 2022, noted an initial pass/on-track rate of about 34.7% at two pilot schools, and said participation expanded districtwide ahead of the current requirement.

The staff member outlined how scores are reported and what they mean for families: a 3rd-grade passing score was described as any score above 446; the presenter said 2nd-grade outcomes include “pass,” “on track” and “at risk,” and explained that on-track ranges were indicated as 405 or 440 to 445 in the slide material. The presenter emphasized that students who are “on track” in 2nd grade are likely to pass the 3rd-grade assessment.

Retest and promotion rules summarized during the briefing: 2nd graders will take iRead in March; if they do not pass, they will retest in May. The presenter said 2nd graders who still do not pass after the May retest will be required to attend summer school but will be promoted to 3rd grade because the law requires passing by the end of 3rd grade, not 2nd. For 3rd graders, the presenter said students who do not pass in March get a May retest; those who do not pass in May are required to attend summer school and may repeat 3rd grade unless they qualify for a “good cause” exemption. The presenter also noted that students will continue to take iRead until they pass or graduate from 6th grade, even if they have a good-cause exemption.

The staff member listed the good-cause exemptions read from the slide: students with an individualized education program (IEP); students with fewer than two years of English language support services; students who are proficient in 3rd-grade math; students who have already been retained twice in kindergarten through 2nd grade; and students who have been retained once in 3rd grade. The presenter said that if a student does not meet one of these exemptions and fails the assessment, the student will be required to repeat 3rd grade.

The district described existing and planned supports: ongoing professional development for teachers; targeted small-group instruction; intervention blocks with Title I, English learner and special-education staff; progress monitoring every two weeks; targeted iRead practice beginning in September; after-school tutoring starting in February; and in-person iRead readiness groups running Feb. 11–27, 3–4:30 p.m., with transportation provided if needed. The presenter said staff “will be meeting with families” after spring administrations to plan supports for students who do not pass.

The presentation pointed parents to state and national resources: the Indiana Learning Lab (parent and family support hub), the Florida Center for Reading Research, an Indiana tutoring sign-up program for students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch and scored below proficiency, decodable texts and practice activities available at the Ufly site referenced in the slides, the Imagination Library for ages 0–5 and a district-run “Raising Strong Readers” webinar series. The presenter said links and QR codes to all resources were included on the slides and in the recording.

The district emphasized home practices parents can use: 20 minutes of nightly reading, reading aloud, choosing books that match a child’s interests, asking comprehension-style questions (mirroring test question stems), regular attendance and communicating with teachers about specific skill needs.

The presentation concluded with a request that parents sign up for readiness groups and webinars via provided QR codes or links and with an invitation to contact the child’s school for questions or to arrange supports.