State Policy Considerations for 3rd Grade Literacy. Prepared for the Indiana Department of Education. Brief

This brief arises from two distinct yet related activities currently underway within the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). First, IDOE is preparing to review the state early learning standards. The idea for this brief arose initially in that context as a means of considering how to intentionally design and use early learning standards to lead ultimately to student reading proficiency in 3rd grade. Second, IDOE has begun to develop a needs assessment process to inform development of a comprehensive approach to literacy. Against this backdrop, IDOE requested support from the Region 8 Comprehensive Center in identifying best practices from states that are successful in meeting expectations or mandates that students are proficient readers by 3rd grade. In responding to this question, this brief starts by looking at the current state of literacy and reading in Indiana. Next, it draws upon several recent nationwide efforts to identify state-level policies that support literacy, including some that are already in place in Indiana and others that IDOE may consider adopting or adapting. Finally, it highlights some promising localized programs that support early reading (i.e., prior to 3rd grade).