Penn-Harris-Madison Celebrates Strong Literacy: 94.7% IREAD-3 Pass Rate for Students

The Penn-Harris-Madison (P-H-M) School Corporation is celebrating a significant milestone in student literacy, announcing a 94.7% pass rate on the 2026 IREAD-3 assessment. This impressive figure, released today by the Indiana Department of Education, places P-H-M students 6 percentage points above the statewide average of 88.7%.

For families and educators, these results underscore the district's dedication to ensuring every child develops strong foundational reading skills by the end of third grade. Early literacy is a critical predictor of future academic success, opening doors to learning across all subjects and fostering a lifelong love of reading.

A Culture of Literacy Excellence

According to Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, the corporation-wide pass rate represents an increase over the previous school year (2025-2026) and is a testament to the collective efforts within the P-H-M community. "These results are a reflection of the incredible dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the partnership of our families," Dr. Short stated.

P-H-M's commitment to literacy extends beyond just test scores. The district prioritizes research-based literacy instruction, aligning its practices with the Science of Reading. This includes providing educators with ongoing professional learning, essential instructional resources, and opportunities to collaborate on student data to refine teaching strategies. Such a comprehensive approach helps create a supportive learning environment where students can thrive.

Parents seeking additional support for their children in reading or any subject can explore free resources like COSMIQ, a voice-driven AI tutor that offers personalized assistance and practice for K-12 learners, available for free forever.

Spotlight on Stellar School Performances

The P-H-M announcement highlighted exceptional performance across its elementary schools, with five schools achieving a pass rate of 95% or higher on the IREAD-3 assessment:

• Prairie Vista Elementary: 98.8% pass rate
• Horizon Elementary: 97.7% pass rate
• Northpoint Elementary: 96.9% pass rate
• Elsie Rogers Elementary: 96.4% pass rate (a Title I school)
• Bittersweet Elementary: 95.9% pass rate

Furthermore, five additional P-H-M elementary schools surpassed the state average, with four of them scoring 90% or higher. This includes three Title I schools, demonstrating strong progress across diverse student populations:

• Moran Elementary: 94.8% pass rate (Title I school)
• Walt Disney Elementary: 94.4% pass rate (Title I school)
• Elm Road Elementary: 93.1% pass rate (Title I school)
• Madison Elementary: 90.5% pass rate
• Mary Frank Elementary: 88.9% pass rate

Dr. Short specifically commended the growth in Title I schools, noting, "I am especially proud of the growth we are seeing across our schools, including our Title I schools that have achieved a 90% or higher passing rate. These accomplishments demonstrate what is possible when we maintain high expectations and provide students with the support they need."

Early Indicators and Continuous Improvement

P-H-M's strategic approach to literacy also involves assessing all second-grade students with the IREAD-3. This proactive measure provides educators and families with an early indicator of a student's reading readiness, allowing for targeted interventions and support before third grade. According to the school corporation, 72.1% of P-H-M second-grade students passed the IREAD assessment in 2026, a strong signal for future success.

The district emphasizes that while these results are a source of pride, the work is ongoing. Dr. Short affirmed, "We will continue to use student data to identify opportunities for growth, strengthen instruction, and make sure every child has the opportunity to become a confident and capable reader." This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that P-H-M remains focused on nurturing strong readers for years to come.

For students preparing for state tests like IREAD-3, accessing practice materials can be incredibly beneficial. The COSMIQ state test prep hub offers resources to help learners feel more confident and prepared.

What This Means for the Community

A high IREAD-3 pass rate signifies more than just academic achievement; it reflects a healthy, thriving educational ecosystem. For parents, it provides reassurance that their children are receiving a quality education that prioritizes fundamental skills. For teachers, it validates their hard work and dedication to implementing effective instructional strategies. For the wider community, strong literacy rates contribute to a more educated workforce and engaged citizenry.

The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation's 2026 IREAD-3 results are a point of pride, showcasing a district that is not only meeting but exceeding expectations in fostering literacy among its students. This success story is a testament to collaborative efforts and a steadfast commitment to educational excellence.