2024 Indiana students see small gains in reading, math scores decline

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The results of the 2024 ILEARN assessments, revealed on Wednesday, displayed slight variations compared to last year’s outcomes.

The statewide evaluation scores for Indiana students in grades 3 to 8 exhibit a change of less than half a percentage point in the proportion of students proficient or higher in English language arts, math, and the combined subjects.

There was a marginal improvement in scores for the combined subjects and English, while a slight decline was observed in math proficiency.

In 2024, 30.8% of students in third through eighth grades statewide demonstrated proficiency or better in both English and math on the state assessment. This marks a 0.2 percentage point increase from 2023’s 30.6%.

Regarding specific subjects, 41% of students showed proficiency or better in English language arts, while 40.7% achieved the same in math. This indicates a minor uptick in English from 40.7% in 2023 and a slight decrease in math from 40.9% last year.

Despite the slight deviation from 2023, the scores have shown an upward trend since 2021, considered the baseline year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the English and math scores are up by 0.5 and 3.8 percentage points respectively compared to 2021. The overall proficiency rate has increased by 2.2 percentage points from 28.6% in 2021.

However, the current results remain below the levels seen before the pandemic. In 2019, the inaugural year of the ILEARN assessment, approximately 37% of students achieved proficiency or higher in both English and math, while around 48% scored proficient in at least one of the sections.

Further modifications are on the horizon for the ILEARN in the upcoming 2024-25 academic year. Over 70% of schools have chosen to participate in a trial program, where ILEARN will consist of three assessments throughout the year and a condensed final evaluation at year-end, as per the Indiana Department of Education.

This adjustment endeavors to provide additional student learning data throughout the academic year, enabling students, families, and educators to utilize the information promptly instead of waiting until the year concludes, according to IDOE. The complete transition will be implemented in the 2025-26 school year.

Explore the ILEARN performance of students at your institution using the table below:

Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

MJ Slaby is the head of Indiana’s coverage as bureau chief. She is also responsible for reporting on access to higher education and Warren Township Schools. Connect with MJ at .