Dear Friends of TLA,

 

Due to your support and our strong school district leadership, we have some exciting news to share with you. Despite higher than average poverty rates and the challenges incurred due to COVID, Indian River County has improved its ranking in 3rd grade reading achievement. We are now 16th out of 67 school districts in the state of Florida — up from 28th the prior year!

 

While most districts across the state saw declines in their 3rd grade reading scores since 2019, Indian River was one of only a dozen districts statewide whose third grade reading scores did not decline, as we maintained 60% of our students reading at grade level.

 

As noted in a recent TC Palm article, in comparison to the state average, which dropped four percentage points to 54% of students reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, and our neighboring counties Martin and St. Lucie, who dropped 2% and 3%, respectively, Indian River is a true example of what happens when a community unites to support its youngest citizens.

 

We have a lot to celebrate after hearing this news. In our latest MCAN meeting, District Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Rick Myhre said, “Thanks to community support and SDIRC investments in K-3, we have maintained 60%, but my vision remains to move us toward 90%. Next year, my goal is to make the top 10 and reach 65% proficiency.” 

 

Although we faced an unprecedented school year due to the pandemic, it is apparent that because of the hard work and dedication from the educators in the district, coupled with the additional resources provided by The Learning Alliance, Indian River County continues to be a bright spot shining in the state of Florida. 

 

Thanks to your support, we are more confident than ever that our mission of having 90% of students reading on grade level by the end of third grade is possible!

 

To see the full article in TC Palm, Click Here.