Monroe County Community School Corporation third grade students still must take the IREAD-3 test this year.
The State Board of Education voted Wednesday to deny the corporation’s request for a waiver.
The IREAD-3 is the annual state-mandated standardized test for third graders that measures foundational reading.
In its waiver request, the corporation said COVID-19’s impact on in-person schooling had put students behind, and that not having to spend two weeks on the IREAD-3 would allow teachers and students to make up lost time and prepare for the federally mandated ILEARN.
MCCSC third graders have cumulatively missed 87 days of in-person learning since the beginning of the pandemic.
“Missing a whole semester of in-person learning is critical for any group of students, but especially early learners who are at a pivotal time for literacy development,” the request reads. “Additional support and targeted intervention can occur during the two-week IREAD window, and that will allow us to fill in any gaps that still exist and be better prepared as we head into ILEARN.”
The board voted 9-1 to deny the waiver request. State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick was the lone dissenting vote.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
