In a guest commentary for The Indianapolis Star, K12 Coalition CEO Jim Hall emphasizes the urgency of supporting Indiana’s third graders under the new IREAD retention law. With students now required to demonstrate reading proficiency or face retention, Hall argues that summer learning, Science of Reading training and targeted interventions — not just retention — are the proven keys to turning the tide on early literacy struggles.
He cites the success of the RISE Summer Learning Program, which helped participating students achieve 26 percentage point gains in ELA proficiency in just five weeks, thanks to high-quality instruction and well-prepared teachers. Hall makes a compelling case: these strategies should be embedded into year-round learning—not just summer—so all students have the chance to thrive before retention becomes a last resort.
Read the full letter on Indy Star.
