Phonics Helped Indiana Kids Read Better Than Many Adults

The state of Indiana is experiencing a rise in literacy rates after investing significantly in phonics-based reading instruction. Recent data shows Indiana ranked sixth in the nation for reading scores in 2024, a notable achievement amid a nationwide decline in literacy.

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Approximately 130 million adults in the United States, nearly half the adult population, read below a sixth-grade level, according to data from the National Literacy Institute. This includes 21 percent of adults who are functionally illiterate, unable to read basic materials such as road signs and menus.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) stated that its strategic investments in literacy are yielding positive results. A key component of this success is the IREAD assessment, which evaluates second graders' foundational literacy skills, allowing educators to identify students who need additional support before they advance to third grade.

The IDOE also highlighted the Indiana Literacy cadre, a collaboration with the University of Indianapolis and Marian University, which provides early elementary teachers with coaching aligned with the science of reading. This approach emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Indiana's foundational literacy rates increased nearly five percentage points from the 2023-2024 to the 2024-2025 school year, following a $170 million investment in the science of reading in 2022 and 2023. This funding included $85 million from the Lilly Endowment and $86 million from the state legislature, aimed at addressing the impact of school lockdowns on student learning.

India Williams, a literacy cadre coach, summarized the approach: "We explicitly taught the research-based stuff, and cut the fluff."

The Shift in Reading Instruction

Indiana has banned the controversial three-cueing model, which encourages students to guess words based on context rather than decoding them phonetically. This method has faced criticism for its ineffectiveness, as it can leave students unprepared for more complex reading tasks.

A survey from Education Week indicated that in 2019, a significant majority of K-2 teachers employed three-cueing methods. However, the IDOE noted that this approach was prevalent in the state prior to the ban, particularly within balanced literacy frameworks.

The ongoing debate over reading instruction methods reflects the broader “reading wars.” Proponents of phonics-based education argue that reading is a skill that must be explicitly taught, while advocates of whole-language approaches believe it should be a natural process.

Lisa Wurtz, an educator who transitioned from guided reading methods to science of reading strategies, observed significant improvements in her students' reading proficiency after adopting Direct Instruction. This method emphasizes tailored instruction based on students' skill levels, allowing for mastery through repetition and memorization.

Wurtz noted that the Direct Instruction model effectively addresses disparities in educational outcomes, stating, "You give me just about any kid anywhere, and teach them using Direct Instruction, and they’re going to know how to read, and they’re going to read really well."

Challenges in Educational Practices

Despite the successes of phonics-based instruction, some educators continue to rely on outdated methods. Wurtz criticized the reliance on textbooks that have not been updated for decades, arguing that this perpetuates ineffective teaching practices.

She emphasized that a progressive educational model often assumes children come with inherent knowledge, which can hinder their learning. In contrast, Direct Instruction focuses on providing specific information that students need to learn and master reading skills.

Wurtz concluded that the priority should be on ensuring children learn to read effectively, regardless of the educational philosophies that may complicate the process. "I don’t think that’s fair, because I think these kids need to learn how to read, and that’s all I care about," she said.