6 Lafayette elementary schools receive state kudos for high literacy rates

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Six Lafayette elementary schools were recognized on Wednesday by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner for exceeding the state's 95% literacy goal.

Amelia Earhart Elementary, James Cole Elementary, Faith Christian School, Lafayette Christian School, Saint Mary Cathedral Elementary and Saint Lawrence Elementary were among the 283 schools across the state to have at least 95% of its students demonstrate reading proficiency through the state's IREAD assessment.

Ryan Habben, principal of Earhart Elementary, said he was present for Wednesday's ceremony alongside three of his schools' teachers: Ingrid Stovall, a third-grade teacher, Lauren Wallace, an emotional disabilities teacher, and Zach Thompson, a special education teacher.

Marking the second year in a row for Earhart Elementary to receive the honor, Habben said although the recognition for the school is nice, the kudos belong to the staff.

"I give full credit for this to my staff; the teachers' aides, the paraprofessionals, the student support specialists who pour into these students each day," Habben said. "They provide excellent instruction and good remediation for the students who need it, and we really work to target our individual students' needs."

Jenner said in a news release that while the state continues to keep its foot on the gas pedal to ensure all students are reading by the end of third grade, it's important to keep the positive momentum going.

"When it comes to supporting every child to reach their full potential, one of the most important things we can do is teach them to read,” Jenner said in the release. “The ability to read has an impact on students’ academic achievement, as well as their lifelong opportunities."

Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal and Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@gannett.com. Follow her on X @ellison_writes.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 6 Lafayette elementary schools receive state kudos for high literacy rates