Indiana’s Education Reforms Earn National Spotlight

Indiana’s strides in improving student literacy and academic transparency are receiving national recognition, thanks to a major education award presented this summer.

The Education Commission of the States has honored Indiana with the 2025 Frank Newman Award for State Innovation, acknowledging the significant progress the state has made in boosting literacy rates and increasing educational accountability through innovative tools like the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed (GPS) dashboard.

The commission specifically praised Indiana’s adoption of the Science of Reading curriculum—an evidence-based approach grounded in decades of research about how children learn to read. The curriculum was implemented statewide following a 2023 law designed to better equip educators and support students, particularly those who face challenges in early literacy development.

That effort appears to be paying off. According to recent data, Indiana rose to sixth in the nation for both fourth and eighth grade reading scores in 2024—up from 19th and 17th, respectively, just a few years earlier. This leap reflects the hard work of Indiana’s educators and the strategic investment in science-based reading instruction.

Another key initiative that contributed to Indiana receiving the Frank Newman Award is the creation of the GPS dashboard. Mandated by a 2021 law, the GPS dashboard provides a clear and accessible snapshot of school performance and student progress. Families and community members can now view metrics that matter—from academic growth to career readiness—enabling them to better understand how their local schools are serving students.

The combination of targeted reading reforms and an emphasis on transparent, measurable outcomes helped set Indiana apart from other states.

While the award marks a moment of pride for Indiana’s education system, state leaders say the work isn’t done. Continued improvement, innovation, and focus on student success remain the goals moving forward.

The Frank Newman Award serves as a milestone in Indiana’s broader mission: ensuring every student has the tools to succeed, and every family has access to the information they need to stay engaged in their child’s education.