Pictured (from left) are Kiera Smythe, Devin Boggs, Chesnee Miller, Kaylynn Miller, Eli Love and Emily Holstein all received a perfect score on the IREAD-3 Not pictured is Austin Hann.
(Photo provided)

Yesterday evening during the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation monthly board meeting members of the community and school officials heard a presentation on IREAD-3 results for the corporation.

The test, which is administered to all third grade students in the state, is a very high stakes test according to Chrissy Mills, Akron Elementary principal, who presented information to the board. The test, which reflects competency of third grade students, also determines whether a student is ready to move on to the fourth grade. With the potential of having students held back, Mills explained teachers and parents alike take the test very seriously.

Mills stated Tippecanoe Valley has seen much success with the test, even before exemptions are accounted for. At Akron Elementary, at total of 45 students of 53 total passed the test on their first attempt — equal to 85 percent of students.

Students at Mentone Elementary performed similar on the test. A total of 61 of 71 students passed the test on the first try — equal to 86 percent. The corporation’s passing percentage prior to exemptions was equal to 85 percent of all third grade students.

Exemptions based on students who do not speak english as their primary language and those who are designated as special needs students were then taken into account making Akron’s passing percentage 98 percent and Mentone’s passing percentage 90 percent. The total passing percentage of students taking the test on the first attempt was 94 percent.

At Akron Elementary, four students had a perfect score on the test. Mentone Elementary reported three students with a perfect score.

Mills explained that students who did not pass the first attempt will be given a second try to bring scores up to snuff. Students who did not pass the IREAD will be entered into “intense intervention,” which began immediately after results were received. Students will meet with an “interventionist” four to five days a week for 30 minute intervals to work on skills related to the IREAD.

Students are also required to enter into summer school in June where they will prepare for the IREAD’s second test. Mills noted the test has not changed over the years and focuses on vocabulary, nonfiction/information text and literary text.

The second test will occur on June 23, with a practice test held on June 22. Mills noted over the past four years the corporation has seen nearly perfect pass rates after the second exam. In 2012 and 2014 a total of 99 percent of students passed, with one student not passing. In 2013, 100 percent of students passed the exam.