Madison Students Make Significant Gains on 2026 IREAD

Madison Elementary students demonstrated significant growth in reading proficiency on the 2026 IREAD assessment, achieving a 90.5% passing rate.

The school’s pass rate increased 6.3 percentage points in just one year, climbing from 84.2% in 2025 to 90.5% in 2026.

With that growth, Madison surpassed the 90% mark and performed 1.8 percentage points above Indiana’s statewide passing rate of 88.7%.

Across Penn-Harris-Madison, 94.7% of students passed IREAD in 2026, 6 percentage points higher than the state average. Five P-H-M schools achieved pass rates of 95% or higher, while 10 of the district’s 11 elementary schools performed above the state average.

“These results are a reflection of the incredible dedication of our teachers, the hard work of our students, and the partnership of our families,” said Superintendent Dr. Heather Short. “These accomplishments demonstrate what is possible when we maintain high expectations and provide students with the support they need.”

P-H-M continues to prioritize research-based literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, providing educators with professional learning, instructional resources, and opportunities to collaborate around student data and effective instructional practices.

All P-H-M second grade students also participate in IREAD as an early indicator of reading proficiency. In 2026, 72.1% of P-H-M second graders passed IREAD a year early.

Madison’s significant year-over-year growth reflects P-H-M’s ongoing commitment to building on a culture of academic excellence, using student data to strengthen instruction and ensuring every child has the opportunity to become a confident and capable reader.

By the Numbers

• 90.5% — Madison 2026 IREAD pass rate
• +6.3 percentage points — Increase from 2025
• 1.8 percentage points — Madison performance above the state average
• 94.7% — P-H-M corporation-wide pass rate
• 88.7% — Indiana statewide pass rate
• 72.1% — P-H-M second graders passing IREAD