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Early ILEARN Results Show Expected Drop In Scores, Significant Declines In Math

By Jeanie Lindsay, IPB News | Published on in Education, Government
The Indiana Department of Education says 97 percent of students participated in the ILEARN this spring, after more than a year of pandemic-fueled disruptions to in-person learning. (Jeanie Lindsay/IPB News)
The Indiana Department of Education says 97 percent of students participated in the ILEARN this spring, after more than a year of pandemic-fueled disruptions to in-person learning. (Jeanie Lindsay/IPB News)

Early standardized testing results show a drop in student test scores – particularly in math – but the Indiana Department of Education is reassuring families and educators the decrease was expected.

Last year, assessments were canceled because of the pandemic, and disruptions continued into this school year, which prompted many officials to expect a decline in student scores.

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According to an update from IDOE, early results being shared with schools and parents confirm the expected decline. Results show a drop in English language arts and a more significant decline in math. The department says 97 percent of students participated.

But the department has also made clear scores won’t be used for school accountability this year – the state has been approved for a federal accountability waiver and state lawmakers approved a so-called “hold harmless” measure during this year’s legislative session.

ILEARN results go public July 1.

Contact reporter Jeanie at jlindsa@iu.edu or follow her on Twitter at @jeanjeanielindz.