Rep. Cook Responds to $111M Investment Supporting Early Literacy for Hoosier Students

State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) issued the following statement in response to the Indiana Department of Education and Lilly Endowment Inc. announcing up to a $111 million investment to support early literacy development across the state. Cook said this investment will go toward the state’s goal of having 95% of Indiana’s students achieve a passage rate on IREAD-3 by 2027. To view the full announcement, click here.

“I am sure the school corporations are excited, and I am especially pleased with this new investment, which will help with the goal to have 95% of Hoosier students achieve a passing score on the IREAD-3 by 2027. I think the guidelines established for the grant, which expect the use of proven strategies aligned with the Science of Reading, are definitely needed. The funding will support instructional coaches in schools, offer stipends to teachers to participate in workshops enhancing their teaching of reading based on successful science, and provide targeted support for students who need help improving their reading skills. I’m thankful to Gov. Holcomb, the Indiana Department of Education and the Lilly Endowment for providing these needed resources for launching an all-out attack on illiteracy.”

State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) represents House District 32, which includes all of Tipton County and portions of Hamilton, Madison, Delaware, Howard and Grant counties.