IREAD

Indiana lawmakers and leaders are attempting to address the decade-long decline in literacy and reading skills among the state’s young students.

In a press conference Tuesday, Indiana Chamber of Commerce leaders joined a chorus of voices asking lawmakers to address the state’s “leaking talent pipeline” in the 2023 session.

Nearly 82 percent of Indiana’s third graders passed the required reading exam in 2022 -- a tiny improvement for students but below the rate before the pandemic.

Indiana education officials are moving forward with a plan to let schools administer the IREAD-3 test this fall. The State Board of Education approved a…