Ft Wayne Times

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, U.S. Representative for Indiana's 3rd congressional district, has recently highlighted improvements in elementary literacy rates in his district through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). The posts emphasize the impact of Indiana’s universal school choice policies and the recent performance of students in reading assessments.

On August 14, 2025, Stutzman wrote, "Thanks to @GovBraun and Indiana’s universal school choice policies, parents had the power to choose what’s best for their kids — and it’s paying off. Elementary reading scores in District 3 have now SURPASSED pre-COVID levels! School choice works. Trust parents." This post attributes improved outcomes to Governor Braun and statewide education policies that give parents more options in selecting schools for their children.

A subsequent tweet posted seconds later included only a link: "https://t.co/8dUQyQlrJ6".

On August 16, 2025, Stutzman provided additional commentary on state-wide results: " Indiana’s 2024–25 IREAD scores scores show a record jump in 3rd grade literacy. Elementary literacy rates are back to pre-COVID levels! While many other states continue to fall behind, Indiana is leading the way — thanks to @GovBraun, educators, & Hoosier families. https://t.co/6V1ycYQS4E"

The IREAD assessment referenced by Stutzman is administered annually to third-grade students across Indiana as part of an effort to measure early reading proficiency—a key indicator for future academic success. Universal school choice policies allow families greater flexibility in selecting public or private educational options using state funds.

Indiana implemented these expanded school choice measures under Governor Braun with the aim of improving educational outcomes by increasing parental control over schooling decisions. Recent years have seen increased debate nationwide about the effectiveness of such programs; however, supporters point to data like the recent rise in IREAD scores as evidence of positive impact.