Dear Indy,
A lot of kids are struggling to read.
It’s been a problem for years but it grew worse after schools were forced to switch to remote learning for part of 2020. Nearly one in five Indiana students failed the state’s third grade reading test in each of the last three years.
The scope of the problem has attracted the attention of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration and state lawmakers. Now Marion County educators are preparing for the likely rollout of Senate Bill 1, which would require districts to hold back more students who fail the exam.
We at Mirror Indy partnered with Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI to learn how Marion County school administrators and teachers were preparing for the probable changes.
One worry that’s emerged? A new “bubble” in the third grade.
“Then we’re going to see that bubble go into our middle schools and into our high schools,” Wayne Township Superintendent Jeff Butts said.
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In other news
- A new play from React theater group is giving voice to young people who are increasingly saying they feel some level of “eco-anxiety.” In the play, titled “Dreamland,” 13-year-old lead actress Rain Briscoe performs the role of a character who struggles with mental health and anxiety because of the climate crisis. But working on the play also has helped Briscoe take steps to make changes in her own life. Read more here.
- Looking for free or low-cost learning opportunities for your kids this summer? Enrollment is now open for Indy Summer Learning Labs, a five-week program for Marion County students entering first through ninth grades this fall. Learn more here.
- Postal Recording, a recording studio on the near west side, is about to celebrate its 10th year in business. An April 13 anniversary party will include a performance from the first artist recorded in the studio: Eric Alexander, who will perform as Sir Deja Doog. Read more here.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, April 4: Indy Pride hosts Back in the Haus: Indy Pride Benefit Show at Gregs Our Place, 233 E. 16th St., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Special guests Jack Offerman, Universe DeLa Crusis, Santana B. Stihl and Vera Vanderwaude St. Clair will perform along with the 2023 Indy Pride Court. The suggested donation is $5 at the door.
- Friday, April 5: A few of local poet Dan Grossman’s poems will be presented in a short film by local filmmaker Ken Avidor at 6p.m. at the Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside Ave. These works are included in Grossman’s upcoming poetry collection, “A Thing for Border Towns,” which was inspired by his travels along the U.S.-Mexico border. Free.
- Friday, April 5: Five Hoosier artists will share their artwork depicting Indiana waterways in a First Friday exhibit at 6 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave. This is the last chance to see the exhibit which is ending its tour through the state. Free.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- WFYI: Indianapolis educators are using the upcoming solar eclipse to teach and inspire their students. At Winchester Village Elementary School, the lesson includes the sun, an inflatable globe and a ball of play dough on a stick (which, of course, is the moon!).
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: In a new Q&A, the six Republican candidates for governor outlined their visions for how to handle tax issues, such as the growth in property taxes.
- The Washington Post: Indiana Republican lawmakers’ successful moves to roll back child labor laws this year was part of a wider effort across the country — and it comes as the use of illegal child labor continues to grow in the U.S.
Notes from our Documenters
Documenter Kay Hawthorne covered the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees meeting last week.
Rhonda Oliver, manager at the Lawrence Branch, shared updates on its expanding braille book collection available for in-person browsing at the Central Library, College Avenue, Fort Ben, Franklin Road, Glendale, Lawrence and Nora locations. The collection includes “Getting a Feel for Eclipses,” a tactical book that provides people who are blind or low vision with a means to see and experience the total solar eclipse through their fingertips.
“The staff continuously works to create and offer interesting programs and a welcoming atmosphere while exemplifying good customer service,” Oliver said.
You can read Kay’s notes here.
— Sharlene Birdsong, Indy Documenters assignment editor
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
Today we’ll be holding office hours today from 12:30-2 p.m. at the AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd. Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie, Documenters Assignment Editor Sharlene Birdsong and higher ed reporter Claire Rafford will be near the stage ready to hear your ideas and answer your questions about local journalism. Come say hi!
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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