11/11 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- 3,000 Children Repeating Third Grade Under New Indiana Literacy Requirement
- House Votes Tomorrow on Ending Shutdown
- AES Small Modular Reactor Announcement Highlights Nuclear Summit at Purdue University
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
3,000 Children Repeating Third Grade Under New Indiana Literacy Requirement
About 3,000 Indiana students are repeating third grade this school year for not meeting the state’s reading proficiency standards.
Why it matters: This marks the first enforcement of a literacy requirement approved by the Legislature in 2024, aiming to ensure that students advance with key reading skills.
By the numbers:
- 3.6% of the 84,000 children who took the statewide IREAD exam were retained.
- 87.3% of third graders demonstrated proficient reading skills in 2024-25.
- Nearly 5% improvement in proficiency from the previous year.
The backdrop: Education Secretary Katie Jenner highlighted that the retention figure was lower than anticipated, crediting improved performance by students and efforts by teachers.
What’s next: An online dashboard will provide detailed breakdowns of IREAD results by school district, aiming to maintain transparency and accountability in educational outcomes. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
House Votes Tomorrow on Ending Shutdown
On Day 41, the Senate last night passed a bipartisan package to end the record-long government shutdown.
- After Sunday's breakthrough procedural vote, unanimous agreement was reached to expedite final passage, Axios' Stef W. Kight reports.
The House vote is expected late tomorrow.
The final vote was 60 to 40, with seven Democrats and independent Angus King of Maine voting "yes" and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voting "no."
- The seven Democrats are Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire ... Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia ... Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat ... Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania ... and Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen of Nevada.
AES Small Modular Reactor Announcement Highlights Nuclear Summit at Purdue University
Nuclear energy leaders gathered at Purdue University to discuss the future of nuclear power and its role in meeting growing energy demands.
Why it matters: Indiana is positioning itself as a hub for nuclear development, which could lead to economic growth and energy innovation.
- The state is ready to deploy nuclear power, as emphasized by Indiana Energy and Natural Resources Secretary Suzanne Jaworowski.
- AES Indiana is exploring the feasibility of building small modular reactors, which could revolutionize local energy production.
The latest: The summit saw several key announcements, including First American Nuclear’s plan to establish headquarters and a specialized energy park in Indiana.
- Purdue University launched an Institute for Energy Innovation and a credential program in small modular reactors.
Challenges ahead: Supply chain issues and high construction costs are significant hurdles for nuclear projects.
- Experts highlighted the need for a robust supply chain and domestic uranium production to avoid delays. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
Strategic Energy Growth Task Force: Monday, November 17th
Organization Day: Tuesday, November 18th
2026 Session Convenes: Monday, December 1st