Near Eastside Innovation School Corp. touts IREAD scores INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Near Eastside Innovation School Corporation in Indianapolis is reporting significant growth in student reading scores on the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment. Executive Direct or and CEO Ross Pippin is touting the improvements, which include record-high pass rates for the district’s elementary schools. He joined Daybreak on Friday. The school corporation operates Washington Irving Neighborhood School and Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School on the near east side of Indianapolis. Both campuses function under the Innovation Network through a partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools, marking 10 years of joint operations this school year. Washington Irving Neighborhood School achieved an 82% pass rate on the IREAD test this year, representing the highest score in the school’s history. Eight out of 10 third graders at Washington Irving passed the exam, reflecting a 32% increase over three years from previous pass rates near 50%. Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School recorded a 76% pass rate, its highest percentage to date, following a 32% increase over four years. Pippin highlighted the multi-year score gains across both elementary campuses. “Both schools over the last couple of years have had more than 30% increases in their IREAD scores. Washington Irving this year has a career high of more than 82% of the students passed,” Pippin said. Pippin attributed the academic progress to broad community involvement, including work with local organizations such as Indy East Promise Neighborhoods to support families. “I attribute the growth of the schools to the community working together. It takes great educators, it takes great families, and it takes great community partners,” Pippin said. He added, “We know that when communities get behind families and schools, great things happen for kids.” He also said instructional updates across Indiana, specifically implementation of the science of reading, have helped contribute to the district’s score growth. “I definitely think the science of reading has benefited all the schools that I work with, and you’re seeing that show up in the numbers,” Pippin said. The gains occurred alongside statewide discussions surrounding third-grade reading benchmarks and potential grade retention. Pippin addressed initial concerns regarding retention policies and how students handled the process. “We thought originally that it was going to be a lot more of a shock for kids,” Pippin said. He added, “And as kids have kind of rolled with the punches and a lot of kids who do end up being retained, they come back, and they end up passing that test.” As the district marks its 10th year, Pippin praised the educators and students for the success. “I think the future is bright. This year we’re celebrating 10 years as an innovation school, and we’re looking forward to 10 more years, if not more,” Pippin said. Executive Director and CEO Ross Pippin. (WISH Photo) This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. ...read more read less