A full-court press on literacy is helping Anderson students build skills, confidence, and a love for reading.

A Community-Wide Effort

In Anderson Community Schools, a full-court press on literacy is delivering results—and changing lives.

Through a combination of innovative programs like Read to the Final Four and the Heart of Indiana United Way’s Read United initiative, students are building confidence, strengthening reading skills, and discovering a love for books that will carry far beyond the classroom.

That momentum comes at a critical time. Under a 2024 Indiana law, third graders who do not pass the IREAD-3 assessment—and do not qualify for an exemption—must repeat third grade. In response, Anderson Community Schools (ACS) has taken an “all hands on deck” approach to early literacy.

How Read to the Final Four Drives Engagement

A key part of that effort is Read to the Final Four, whose tournament-style reading challenge has energized classrooms across the district. By turning reading into a fun, competitive experience, students are motivated to log more minutes, engage more deeply, and support one another—creating a school-wide culture around literacy.

Volunteers Make the Difference

That energy is reinforced through the Heart of Indiana United Way’s Read United program, which brings community volunteers directly into schools.

When ACS put out a call for support, the response was immediate and overwhelming. More than 40 volunteers stepped up to participate, allowing the program to launch across all six elementary schools in the district.

To maximize impact, ACS was intentional about which students were paired with volunteers.

“We targeted second grade bubble students,” said Brad Meadows, Director of Communications and Public Relations for ACS. “These are students right on the edge of reading at grade level. We felt this would allow us to see the most results.”

Each Read United volunteer is paired with two second-grade students for 30-minute sessions each week. Using games, books, and guided activities, volunteers help students strengthen comprehension skills while also building confidence and excitement around reading.

“Our goal is to help them build joy and love for reading,” said Kim Williams, Vice President for Resource Development and Marketing for the Heart of Indiana United Way. “What we’ve seen is students truly look forward to meeting with their volunteer each week.”

Results That Matter

And the results speak for themselves.

Anderson Community Schools saw a 10.5% increase in students passing the IREAD-3 assessment last school year—one of the largest gains in the state.

“It’s just pride,” said Williams. “One of the students I worked with last year struggled with reading. When he passed IREAD-3, he had the biggest smile on his face—it meant everything.”

Building Momentum for the Future

As each new group of students prepares for the IREAD-3 assessment, ACS is building on that momentum—powered by dedicated educators, engaged volunteers, and innovative programs working together toward a common goal.

“We are very fortunate at ACS to have incredible teachers, literacy coaches, and reading specialists trained in the Science of Reading,” Meadows said. “Adding volunteers, programs, and resources to support their efforts has been incredibly rewarding.”

With second-grade students—and third graders who previously did not pass—set to take the assessment this spring, the district is focused on continuing its upward trajectory.

Because when a community rallies around reading, every student has a chance to win.