Indiana relaxes literacy endorsement requirement for teachers following public outcry

In response to widespread concerns from educators, the Indiana Department of Education has announced changes to the literacy training requirements for teachers in the state. The new rules, which soften the requirements for earning a literacy endorsement, come after teachers voiced their opposition to the 80-hour training on teaching reading.

Under the revised guidelines, teachers with elementary education licenses who do not currently teach in a content area involving literacy will no longer be required to earn the endorsement to renew their licenses. This exemption applies to teachers in middle and high schools, as well as those teaching subjects like math. However, the department still strongly encourages all teachers to undergo the training.

Despite the adjustments, teachers holding elementary or special education licenses and teaching in content areas involving literacy for preschool to fifth grade students will still need to complete the training and pass a Praxis content exam to demonstrate their knowledge.

The changes follow extensive public comment from educators at a recent State Board of Education meeting, where concerns about the new literacy endorsement required by a reading skills law known as SEA 1 were raised. Indiana State Teachers Association President Keith Gambill praised the adjustments, stating that they reflect the voices and concerns of educators across the state.

While the department has not backed down from the controversial Praxis exam requirement, officials have announced the availability of new asynchronous courses this fall to accommodate teachers’ needs. The department will continue to advocate for sustained funding for free teacher literacy training beyond spring 2025, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support for educators in the state.