Helping Families Navigate Indiana’s 3rd Grade Retention Law

By Dianne McKinley

The recent changes to Indiana’s 3rd grade retention law are prompting important conversations between schools and families. For many, this shift has brought a mix of concern, confusion, and a desire to better support students who are struggling with foundational reading skills.

If you’re a school leader or educator, you may be fielding tough questions:

• What should we say to families facing possible retention?

• How do we support students emotionally while also meeting legal requirements?

• What tools can we provide to help parents partner with us in this process?

  
  

We’ve created a free resource that addresses those exact needs.

The Moving Forward Together Toolkit for Indiana Families is designed to make your job easier while helping families feel informed, supported, and empowered. It includes practical language, emotional support tips, and easy-to-use templates to bridge school-home communication during what can be a difficult time.

This isn’t just another handout—it’s a thoughtful, research-informed guide that helps reframe retention not as a setback, but as a stepping stone.

✅ Want to help your families feel seen, supported, and prepared?

✅ Looking for something you can start sharing right away?

Click here to download the free toolkit.

You'll get access instantly after subscribing, and you can share it with the families you serve right away.