Indiana has reported an increase in third grade literacy rates, according to State Representatives Bruce Borders and Matt Hostettler. Today, the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment showed reading scores rising by nearly five percentage points, the largest increase since the program began in 2013.
According to the State of Indiana House of Representatives release, this improvement raised Indiana’s third grade reading proficiency to more than 87 percent, returning to levels seen before the pandemic. The statement also noted a rise in literacy rates across all student populations. Hostettler referenced Indiana’s ranking of sixth in the nation for fourth and eighth grade reading, based on the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP).
These results follow recent legislative actions to strengthen early reading instruction. In 2023, the General Assembly passed a law adopting science of reading standards focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, oral language skills, and comprehension. Another law expanded efforts by adding screenings to identify students at risk and provide early interventions.
A detailed breakdown of the 2025 IREAD results by school is available on the Indiana Department of Education’s website, along with information about the state’s literacy standards and school performance data.
