Indiana Students Make Historic Gains in Reading

Last week, the State Board of Education announced results from the 2024-2025 IREAD assessment, which showed major improvements in reading among Hoosier students.

Indiana's third grade students achieved a nearly 5% increase in literacy rates, which is the largest increase in reading proficiency our state has seen since the launch of IREAD in 2013.

Additionally, more than 87% of third graders are now proficient in foundational reading skills, an increase of 6,000 more students than last year. This milestone brings our state back to pre-pandemic reading levels.

Literacy is one of the most important skills in life. It was only a few years ago when nearly one in five third graders could not read, but these results show Indiana's meaningful progress in preparing Hoosier students for success in school and beyond.

There were many other impressive takeaways from the 2024-2025 IREAD results, including the following statistics.

• For the first time ever, literacy rates increased for all student populations.
• Literacy rates for Black students, students in special education and students receiving free or reduced-price meals have increased for four consecutive years.
• Literacy rates for Hispanic students and English learners increased in 2025 following decreases in 2024.
• Over 450 Indiana elementary schools hit the 95% reading goal, an increase of nearly 180 elementary schools in just one year.

Another effort showing success is the Indiana Literacy Cadre, which is a partnership between the State of Indiana, the University of Indianapolis's Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning and Marion University's Center for Vibrant Schools to provide early elementary school teachers with instructional coaching and support aligned with the science of reading.

Senate Republicans were proud to support many other recent efforts to help more Hoosier students learn to read, including:

• Legislation to implement the Science of Reading curriculum in the classroom;
• A universal screener to identify K-2 students who are not on track to become proficient readers;
• Free or low-cost reading and math support;
• Increasing financial investments in literacy initiatives; and
• Providing targeted support for students who are falling behind.

Recognizing the acute need for Hoosier students to improve their literacy skills, Senate Republicans are proud to have played a small part in the efforts to increase Indiana's literacy rates.

However, educators deserve the most thanks and recognition for their work with students every day to help improve their students’ reading skills. The major success Indiana recently achieved in literacy rates could not have been accomplished without the hard work, dedication and care each educator gives the students they instruct and mentor.

To learn more about Indiana's major education improvements, click here.