STATEHOUSE (Aug. 25, 2025) – Northeast Indiana lawmakers are commending a historic increase in third grade literacy rates for Hoosier students following results from the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) said third grade reading scores improved by nearly five percentage points, which is the largest single-year increase since Indiana launched IREAD in 2013. More than 87% of Hoosier third graders demonstrated proficiency in reading, putting Indiana's literacy rate at this grade level back to pre-pandemic levels.
The lawmakers thanked Indiana's education leaders, schools, teachers and families for their dedication to help Indiana students achieve these results.
"These results represent a significant achievement for Indiana's education system," Smaltz said. "This progress reflects the dedication of educators, families and students working together to ensure Hoosier children are equipped with the skills they need for academic success."
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) noted that literacy rates for all student populations also improved.
"Between our IREAD results and Indiana ranking among the top states in reading, it's clear that we're headed in the right direction," Abbott said. "Hoosier students are developing the skills they need for a bright future."
State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) said these IREAD results follow Indiana placing sixth in the country for fourth and eighth grade reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) rankings.
"Strengthening literacy among Hoosier students has taken a united effort, and it's encouraging to see improvement," Isa said. "We know there is more work to be done, and we'll keep exploring ways to ensure students stay on the path to success."
To improve Indiana's literacy rates, the General Assembly passed a law in 2023 implementing science of reading standards, which is evidence-based instruction that increases students' reading competency through phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, oral language skills and comprehension. A law passed in 2024 added screenings for students at risk of falling behind on reading proficiency and providing earlier intervention.
Results from the 2025 IREAD for individual schools and corporations are available on the Indiana Department of Education's website. Click here to learn more about the state's literacy standards.
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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
