STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2026) – Evansville area schools were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville).
IDOE recognized more than 400 schools across the state achieving a 95% or higher passage rate on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment at the Literacy Achievement Celebration at the Statehouse on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
"Across southwest Indiana, we are seeing real momentum in improving literacy rates," O'Brien said. "Reading is a critical, life-long skill for students, and I want to thank the exceptional teachers in our classrooms and the parents and families supporting Hoosier kids."
Evansville area schools recognized include:
In 2023, O'Brien supported House Enrolled Act 1558 to implement science of reading standards and provide targeted support for Indiana students experiencing the greatest reading challenges.
Last year, Indiana's third grade reading scores improved by nearly five percentage points, which is the largest single-year increase since the state 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.
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.
Results from the 2025 IREAD for individual schools and corporations are available on IDOE's website. Click here to learn more about the state's literacy standards.
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State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
