400+ Indiana Schools Earn Top Reading Marks

Across Indiana, a growing number of schools are being recognized for something fundamental to student success: strong reading skills.

More than 400 schools across the state achieved a 95% or higher passage rate on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment, according to the Indiana Department of Education. The milestone reflects steady progress in literacy and a renewed focus on helping students build a strong academic foundation early.

State Rep. Beau Baird praised the achievement, pointing to the collective effort behind the results.

“Congratulations to the schools, teachers and students in our communities recognized for this outstanding achievement,” Baird said.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

The strong IREAD results come on the heels of measurable gains statewide. Reading scores for Indiana third graders rose by nearly five percentage points last year—the largest single-year increase since the assessment was introduced in 2013.

That kind of progress highlights a coordinated effort across classrooms, homes, and the Statehouse to improve literacy outcomes. Baird emphasized that success in reading doesn’t happen in isolation.

“These results aren’t possible without the dedication of our schools and educators prioritizing literacy and parents supporting their children in their academics,” he said.

A National Standout in Reading

Indiana’s momentum is also being recognized nationally. The state ranked sixth in the country for fourth- and eighth-grade reading in the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card.

Data shows Indiana students outperforming national averages. Fourth graders posted an average reading score of 220 compared to 214 nationwide, while eighth graders scored 262 compared to 257 nationally.

Those figures reinforce the broader trend: Indiana’s literacy strategy is producing results that extend beyond state borders.

The Push Behind the Progress

A key driver behind the improvement has been Indiana’s embrace of the “science of reading,” an approach rooted in research on how children learn to read most effectively.

During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed House Enrolled Act 1558—a measure Baird supported—to formally implement science-based reading standards across schools. The law requires districts to adopt curriculum aligned with these principles and moves away from instructional methods like the three-cueing model.

The science of reading focuses on five essential components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Together, they form the foundation for strong literacy development.

The legislation also strengthens teacher preparation by requiring literacy endorsements and expanding professional development opportunities to ensure educators are equipped to meet students’ needs.

Looking Ahead: A 95% Goal

Indiana has set a clear and ambitious goal: ensuring that 95% of third-grade students can read proficiently by 2027.

To get there, the state continues to invest in targeted support for students who face reading challenges, along with resources for teachers and schools working to close gaps.

With hundreds of schools already reaching the 95% benchmark, the early signs are encouraging. For lawmakers like Baird, the results signal that the strategy is working—and that continued focus on literacy will remain a priority for the future.