WYRZ.org 98.9 WYRZ – The Voice of Hendricks County
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2026) – Hendricks County lawmakers are celebrating Hoosier students’ scores on the 2026 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination assessment rising for the fifth consecutive year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville), a member of the House Education Committee, said more than 88% of Hoosier third graders passed IREAD, a nearly 1.5 percentage point increase from last year. It’s the second-largest single-year increase since the test was implemented.
“These results are a strong indication that Indiana’s focus on early literacy is making a meaningful difference in students’ lives,” Cash said. “We’re seeing more young Hoosiers build the reading skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.”
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) noted that literacy rates for every student population are now higher than before the pandemic.
“It’s encouraging to see so many students reaching proficiency in their reading ability,” Steuerwald said. “Establishing this fundamental skill at a young age will lead to greater academic success and a brighter future for young Hoosiers.”
Local school corporation pass rates for the most recent IREAD exams include:
- Avon Community School Corp., 94%;
- Bethesda Christian School, 100%;
- Brownsburg Community School Corp., 94%;
- Danville Community School Corp., 97%;
- Mill Creek Community School Corp., 98%;
- North West Hendricks Schools, 99%; and
- Plainfield Community School Corp., 88%.
The lawmakers supported a law in 2023 establishing science of reading standards and delivering focused support to Indiana students facing the most significant reading difficulties. Additional legislation bolstered the Indiana Department of Education’s literacy cadre program to ensure schools with fewer than 70% of students passing IREAD receive additional resources and support.
“The Hoosier students of today will become the community leaders of tomorrow, and literacy is a crucial first step in that journey,” said State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville). “These scores show me that this foundation for excellence is being built across the state.”
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said in the current state budget Indiana increased K-12 tuition support by $640 million, a 5% increase over the biennium, to its highest level yet. Nearly half of our state budget goes toward K-12 education (47%). Indiana also expanded its school choice scholarship program, empowering all Hoosier families to choose the school environment that is best for their students.
“These IREAD scores are further proof that recent laws, state funding and the efforts of our teachers, administrators, parents and students are leading to a remarkable rebound in literacy and positioning Indiana as a leading state in education policy,” Thompson said. “It shows that when we work together, we can make tremendous progress that helps Hoosiers thrive.”
Results from the 2026 IREAD for individual schools and corporations are available on IDOE’s website. Click here to learn more about the state’s literacy standards.
