Lehman, Prescott praise IREAD scores increasing for fifth consecutive year
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2026) – State Reps. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) are celebrating Hoosier students' scores on the 2026 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination assessment rising for the fifth consecutive year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Lehman 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 continue a notable streak of success and attest to the dedication of our teachers, parents and students in focusing on the fundamentals of literacy," Lehman said. "This is an achievement worth celebrating, with more young Hoosiers building the academic foundation that will carry them throughout their education and beyond."
Prescott noted that literacy rates for every student population are now higher than before the pandemic.
“Five straight years of reading improvement is a significant accomplishment that's positively impacting our students," Prescott said. "It proves Indiana schools are finding effective ways to help students strengthen their reading skills and that we need to continue supporting these efforts."
Jay School Corporation scored a 95% and Jay County Christian Academy scored a 100% pass rate for the most recent IREAD exam.
A law in 2023 established science of reading standards and delivered 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.
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.
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.
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State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County, and portions of Jay and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
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