Idaho elementary students improved in reading proficiency, with 60.2% of kindergarten through third-grade students reading at grade level in the fall of 2026, up from 57% a year earlier, according to the Idaho Department of Education.
Third-grade proficiency rose to 69.78%, second-grade performance reached 65.3%, and first-grade proficiency increased to 60%. Kindergarten proficiency was largely unchanged at 43.85%. Economically disadvantaged students, English learners and students receiving special education services also recorded gains.
Third-grade proficiency reached 69.78%, up from 66% a year earlier. Second grade rose from 61% to 65.3%, while first-grade proficiency increased from 56.35% to 60%. Kindergarten proficiency remained nearly unchanged at 43.85%.
The Idaho Reading Indicator measures foundational skills including phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Idaho administers the assessment in the fall and spring to track early literacy and identify students in need of assistance.
The state introduced a more rigorous assessment supported by Amira Learning in 2025. The updated instrument provides teachers with more detailed information and requires applied responses rather than relying chiefly on multiple-choice questions.
“Though we’re not surprised to see Idaho students continuing to improve, we are very pleased to see our continued investments in early literacy continue to pay off for our youngest learners,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield said.
Gains were reported across several student groups. Proficiency among economically disadvantaged students increased from 47.8% to 51.8%; English learners improved from 30.1% to 33.8%; and students receiving special education services rose from 28.3% to 32.8%.
Despite that improvement, those groups continued to lag the overall statewide proficiency rate, underscoring the need for targeted interventions and continued monitoring.
Idaho’s annual funding for early literacy rose from $13.1 million in 2019 to $72.8 million in 2025. Gov. Brad Little said the increased spending was providing a foundation for stronger reading skills and future student success.
The state has invested in teacher development through the Striving to Meet Achievement in Reading Together project, which emphasizes evidence-based Science of Reading instruction. Education officials also recently held a Readiness Zone Summit focused on preparing young students for first grade.
Critchfield said the scores represent more than statistical progress, affecting students’ later educational opportunities, careers and lives. The department plans to continue using the data to guide instruction and resources.
Superintendent Debbie Critchfield credited stronger early literacy instruction and the updated Idaho Reading Indicator assessment. State literacy funding grew from $13.1 million in 2019 to $72.8 million in 2025. Gov. Brad Little said the additional investment was helping students build foundational reading skills.