Even under loosened proficiency standards, over half of Illinois third graders couldn’t read at grade level in 2025, according to the Illinois Policy Institute.
Officials say the data from the 2025 Illinois Assessment of Readiness is particularly concerning when it comes to third graders.
If a child has not learned to read by the end of third grade, they say that child is likely to struggle throughout his or her education. That’s because fourth grade is when students move from learning to read to reading as their main method of learning.
The Policy Institute article says there are proven reforms used in other states Illinois can implement. They include providing an early universal reading screening for every student in first through third grades to identify reading deficiencies and then provide interventions for those with deficiencies. Also, notify parents and keep them engaged in their student’s reading deficiency diagnosis and intervention.
Some examples of reading proficiency in southern Illinois, over 87 percent of the 3rd graders at Thomas Elementary School in Carbondale were not proficient; over 86 percent were not at Carruthers Elementary in Murphysboro; over 76 percent couldn't read at grade level at Osborne Primary Center in Mt. Vernon; 75 percent were not proficient at Davie Elementary in Anna; 25 percent were not proficient at Adams Elementary in Marion.
To check your school district, click here.
