Idaho superintendent urges return to basics, cites 8% gain in third‑grade reading

Idaho State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield told the House Education Committee on Jan. 23 that the Department of Education is prioritizing reading, math and career preparation and reported an 8% increase in third‑grade reading proficiency over the last two years.

Critchfield said phonics — part of what she called the “science of reading” — is the number one input for successful early reading instruction and urged districts and teacher‑preparation programs to emphasize that approach. “We have seen 8% growth in our third graders for reading proficiency,” she said, and noted Idaho tests kindergarten through third grade statewide using the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI).

Why it matters: Third‑grade reading proficiency is widely used as a milestone for later academic success; Critchfield told lawmakers that improvements in early reading and a shift to “essential” math standards are intended to reduce later remediation and improve outcomes statewide.

Critchfield described several components of…