The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah released a study that spells out literacy trouble for Utah’s youngest residents. (iStock)
A new report is spelling out an alarming reality for Utah’s youngest residents, as it indicates that half of them are unable to read at their corresponding grade level. This reality is not isolated to a few districts or schools within the state. Rather, the report shows glaring deficiencies at a statewide level.
The report was published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, shortly after the beginning of the 2026 calendar year. It details some troubling information, revealing that a large percentage of K-3 students in Utah have failed to meet appropriate grade-level expectations. Per Utah’s state policy, a student is considered to have satisfied grade-level expectations if they meet or exceed a score of 405 on the end of year benchmark reading assessment. The study’s data showcases that just 50.3% of third graders are achieving appropriate proficiency…