Idaho Student Scores Rise Three Straight Years
Statewide spring assessment results show more students reaching grade level, with Twin Falls high schoolers meeting state proficiency averages.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Secondary Education
Live Poll
Do you think your local schools are teaching children to read well?
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield released spring assessment results on Aug. 19, 2026, showing student gains statewide. The Twin Falls School District reported that its high school students met state average proficiency rates on the ISAT in English language arts and math.
Why it matters
The ISAT results show an increase in students scoring at grade level for three consecutive years, signaling sustained progress in Idaho classrooms. Reading skills are considered crucial in the early years, which is why third graders take two English language assessments.
The ISAT is given to students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 each spring, with science tested in grades 5, 8 and 11. Results show grade-level gains for three straight years, though the exact statewide proficiency percentages were not reported in the source material.
The players
Debbie Critchfield
Debbie Critchfield is the Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, the state official responsible for overseeing public K-12 education and announcing statewide assessment results.
Twin Falls School District
The Twin Falls School District is a public school district in south-central Idaho that reported its local ISAT results and plans for interim practice testing.
The details
Spring assessments include the ISAT for math, English language arts and science, plus the Idaho Reading Indicator, which tests kindergarten through third grade on phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. The new Amira IRI no longer offers four multiple-choice answers per question, and the Twin Falls School District plans to give students practice tests before next spring's assessments.
Timeline
Spring 2025: ISAT and Idaho Reading Indicator administered statewide
Aug. 19, 2026: Superintendent Critchfield released assessment gains news release
Spring 2026: High school students met state average ISAT proficiency in English language arts and math
Spring 2026: Second administration of the new Amira IRI completed
Spring 2027: Next ISAT and IRI assessments planned, with practice testing beforehand
Roadmap
Idaho's ISAT results have shown a three-year pattern of more students reaching grade level, extending the state's ongoing focus on measured academic progress. The Twin Falls results add a local view of how high school proficiency compares with statewide averages.
Parents of Idaho students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 should expect spring testing in ISAT subjects, and kindergarten through third grade students will take the Idaho Reading Indicator. Families in the Twin Falls School District can expect practice testing before the next round of spring assessments.
The takeaway
Consistent gains across three years suggest that sustained attention to early reading and grade-level skills is paying off in Idaho classrooms. Families can support student progress by encouraging regular reading and taking advantage of any practice testing their schools offer before spring assessments.
What happens next
Twin Falls middle schools will use interim assessments and practice testing to prepare students for the next spring ISAT administration in 2027.
Further reading
For additional context on school performance trends, explore Secondary Education coverage across Idaho.
Live Poll
Do you think your local schools are teaching children to read well?
