Are Utah’s K-3 reading programs actually working? Here’s what a new state report found.

Utah aims to get 80% of its third graders reading proficiently by 2030, but in the last decade, there’s been little improvement, the new audit notes.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Third grade students participate in class at Indian Hills Elementary School in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Utah has invested millions to try and improve reading scores for kids in kindergarten through third grade, but the needle hasn't moved much, a new state audit found.

Are Utah’s K-3 reading programs actually working? Here’s what a new state report found.

Utah aims to get 80% of its third graders reading proficiently by 2030, but in the last decade, there’s been little improvement, the new audit notes.

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