Utah remains one of the most literate states in the country, with an average of 9% illiterate compared to the national average of 14.7%. Literacy rates often reflect the quality of a state’s education system, which can have a notable impact on long-term success. Statewide dataThe National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) is a standardized assessment for fourth and eighth-graders that tests reading ability. “I have friends who live on campus and feel really connected and in my opinion — and theirs as well — they do better in school,” Weech said. “I would say the most important thing is who’s teaching the class and the people who are in the class,” Weech said.