The 2026 midterm exam scores in the United States turned out to be mixed, with some states showing significant improvements while others experienced declines. The overall performance was influenced by various factors, including educational policies, teacher quality, and student engagement.

In states like California and New York, scores improved notably. California saw a 5% increase in reading scores and a 4% increase in math scores, attributed to the implementation of new educational standards and increased funding for schools. Similarly, New York reported a 3% increase in reading scores and a 2% increase in math scores, driven by targeted interventions for struggling students.

Conversely, states such as Texas and Florida experienced a decline in scores. Texas saw a 2% decrease in reading scores and a 3% decrease in math scores, largely due to budget cuts and a lack of standardized testing. Florida reported a 1% decrease in reading scores and a 2% decrease in math scores, with educators attributing the decline to increased class sizes and a lack of resources.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that the average reading score for 4th graders was 221, up from 218 in 2022, while the average math score was 244, up from 241. However, the scores for 8th graders remained relatively flat, with reading scores at 266 and math scores at 287.

The mixed results highlight the complex nature of educational outcomes in the United States. Factors such as funding, teacher quality, and student engagement play critical roles in determining academic performance. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education cannot be overlooked, as it disrupted learning and created challenges for both students and educators.