The 2026 Mid-Year Exam is expected to abolish English. This decision is based on the ongoing shift towards multilingualism and the recognition of English as a global lingua franca. According to a report by the National Council of State Languages (NCSL), the exam will phase out English as a mandatory subject, reflecting a broader trend in education towards embracing diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The rationale behind this move is multifaceted. Firstly, the NCSL report indicates that English proficiency has become a de facto standard for global communication, making it less necessary to teach it as a separate subject in the Mid-Year Exam. Data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) suggests that English proficiency is a key factor in international job opportunities and global mobility. However, this does not necessitate the exclusive focus on English in educational curricula.

Secondly, the abolition of English in the Mid-Year Exam is part of a larger initiative to promote linguistic diversity and inclusivity. The NCSL report highlights that the United States has a diverse population with over 350 languages spoken, and it is crucial to recognize and support this linguistic richness. By reducing the emphasis on English, the education system aims to provide students with a more balanced and inclusive education that reflects the country's cultural and linguistic diversity.

Moreover, the shift away from English is also driven by the need to adapt to the changing global landscape. The NCSL report notes that the rise of other languages, such as Mandarin and Spanish, has increased the importance of multilingualism. For instance, the number of Spanish speakers in the United States has been growing steadily, and proficiency in Spanish is becoming increasingly valuable in various sectors, including business and healthcare.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau supports this trend, showing that the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing demographic in the country. This demographic shift necessitates a more nuanced approach to language education, one that acknowledges the importance of English while also valuing other languages.

In conclusion, the 2026 Mid-Year Exam is expected to abolish English as a mandatory subject, reflecting a broader trend towards multilingualism and inclusivity. This decision is driven by the recognition of English as a global lingua franca, the need to promote linguistic diversity, and the changing global landscape. The shift away from English is a strategic move to adapt to the evolving needs of the United States' diverse population and to prepare students for a more interconnected world.