The mid-year exam in the United States often includes politics due to the intersection of education policy and political ideologies. This integration is a result of the influence of political parties and leaders on educational standards, curriculum, and funding.

The mid-year exam's inclusion of politics can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, educational policies are often shaped by the political landscape. For instance, the Common Core State Standards were developed under the Obama administration and were supported by both political parties. These standards were designed to ensure that students across the country were taught at a similar level, but they were met with resistance from some conservative groups who believed they were too liberal or federalized. The political debate over these standards has influenced how they are implemented and assessed in schools.

Secondly, the allocation of educational funding is a political process. States and local districts receive federal funding based on various criteria, including compliance with federal education laws. This creates a political incentive for schools to align their curricula and assessments with federal guidelines to secure funding. For example, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to set annual measurable objectives for student achievement, which are often reflected in the mid-year exams.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) supports the notion that politics plays a significant role in the mid-year exam. According to the NCES, the percentage of students who took state assessments in mathematics and reading increased from 2003 to 2017, coinciding with the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and the Common Core standards. This suggests that political initiatives have a direct impact on the types of exams administered and the content covered.

Furthermore, the political environment can affect the content of the exams themselves. For example, the emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has been influenced by political debates over the importance of these subjects for national competitiveness. As a result, exams may include more questions related to STEM subjects, reflecting the political priorities of the day.

In conclusion, the mid-year exam in the United States includes politics due to the influence of political ideologies on educational policy, funding, and curriculum. The intersection of these factors creates a complex environment where political considerations play a significant role in shaping the content and administration of exams.