U.S. Students Close Pandemic Reading Gap as Scores Surge

The findings, derived from the MAP Growth National Dashboard, reveal a clear divergence between literacy and numeracy recovery. While reading scores improved across nearly all grade levels between spring 2025 and spring 2026, math achievement remains inconsistent. Elementary students in math classes showed steady progress, yet middle schoolers faced continued stagnation, with scores failing to rise across most student groups.

Dr. Karyn Lewis, vice president of research and policy at NWEA, described the reading data as a sign of progress, though she cautioned against complacency. Even with these gains, student performance in most grades remains below pre-pandemic benchmarks. Persistent disparities linked to race, ethnicity, and school poverty levels continue to hinder equitable recovery, suggesting that systemic interventions must remain a priority for educators and policymakers alike.