NWEA Reports Significant Improvements in Reading Scores

In a welcome turn for U.S. reading education, NWEA, a K-12 assessment and research organization, has released findings showing significant improvements in reading test scores for students in grades K-8. The report, which uses data from the MAP Growth National Dashboard, highlights that almost a third of the remaining pandemic reading gap was erased in just one year.

Dr. Karyn Lewis, Vice President of Research and Policy Partnerships at NWEA, noted, "After several years of MAP Growth national data showing a widening gap and uneven academic recovery from the pandemic's disruptions to learning, we have promising signs of progress. Reading scores in 2026 give us hope as improvements were across grades and student groups."

The report shows that reading test scores improved substantially between Spring 2025 and Spring 2026. Historically underserved groups, including students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and those from schools with high poverty levels, showed some of the largest gains. This is a significant development, as these groups often face greater challenges in accessing quality educational resources.

While the improvements are encouraging, the report also points out that there is still much work to be done. Math achievement continued to show incremental progress towards recovery in kindergarten to fifth grade, but stagnation in the middle school grades. Dr. Lewis added, "While this is progress, we can't lose sight of the full scale of unfinished learning that still needs to be addressed. Reading scores in most grades still remain below pre-pandemic levels, and persistent gaps by race/ethnicity and school poverty level are not gone."

To support ongoing efforts, the report provides two key points of action for education leaders. First, it suggests examining what is driving reading gains to identify the practices, policies, and investments that may be contributing to the progress. Second, it recommends continuing to build coherent literacy systems, which include sustained effective early literacy reforms and strengthened supports for upper elementary and middle school students.

NWEA's findings underscore the importance of continued focus and intervention for students who were furthest from opportunity before and after the pandemic. The organization's commitment to providing evidence-based assessment solutions and research to illuminate learning needs and fuel student growth remains unwavering.

In summary, while the latest data from NWEA shows positive trends in reading scores, there is still a long way to go in addressing the lingering effects of the pandemic on student learning. The organization's ongoing research and support for educators will be crucial in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.