The 2025-2026 statewide assessment results from the Utah State Board of Education reveal a significant recovery in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, alongside record high achievement in science.
Key Highlights
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Overall Progress: The results indicate consistent academic improvement over the years following the pandemic disruptions, with year-over-year increases across all core subjects.
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Science Performance: Science has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while both ELA and mathematics are nearing full recovery.
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Data Availability: Assessment results can be accessed interactively through the Utah Educational Data Gateway and downloaded from the Data and Statistics page.
Importance of Results
- The findings emphasize the overall student learning and achievement levels rather than focusing solely on school accountability.
- The increases in student performance (ranging from +1.2% to +2.6%) are considered a healthy indicator of systemic academic recovery in Utah.
Subject Performance Overview
| Subject Area | 2019 Baseline | Trough Year – 2021 | 2025 Result | 2026 Result | 1-Year Shift |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELA | 46.8% | 43.1% | 43.9% | 45.4% | +1.5% |
| Mathematics | 44.6% | 39.0% | 41.3% | 42.5% | +1.2% |
| Science | 47.0% | 43.8% | 47.2% | 49.8% | +2.6% |
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Early Literacy & Numeracy (Grades K-3):
- Early Reading: 70.6% at or above benchmark
- Early Numeracy: 65.1% at or above benchmark
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Elementary & Middle School (Grades 3–8):
- ELA Proficiency: 45.3%
- Mathematics Proficiency: 45.4%
- Science Proficiency: 52.3%
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High School (Grades 9–10):
- ELA Proficiency: 46.7%
- Mathematics Proficiency: 34.5%
- Science Proficiency: 44.6%
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High School College Readiness (Grade 11):
- 62.3% scored 18 or higher on the ACT composite.
Conclusion
The assessment results reflect a significant rebound in educational outcomes across Utah, indicating a promising trajectory for student achievement as the state continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
