Missouri MAP Scores Reflect Steady Progress

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) presented preliminary statewide 2025-26 Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) results at the August State Board of Education meeting. Initial findings reveal modest improvement in English language arts (ELA), government, mathematics, and science across both grade-level and high school end-of-course (EOC) assessments.

MAP assessments in ELA and mathematics are required each year for students in grades 3-8 and once during high school. Science assessment is required once in elementary school, once in middle school, and once in high school. Government is required in high school.

"We're seeing steady progress, thanks to the hard work of students, educators, and families," Interim Commissioner of Education Dr. Stacey Preis said. "There's more to do, but these results show upward momentum in classrooms across the state."

Among the data are some encouraging increases in student proficiency when compared to last year's results. Highlights include:

• Grade 6 mathematics, which increased by three points to 48.9%
• Grade 8 science, which increased more than four points to 43.9%
• English II, which increased more than five points to 58.4%; and
• Biology, which increased over three points to 40.6%

MAP assessments measure how well students can demonstrate their understanding of the Missouri Learning Standards. The results provide educators and families with information about student learning at the individual, school, and district levels.

More information regarding preliminary assessment data is available in the materials presented to the State Board of Education.