10/15/2026
Parents are getting a clearer picture of how their children are doing academically.
In 2026, 73% of parents report their child receives mostly As and Bs, down from 84% in 2022. Parents’ perceptions that their child is performing at or above grade level has also shifted from 93% to 88% in reading, and from 92% to 83% in math.
While the gap between parent perceptions and national measures of student achievement remains, the shift matters. When parents know their child is below grade level, they are more likely to take steps to support their learning. They also express greater concern about specific academic skills: 76% worry about math, compared with 45% of parents who believe their child is on track, while 68% worry about reading, compared with 39%.
Giving families clear information about academic progress and grade level expectations can help parents understand where their child is and create opportunities for families and educators to work together to support learning.
Explore the full research at: https://bealearninghero.org/research/