# Mexican education system assessment and funding challenges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-education-system-assessment-and-funding-challenges
> Updated: 2026-09-10T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3.

Mexican educational authorities have initiated various assessment and support programs to improve student learning outcomes. In Chihuahua, the Independent Measurement of Learning (MIA) program has distributed materials to 93 primary schools to bolster reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Similarly, in Hidalgo, the Secretaría de Educación Pública de Hidalgo (SEPH) implemented Integrative Learning Exercises (EIA) across 3,220 schools, with preliminary data indicating that 85 percent of second-grade primary students are meeting expected learning levels.

However, recent reports indicate systemic challenges facing the education sector. A study by the Iniciativa de Educación con Equidad y Calidad (IEEC) and México Evalúa found that resources for learning assessments decreased by 73.7 percent in one year, while suspended school days increased across 17 states. Additionally, the private education sector is experiencing financial strain, with institutions operating at approximately 62 percent capacity and facing monthly delinquency rates exceeding 10 percent.

Debate over the system has intensified following the release of PISA 2025 results, which showed scores dropping seven points in both mathematics and reading compared to the previous edition. These results, marking the lowest average scores in the history of the assessment, have triggered a global debate regarding educational quality. 

In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the ‘Nueva Escuela Mexicana’ model, arguing that the data should not be viewed as a failure, highlighting increased student participation and lower socioeconomic inequality in science scores. Critics, including former Education Secretary Aurelio Nuño, continue to attribute the results to an ‘educational collapse’ driven by the ruling Morena party. The Alianza de Maestros further described the situation as a ‘deep crisis,’ noting that 70% of students failed to reach basic competency in mathematics.

## Claims

- The OECD reported that 2025 recorded the lowest average PISA results in history for mathematics, reading, and science. (disputed)
- Mexico obtained 388 points in mathematics, which is 75 points below the OECD average of 463. (disputed)
- Paraguay's PISA 2025 results included 352 points in reading, 334 in mathematics, and 355 in science. (disputed)
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the Nueva Escuela Mexicana, citing increased student enrollment and lower socioeconomic inequality in science scores. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The socioeconomic gap in science scores in Mexico is 68 points, compared to the OECD average of 85 points. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Seventeen Mexican states have increased the number of suspended school days. (single source)
- Resources for learning assessments in Mexico fell by 73.7% in one year. (single source)
- Mexico's educational spending represents 10% of the federal budget. (single source)
- Private schools in Mexico operate at approximately 62% of their installed capacity. (single source)
- The average monthly delinquency rate for private schools in Mexico exceeds 10%. (single source)
- Mexico's reading score was 408 points, compared to the OECD average of 461. (single source)
- Former Education Secretary Aurelio Nuño attributed Mexico's educational decline to reduced support for low-income students and the removal of full-time school programs. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: PISA 2025 results trigger global debate over educational standards and policy

The OECD PISA 2025 results show a global decline in reading and math scores, sparking intense political debate in Mexico, Argentina, and Paraguay over educational models and policy effectiveness.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-education-debate-intensifies-following-pisa-test-results

### 2026-08-29: Mexico education system faces funding cuts and enrollment challenges

Reports indicate Mexican schools face rising class suspensions and a 73.7% drop in assessment funding, while private institutions struggle with 62% capacity and high delinquency rates.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-education-system-faces-funding-cuts-and-enrollment-challenges

### 2026-08-27: Mexico implements new educational assessment and support programs

Mexican educational authorities are deploying new assessment tools and materials, including Unicef-supported programs in Chihuahua and large-scale learning diagnostics in Hidalgo, to improve student outcomes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-implements-new-educational-assessment-and-support-programs

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Cite as: Mexican education system assessment and funding challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexican-education-system-assessment-and-funding-challenges