Despite an increase of seven points in state reading exams last year, test scores dropped six points in public schoolchildren this past spring, as reported by The New York Times.
The decline in reading proficiency was most drastic in grades 3-5. Third graders saw a nearly 14 % decline, fourth graders nearly 6 % and fifth graders by 13 %, as reported by Chalkbeat.
“These results raise important questions and deserve careful, rigorous analysis so we can ensure we’re measuring what students are learning,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels in a statement.
The decline in scores came after changes to the literacy instruction requirements which began during the 2023-2024 school year. NYC Reads was launched as a phased approach for K-5 students that included new curricula, as well as developmental screeners and assessment systems.
“You usually don’t see such dramatic swings from one year over to the next,” Executive Director of advocacy group EdTrust-New York Arlen Benjamin-Gomez told The New York Times. “This is more a reflection of something with the state assessment than it’s a reflection of student learning and growth.”
EdTrust-New York called for an independent audit of recent years of state testing data.
Only about half of New York City students among grades 3-8 demonstrated reading proficiency. Two-thirds of white and Asian students were proficient compared with only 36 % of Hispanic students and 42 % of Black students. Students who have had to learn English saw the largest dips, by nearly 10 percentage points, reported Chalkbeat.
“We have to refocus on what we know works in literacy — a clear plan, a tailored science of reading curriculum, and meaningful professional development for educators,” said Mary Vaccarro, vice president of the United Federation of Teachers in a statement.
The last year of implementation for the NYC Reads program is set to take place during the 2026-2027 school year.
Scores on math tests did not experience the same decline, as 57 % of children were proficient, a small increase compared to last year.
