NYC Students' Reading Scores Drop 6 Points as Literacy Revamp Loses Last Year's Gains
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 7
NYC Students' Reading Scores Drop 6 Points as Literacy Revamp Loses Last Year's Gains
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 7
Summary
About half of New York City public school students were proficient on spring reading exams, after scores fell 6 points and nearly erased last year’s 7-point gain.
Third-grade scores dropped 14 points and fifth-grade scores fell 13, making the setback especially severe in key elementary grades after the city overhauled literacy instruction.
The decline stretched across the city and left achievement gaps wide: roughly two-thirds of white and Asian students were proficient, versus 36% of Hispanic students and 42% of Black students.
Math results were steadier, with 57% of students proficient and a small increase, while city officials said statewide reading declines were also sharp and promised a full review.
Education experts urged leaders to keep pressing ahead with literacy reforms, and officials pointed to modest gains on the district’s own reading tests as a sign students may still be improving.