City’s math scores improve slightly; reading dips reflect transition to new curricula

August 21, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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CITYWIDE — NYC Public Schools students’ math and reading scores improved nominally during the 2023-24 school year, according to NY State test score data for grades 3-8 released Wednesday, Aug. 21. Screener data from kindergarten through second grade was also released for this school year. Even with only rounded percentages available, the NYC Public Schools’ analysis shows that math scores are up by 3.5 points, increasing from 49.9% proficient in 2023 to 53.4% in 2024. Comparatively, the state saw math scores increase by 1.7 points, with NYC math proficiency rates now surpassing those for the state. The aforementioned K-2 math screener date shows a 0.7 point increase across all three grades. Reading in grades K-2 increased by 1.8 points according to nationally used assessments administered in the spring of 2024 compared to the spring of the prior year. This improvement in critical grades for literacy means that now 38.2% of students K-2 are above the national median score.

However, offsetting this progress was a 2.6 point decrease in proficiency in English Language Arts, mirroring trends seen across the state. This decrease follows a pattern in states that have undertaken new literacy strategies like NYC Reads, and “NYC Solves,” which Mayor Eric Adams launched over the past year. The decrease is attributed to the necessary transition time for educators to receive training and develop curricula for the new programs.

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