Each spring, schools administer the state standardized exams in reading and math to third- through eighth-graders. Fifth- and eighth-graders also take science exams.
The 2024 state exams were only the second batch to follow the implementation of the state's Next Generation Learning Standards, established after revisions from the controversial Common Core curriculum.
And schools across the city and state more widely made use of computer-based testing, with all of the city's fifth- and eighth-graders swapping out paper exams for the digital model. That change came as part of the state's multiyear phase-in of computer-based testing.
Families can view their students' test scores in their NYC Schools Account or at NYC Open Data.
Math scores
Though New York state has thus far only provided rounded percentages, an analysis of the city performance shows that math scores were up by 3.5 points, increasing from 49.9% proficient in 2023 to 53.4% in 2024, according to an announcement by the city.
Comparatively, New York state saw overall math scores increase by 1.7 points. And city math proficiency rates now surpass those for the state, the announcement said.
Additionally, math screener data for grades K-2 shows a 0.7 point increase across all three grades.
City analysis also shows that reading scores in grades K-2 increased by 1.8 points, according to nationally used assessments administered in spring 2024 compared to the spring of the prior year.
This promising improvement in critical grades for literacy means that now 38.2% of students K-2 are above the national median score.
English scores
In grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) there was a 2.6 point decrease in proficiency, mirroring trends seen across the state, the announcement said.
This decrease follows a pattern in states that have undertaken new literacy strategies like NYC Reads, with high-quality curricula based in the Science of Reading accompanied by extensive coaching and support for educators.
On Staten Island, NYC Reads will be put in play in September.
It was first launched at the start of the 2023-2024 school year in several districts across the city.
Starting next month, Staten Island students will begin to learn the new curriculum, the Advance/SILive.com recently reported.
It is being implemented over two years, streamlining and enhancing curricular resources in early childhood and elementary classrooms, as well as high school algebra courses. The primary goal is to ensure every child is on grade level no later than the third grade.
"Our students, families, and educators deserve congratulations for their hard work, reflected in improved math proficiency and promising early literacy data," said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks in the announcement. "The successful implementation of NYC Solves and NYC Reads is setting the foundation for continued progress in the coming years."
Significant change does not happen overnight, he said. "And the slight decline in ELA test scores represents a transitional period as our school system adjusts to a new method of instruction," he added.
He said Phase 1 of NYC Reads was in about half of city school districts last year, and the plan is to add it to the remaining districts is Phase 2 this fall. "While challenges remain in higher grades, our early successes signal that we are on the right path to enhancing student achievement across the board‚" the chancellor said.
After a strong first year of NYC Reads with 98% of Phase 1 classrooms using the new curriculum, and principals embracing the challenge, there are strong indicators that there will be significant gains in future years, the announcement said.
Good reviews for NYC Reads
Eighty-one percent of NYC Reads Phase 1 principals and 70% of Phase 2 principals have reported satisfaction with curriculum, and 77% of Phase 1 and 2 principals have reported receiving adequate support in ELA instruction, according to the city announcement.
Educators are sharing anecdotal evidence of students who are grasping the material much more quickly than expected, the announcement said. Additionally, regular literacy screening data shows improvement across grades K through 2.
In 2023, Mayor Eric Adams launched NYC Reads, a major citywide campaign to strengthen literacy based on the science of reading in half of the city's elementary schools and 90% of early childhood programs.
In 2024, Adams announced "NYC Solves," a major citywide initiative to raise math achievement so all students graduate with strong math skills.
© 2024 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
