Boosting Math and Reading Scores: NYC Students Thrive with New Standards – My MBA Career

Last Updated on October 5, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Achievement on State Tests Soars for NYC Public School Students; Critics Raise Concerns

New York City public school students have achieved remarkable improvements in their scores for state tests in both math and reading, indicating a positive trend in education. This news comes with the release of the spring assessment results, revealing a rise in English Language Arts (ELA) and math proficiency among students.

In a report by city officials, it was revealed that the percentage of students achieving proficiency in ELA rose from 49% in 2022 to an impressive 51.7% in 2023. Additionally, math scores also saw a significant increase, with proficiency levels rising from 37.9% in 2022 to 49.9% in 2023.

Schools Chancellor David Banks applauded the overall progress of students, mentioning that more students are now meeting the state’s learning standards. Banks emphasized the important strides made by historically underserved groups, such as students of color, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.

However, the report highlighted a concerning decrease in sixth-grade proficiency rates for ELA, dropping from 56.3% to 47.8%. Education experts urge skepticism when interpreting this data, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the previous year’s scores and the recent adjustment in standards.

Critics argue that the bar for proficiency was artificially lowered in March when the Board of Regents adjusted the standards. They raise concerns about the validity and reliability of the assessments, suggesting that the improvements may not accurately reflect student progress.

Zach Warner, assistant commissioner of the office of state assessment, provided an alternate perspective, suggesting that the changes to standards may have resulted in better instruction or improved support for students. This could explain the significant improvements seen in ELA and math scores across the city.

Chancellor Banks has prioritized boosting test scores and has been using low proficiency scores in reading to highlight the literacy crisis in NYC’s public schools. The latest results imply that his efforts are bearing fruit, particularly in schools that have implemented new literacy curricula early on.

As the city continues to analyze and interpret the disparities found within the results, these scores ultimately remind us of the ongoing challenges faced by students and educators alike. The newly released data serves as a starting point for future discussions on how to improve the educational experience of every student in the city’s public school system.