E4E-New York Celebrates New York City Public Schools’Unprecedented ELA and Math State Test Score Growth

Marielys Divanne, Executive Director of Educators for Excellence-New York, issued the following statement in response to today’s announced 3.5 and 7 point increases in the percentage of New York City students proficient in math and reading, demonstrating the impact of the NYC Reads and Solves initiatives:

“Following last month’s historic improvements in local screener data, today’s state test results deliver another resounding proof point of the impact of NYC Reads and NYC Solves in New York City Public Schools. From educator surveys, local screeners, and now, state test scores, the evidence is stacking up, and it all points in the same direction: these initiatives aren’t just working–they’re transforming outcomes for New York City students, energizing educators, and giving parents real reason to celebrate as we head into the new school year.

“In just one to two years, at a time when most districts are experiencing growing pains with curricular shifts and continuing to battle post-pandemic academic declines, New York City is defying expectations with astounding progress. In the past year alone, the percentage of New York City’s students who are proficient readers grew by seven points, and the percentage meeting the bar for math proficiency grew by 3.5 points. Growth at this rate in such a short period is unheard of, and New York City students now show higher proficiency than do students statewide.

“Progress in elementary reading, where much of NYC Reads’ work has taken place, is especially promising, with thirteen- and fifteen-point increases in proficiency rates in third and fifth grade. NYC Reads has fostered proficient elementary school readers, laying the foundation for even greater growth in the future. 

“Smaller but still substantial improvements in middle school math proficiency–one point in seventh grade and five in eighth–are also a positive sign for the brand-new NYC Solves initiative that kicked off in middle and high schools this year. And, the staggering progress from the more established Reads initiative is a positive sign for the future of Solves’ impact. 

“This success is a direct result of the city’s proactive and dedicated approach to continuous improvement, driven by engagement with educators, and it’s clearly paying off. It’s also a testament to the thousands of educators whose hard work, expertise, and commitment have made NYC Reads and NYC Solves a reality. Their voices have directly shaped these initiatives through E4E-led focus groups, surveys, and conversations held with Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. E4E members have fueled this success, and their continued feedback is essential to sustaining and scaling these initiatives. 

“This is just the beginning, and we can’t take our foot off the gas. We must continue to expand and strengthen NYC Reads and NYC Solves, guaranteeing every educator has the resources to ensure every student—especially our most vulnerable—benefits from this transformative work. 

“As the mayoral election approaches, candidates must unequivocally commit to building on this progress by securing baseline funding for educator training, expanding to more grade levels, and using continuous educator feedback to drive ongoing improvements. Today’s results are an inspiring start; now we must ensure this momentum is not lost.”

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