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Reading scores in NYC show signs of improvement following Adams’ literacy overhaul
By
Jessica Gould
Published Aug 11, 2025
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NYC Mayor's Office
By
Jessica Gould
Published Aug 11, 2025
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City officials are touting an increase in newly released state test scores in reading and math as a sign that the Adams administration’s overhaul of literacy and math instruction is beginning to pay off.
New York City students’ reading scores spiked 7.2 points in grades 3 through 8, with 56.3% of those students testing proficient on the state reading exams.
In math, third through eighth graders gained 3.5 points over last year, with 56.9% scoring proficient.
“These academic gains in English Language Arts and math are a testament to what’s possible when we invest in our young people and believe in their potential,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a release.
Still, more than 40% of city students scored below the proficiency targets in both reading and math.
Adams has made reforming literacy instruction his administration’s top educational priority, placing a stronger emphasis on phonics in the earliest grades, and requiring elementary schools and middle schools to adopt one of several education department-approved English Language Arts curricula.
The shift is part of a broader movement to adopt literacy strategies that are based on research about what works best for kids, which is often referred to as the “Science of Reading.” That includes a strong emphasis on phonics, vocabulary and comprehension, and a move away from disproven methods, such as encouraging students to guess at words from context clues and pictures. Some of those strategies were dominant in city classrooms for decades.
The administration has also rolled out new mandates for math, including vetted curricula for middle and high school.
Some teachers have criticized the new curricula, calling the reading material rigid while saying students lack the background information they need to be successful with the math lessons. Many teachers have also said they need more training and support to be successful.
Last year, reading scores dipped following the introduction of new materials. At the time, officials said the dip was likely due to growing pains as educators and students adjusted to new methods. Officials said this year, schools that have been using the new reading materials longer showed the biggest gains.
New York City’s students scored slightly above the statewide average of 53% in reading and 55% in math for students in grades 3 through 8.
Kim Sweet, executive director of the nonprofit Advocates for Children, said the state test scores are “a promising sign that real change is beginning to take root in classrooms across the City, while also driving home the need to go further.”
All subgroups of students, sorted by race and disability, saw gains, but Black and Hispanic students’ scores continue to lag behind white and Asian students’ scores.
Sweet said it’s essential that students who struggle to read receive targeted support, and added that she hopes the next mayoral administration remains committed to the reading reforms underway.
Officials said the scores show it’s important to remain committed to the changes, promising even more improvement as the reforms take root.
“The gains we’re seeing are proof that initiatives like NYC Reads and NYC Solves are delivering for our children,” Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles Ramos said.
Tagged
education
eric adams
new york city
Jessica Gould
Jessica is the education reporter for WNYC and Gothamist. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jessica reported on the shutdown and reopening of the nation’s largest school system, highlighting the unprecedented impacts on learning, health and mental health for students, staff and families. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
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