Calls for Enhanced Literacy Curriculum in New York
ALBANY – Criticism is mounting against the state Department of Education for not effectively adopting a more contemporary approach to literacy education. A lawmaker from Brooklyn, Rep. Bobby Carroll, is drawing attention to the issue, especially as states like Mississippi report impressive increases in reading proficiency, placing them ahead of New York.
Carroll is urging the Department of Education to mandate that schools statewide implement a phonics-focused curriculum, sometimes referred to as the science of reading. A recent report indicates that many districts in New York are still relying on dated and ineffective teaching methods.
“In addition to Mississippi, states like Connecticut and Virginia are already embracing this sensible approach. New York should be setting the standard, not lagging behind,” Carroll expressed in a statement.
“Every child in New York deserves a proper reading education, and it’s time for the state Department of Education to fulfill that responsibility.”
The Education Trust New York, an advocacy group, analyzed the situation and found that about a third of school districts are still working with outdated curricula that utilize a so-called “balanced” literacy instruction method.
Meanwhile, New York’s fourth-grade reading scores on the national NAEP test have plateaued in recent years and may even drop below the national average by 2022. In contrast, Mississippi’s rankings have drastically improved, climbing from 46th place in 2017 to 7th place in 2024.
Despite spending around $36,000 per student—91% above the national average—New York was ranked 26th in 2024 according to one study.
However, the state’s growing educational bureaucracy is reportedly taking steps to improve the situation, beginning with teacher training and phased implementation of science-aligned reading instruction methods, such as the Path Forward Initiative.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Education defended the existing efforts, stating that while comparisons with other states might have political utility, they overlook the substantial evidence-based work already underway to enhance literacy instruction in New York. The spokesperson highlighted that classrooms in New York are diverse, and effective instruction must cater to varying student needs.
“A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” they insisted, emphasizing the department’s position that local school districts should choose their curricula without imposed mandates.
Last year, Governor Cathy Hochul also advocated for the adoption of a science-based reading curriculum, providing a $10 million grant to support the state teachers’ union. Additionally, New York City schools have initiated the NYC Reads program to advance phonics-based literacy teaching.
