According to recent data, nearly half of young New Yorkers are still struggling with standardized tests in math and English. The state Department of Education published its annual report card for students in grades 3 through 8, revealing that just 53% were deemed “proficient” in English.
Math scores fared slightly better, with 57% achieving proficiency in the 2024-25 school year, as per the data released on Thursday.
The Department of Education operates with a budget of around $40 billion. This figure is similar to the New York City Department of Education, which stands at $42.8 billion, and they spend about $36,293 for each student—yet performance remains a concern.
Still, officials celebrated a five-point increase in both ELA and math scores for third to eighth graders compared to the previous year.
“Today’s results reflect the school’s challenges and progress and reaffirm the importance of the work being done through NY Inspires,” said President Lester W. Young Jr. in a statement accompanying the report card.
He emphasized, “Our commitment is unwavering: Every student in New York deserves access to rigorous instruction, quality learning materials, and outstanding educators.”
However, when looking at the National Assessment of Educational Progress—often referred to as the “nation’s report card”—only 22% of fourth graders and 26% of eighth graders in New York reached reading proficiency. Math proficiency was even lower, with just 29% of fourth graders and 18% of eighth graders meeting the standard.
The results didn’t show much change compared to the last dataset from 2022. An exception was in the state science test, where a notable jump was observed. This year, 51% of fifth and eighth graders achieved a proficient score, which is an increase from 35% the previous school year.
In the city, results are a bit more promising, with 56.3% of third- through eighth-graders reaching proficiency in ELA and 56.9% in math for the 2024-25 year, according to August’s data.
Yet, in science, the city falls short at only 48% proficiency among fifth and eighth graders, although this is an increase from 41% the previous year.
As New Yorkers look ahead to Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani taking office, many are questioning the direction of the city’s education system. Mamdani has voiced opposition to the mayor’s control over the vast public school system and to the expansion of charter schools.
The charter schools in the city have shown higher performance, with 67.5% of students proficient in ELA and 68.6% in math, according to the data.
Aaron Paras, a professor at Columbia Teachers College, commented on the situation, saying, “There are signs of improvement in some areas, but we’re still not where we need to be.”
Although he expressed cautious optimism for gradual, consistent improvements in coming years, Paras pointed out that achieving “100% reading comprehension” for young students before third grade remains a pressing challenge. He highlighted initiatives like NYC Reads and NYC Solves, which focus on fostering early skill development.
“I’m intrigued by the possibility of sustaining these curriculum efforts under the new administration,” Paras remarked.
