On August 20, initial data for New York State test scores for the 2023-2024 academic year was announced, with the final assessments from the State Department of Education expected by November. While the review and verification process is still ongoing, parents and students can currently access their scores.
The preliminary results reveal that the proficiency rates for students in grades three through eight in traditional public and charter schools are at 46% for English Language Arts (ELA) and 52% for math. This year’s math scores have remained steady compared to last year, but reading proficiency has dipped from 48% to 46%. Additionally, the average passing rate for fifth and eighth graders in science stands at 35%.
There is notable variation in passing rates across different grades. In reading assessments, eighth graders performed best with a passing rate of 52%, while third graders recorded the lowest at 43%. In math, fourth graders achieved a passing rate of 58%, in contrast to only 41% for eighth graders, creating a significant 17 percentage point gap.
Judy Yang, co-founder of PLACE NYC and a public school parent, voiced her concerns regarding the stagnant competency rates hovering around 50%. “If the overall passing rate were 80%, then we as parents would feel assured that most schools are performing well. But with the current rate at just half, it suggests that many schools are falling short of their responsibilities.” Regarding the decline in reading scores, Yang speculated that the influx of new immigrants—many of whom are English learners—could be affecting the results. She also highlighted the new reading initiative, “NYC Reads,” as a potential factor, stressing the need for a more detailed report for a thorough analysis.
The State Department of Education has shared preliminary data for reading and math assessments for grades three through eight, along with the fifth and eighth grade science assessments, with schools and districts. This information will aid schools in communicating assessment results to parents and will inform teaching decisions and personalized learning plans for the 2024-25 academic year. It is important to note that data and statistics may change once the review and verification process is completed.
