Reading scores fell sharply in New York City last school year, with a 14 percentage points decline among third graders and about a 6 percentage points drop for students in grades 3‑8, according to preliminary data. Math proficiency remained flat at 57%.

The steep declines come during the city’s fourth year of a major literacy overhaul, requiring all elementary schools to use approved curricula aligned with the science of reading, while many middle schools are also adopting new programs. Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels said the results raise important questions and deserve careful analysis.

The city teachers union supports the elementary reading changes but criticizes the Education Department’s approach; union Vice President Mary Vaccaro argues the department abandoned proven methods and piled on extra programs and assessments. Mayor Zohran Mamdani pledged to double down on literacy and math curriculum reforms.

Experts note the swings are unusual; Harvard’s Andrew Ho says the state exams are carefully constructed, while Ed Trust‑New York calls for an independent audit of the past three years. Disparities are evident: Asian American and white proficiency fell about 8 percentage points, Black students down 5 points, Latino 6 points, students with disabilities 22%, and English learners 10 points.