Rising test scores in New York City's schools during the first complete academic year of the newly implemented literacy programs.
In 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced a transformation of New York City's reading curriculum, known as NYC Reads. The new mandate emphasizes scientifically proven practices such as phonics and vocabulary development, grounded in the science of reading[1][5].
The city-approved reading programs, now required in all elementary schools, have shown measurable gains. By mid-2025, English Language Arts proficiency increased by 7.2 percentage points across grades 3–8, with especially strong improvements in grades 3 and 5[1][3][5].
The reform includes a parallel math curriculum initiative called NYC Solves, but for literacy, the focus is on embedding science-backed phonics instruction and vocabulary enhancement in the curricula[1][3][5].
The key scientifically supported practices emphasized in NYC’s 2023 literacy curriculum overhaul are: - Systematic, phonics-based reading instruction - Strengthened vocabulary teaching based on reading science - Use of approved, evidence-based curricula reflecting the science of reading principles
These changes represent a major shift from prior approaches that focused on methods like finding context clues and pictures to guess definitions, which have since been disproven[2].
However, the implementation of the new curricula has not been without criticism. Some teachers have criticized the new reading program for being overly demanding and strict, while others have said they have not received enough support[3]. Additionally, teachers have said the content is boring for many students[4].
Despite these concerns, the results have been promising. Scores in reading and writing rose 7.2 points from last year, with 56.3% of students in grades 3 through 8 proficient[1]. These gains are proof that initiatives like NYC Reads and NYC Solves are delivering for students and closing gaps[6].
However, the test scores showed prevailing inequality among scores, with Black students showing the largest gains of any racial group but still significantly lower than other demographic groups' results[7]. This underscores the need for greater support for disadvantaged students[8].
Kim Sweet, executive director of Advocates for Children of New York, said the test scores are a "promising sign" of change in New York City schools[9]. Michael Mulgrew, president of the New York City teachers' union, attributed the increase in test scores to teachers and students' efforts[10].
The city rolled out the new reading curricula in 15 school districts in the 2023-24 academic year and in all schools the following year[5]. Aviles-Ramos added that the new curricula aim to support all students and equalize education across the city[5].
References: 1. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dial-911/news/press-releases/2025/05/27/mayor-adams-chancellor-rogers-announce-record-high-citywide-test-scores-in-reading-and-math 2. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/nyregion/nyc-schools-reading-curriculum.html 3. https://www.chalkbeat.org/2024/05/27/nyc-schools-reading-curriculum-criticism 4. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-the-new-york-city-reading-curriculum-is-a-miss-for-many-students/2024/05 5. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dme/programs/nyc-reads.page 6. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/nyregion/nyc-schools-test-scores-record-high.html 7. https://www.nyc.gov/site/dme/data-research/school-performance/school-report-cards.page 8. https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/05/27/nyc-schools-test-scores-disadvantaged-students 9. https://www.advocatesforchildren.org/news/2025/05/27/nyc-schools-test-scores-show-promising-signs-of-change 10. https://www.nycschools.net/offices/union-affairs/president-message/2025/05/27/test-scores-reflect-teachers-and-students-efforts-to-raise-achievement-levels
Education and self-development continue to be prioritized in New York City's 2023 literacy curriculum revamp. The focus is on embedding science-backed phonics instruction and vocabulary enhancement into the city-approved reading programs, with a goal of equalizing education across the city.
Contemporary practices like systematic, phonics-based reading instruction and strengthened vocabulary teaching based on reading science are key components of this reform, aiming to address gaps in literacy proficiency across racial and demographic groups.
