NEW YORK, NY — EdTrust-New York notes that there are statewide gains in reading and math proficiency on the 2024–25 Statewide Assessments. However, we remain deeply concerned that overall proficiency rates are alarmingly low and that persistent and unacceptable outcome gaps continue between White and Asian students and their Black and Latinx peers.
Statewide, just over half (53%) of students in grades 3-8 reached proficiency in reading, and just 57% reached proficiency in math. In addition, only 36% of Black students and 37% of Latinx students reached proficiency in 8th grade math, compared to 55% of White students and 71% of Asian students. In 3rd grade reading, 49% of Black students and 44% of Latinx students were proficient, compared to 59% of White students and 71% of Asian students.
We are equally troubled by the alarmingly low proficiency rates in historically underserved districts such as Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse, districts the state has long failed to adequately support.
The results on two key indicators of future student success, 3rd grade reading and 8th grade math, underscore the severity of the problem. In Rochester, only 22% of 3rd graders are proficient in reading, and just 4% of 8th graders are proficient in math.
Although the overall scores suggest some progress, we continue to question whether these results accurately reflect students’ true academic performance. Data from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows that New York’s 4th and 8th graders remain below pre-pandemic performance in both reading and math, with state performance declining or stagnating for more than 25 years. The state has not enacted comprehensive policy changes or invested in major new strategies that could realistically produce the substantial jumps reflected in this year’s assessment results.
We are encouraged by recent district level data showing measurable progress. Well-implemented initiatives, like NYC Reads, typically take several years to yield results, and New York City’s data already reflects that progress.
Despite these concerns, we applaud educators and students for their hard work and appreciate that NYSED credits the improved scores to increased state support for proven practices such as evidence-based instructional materials and sustained, high-quality professional development for educators.
New York’s leaders must act with far greater urgency. EdTrust-New York urges the state to strengthen and expand its commitment to evidence-based practices in next year’s budget. This must include an $80 million investment in strategies that we know improve student achievement: micro credentials in the science of reading, universal reading screening, high impact tutoring in math and reading, math coaching, and automatic enrollment for qualified 8th graders in Algebra 1.
New York cannot afford half measures. The state must confront these disparities head-on and deliver the rigorous, research-driven supports all students deserve.
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About EdTrust-New York
EdTrust-New York is dedicated to eliminating equity and opportunity gaps that hinder students from reaching their full potential. We focus on ensuring that students of color, including Black, Latinx, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander students, and those from low-income backgrounds achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college. For more information, visit EdTrustNY.org.