Jeff Smink, interim executive director of The Education Trust–New York:
We are deeply concerned by the results of the 2022-23 New York State assessments for grades 3-8 that were released today. While the state’s shift to Next Generation Learning Standards makes it difficult to compare results with previous years, the data provides a troubling snapshot of student learning, particularly for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.
The Education Trust–New York is particularly concerned by student performance in 3rd grade English Language Arts (ELA) and 8th grade math, two critical indicators of future student success. For example, less than 40% of Black and Latino students scored proficient on the 3rd grade ELA and 8th grade math assessments. We urge state and local education leaders to address these priorities by providing all students with access to evidence-based instruction in math and literacy, diverse and effective educators, and a positive school climate, all of which help prepare students for postsecondary success.
Finally, we urge the New York State Department of Education to release state assessment results in a timelier and more transparent manner. Releasing this important statewide data over six months after the tests have been administered dilutes the value of assessments, making it difficult for schools to use the data to inform instruction and target resources to students most in need of support. It also limits the ability of parents and caregivers, and other education stakeholders to fully understand their school’s performance and hold state and district leaders accountable for student outcomes.