NEW YORK–StudentsFirstNY today responded to the release of New York City’s math and ELA test scores for grades 3-8. The results revealed shocking racial disparities in our city’s school system; while over 75% of Asian American students, and 70% of white students passed their math exams, only 34% of Black students and 36% of Latino students did the same. The results for reading were similar; 72% of Asian students and 70% of white students passed, compared to 40% of Black students and 39% of Latino students.
Last month, StudentsFirstNY Executive Director Crystal McQueen-Taylor and Bronx parent Unique Jackson co-wrote an op-ed that highlighted the power and promise of NYC Public Schools’s new reading approach, New York City Reads.
StudentsFirstNY Executive Director Crystal McQueen-Taylor: “When less than half of Black and Latino students are passing their reading exams, it’s clearly time for a new approach. New York City Reads, which is informed by proven, research-backed strategies to give teachers dynamic new tools for their students, is an immensely promising step forward. The curriculum’s renewed focus on building students’ decoding skills, in particular, will support English language learners and students whose families have come to New York to seek asylum.
I’m encouraged to see Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks attacking this crisis with the urgency our city’s families and students deserve.”
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StudentsFirstNY is a grassroots education advocacy organization dedicated to improving public school options throughout New York State.
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