NYC Black Students Excelling On NYS Reading Tests

Adams, Aviles-Ramos Celebrate Test Score Data Showing Increased Proficiency

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos today celebrated newly-released test data from the state showing a substantial increase in reading and math scores for public school children, grades 3 through 8, in the 2024-2025 school year.

New York state data shows the overall percentage of New York City students meeting the state’s bar for English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency increased by 7.2 points since 2024, from 49.1 percent to 56.3 percent.

“These academic gains in English Language Arts and math are a testament to what’s possible when we invest in our young people and believe in their potential, and we are proud of our students, teachers, and the entire school community,” said Mayor Adams.

Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos said ” We are closing gaps, raising achievement in every borough, and making sure more students than ever are on track for long-term success. This is what happens when we stay focused on evidence-based instruction and never lose sight of what’s possible for our young people.”

This growth coincides with the full citywide implementation of NYC Reads, which Mayor Adams and then Chancellor David Banks launched in 2023 2023 to strengthen literacy.

In spring 2025, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Aviles-Ramos announced the expansion of NYC Reads and NYC Solves to an additional 186 schools across 14 districts, totaling over 490,000 students benefiting from this critical initiative.