News Summary
New York City’s education system struggles with low proficiency rates, with 71% of eighth-graders failing in reading and 77% in math. Despite a substantial budget of $41 billion for 815,000 students, concerns continue to rise about the effectiveness of funding and the focus on ideological priorities overshadowing academic performance. Statewide education spending has reached a record $89 billion, prompting debates about accountability and the necessity for educational reform. Governor Hochul supports increased funding and a ‘Back To Basics’ initiative amidst calls for improved outcomes.
New York City is grappling with significant shortcomings in its education system, as highlighted in a recent report examining the upcoming academic year. The findings reveal alarming statistics, with 71% of eighth-graders falling short of grade-level proficiency in reading and 77% failing in math. This situation has sparked intense debate, with some labeling it a “scandal” against the backdrop of educational funding that exceeds $41 billion for around 815,000 students.
The report raises questions about the efficacy of New York City’s Department of Education (DOE), which spends more per student than nearly anywhere else globally, yet has not seen a corresponding rise in academic achievements. With an average per-student spending of $36,293—a 21% increase since the 2020-21 school year—critics are becoming increasingly vocal about whether funding alone can address the persistent issues within the education system.
Despite the massive financial resources allocated to education, the DOE has encountered low academic performance that declines even further compared to national averages, particularly in key subjects. For instance, New York City ranked 32nd in fourth-grade reading and 22nd in eighth-grade math on a national scale. Moreover, in 2022, the state’s decline in reading and math scores was more pronounced than the national average, demonstrating a troubling trend during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chronic absenteeism is another pressing concern for the city’s schools, with rates soaring to 40% in 2022. This factor is thought to be linked to the DOE’s increasingly ideologically focused mission, which emphasizes concepts such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Notably, the DOE’s Vision and Mission statements prioritize teacher recognition and appreciation, while terminology related to traditional academic subjects is glaringly absent. This shift has led to criticism that the focus on critical race theory (CRT) and DEI is overshadowing essential academic priorities.
The performance of charter schools within the city highlights disparities in outcomes. For example, Success Academy charter schools reported 95% of black students passing New York state math tests, compared to only 43% in traditional DOE district schools. These results underscore existing critiques about the DOE’s approach to education and the need for reform.
Meanwhile, the state of New York is facing scrutiny for its overall education spending, which has reached a record $89 billion for the current academic year. Critics argue that simply increasing funding without implementing effective accountability measures will not resolve the entrenched issues within the state’s education system. New York state’s education budget allocates more than $39 billion specifically for education, yet challenges remain significant.
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed support for increasing educational funding while also advocating for measures aimed at improving outcomes, including a “Back To Basics” reading initiative. However, doubts linger about the state’s accountability measures, particularly the absence of a directly appointed education commissioner, raising questions about governance within the education sector.
The State Education Department defends its funding levels by stating they provide vital resources to support students with disabilities and special needs. Nevertheless, as the new academic year approaches, the overwhelming focus on ideological components within the DOE continues to overshadow the pressing need for explicit academic improvements, thus maintaining a climate of uncertainty regarding the future of education in New York City.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New York City Schools Enforce Smartphone Ban
New York Introduces Cellphone Ban in Schools
Controversy Surrounds Zohran Mamdani’s Education Policies
The Evolution and Growth of Golf: A Global Perspective
New York Businesses Achieve Notable Revenue Growth Driven by AI
Evergreen Public Schools Remains Closed Amid Ongoing Strike
Roxbury Elementary School Temporarily Closed Due to Asbestos Concerns
Dubuque School Board Considers Jefferson Middle School Closure
El Paso County School District 8 Cancels Board Election
Lawsuit Against Ursuline High School Alleges Hazing and Assault
Additional Resources
- News10: NY Schools Lag Tech Skills
- Wikipedia: Education in New York City
- CBS News: Best High Schools in New York
- Google Search: New York City education challenges
- NY Post: New York State Education Spending
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- NY Times: COVID Learning Losses
- Google News: NYC school performance statistics
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
