NEW YORK—Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein reported on Monday that New York City elementary and middle school students improved in 2009 statewide standardized math tests. There were substantial improvements noted among all grade levels.
Since statewide testing for grades 3 through 8 began, the achievement gap between New York City students and the rest of the state shrank by 7.1 percent points. The gap in 2006 was 13.6 points. During the same period, the total number of students who met or exceeded math standards increased drastically. Those scoring the lowest also dropped dramatically. Among New York City 3rd graders, 91.4 percent have met or exceeded math standards this year. It’s the first time a percentage so high has been reported for any grade level.
“The idea of New York City students performing nearly on par with the rest of New York State would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” said Mayor Bloomberg during a press event on the results. “New York City is now proof that you shouldn’t have to choose between living in a big city and sending your children to excellent public schools.” Bloomberg added that the changes are a result of putting children first and holding schools accountable.
Black and Hispanic students achieved the greatest progress this year by significantly narrowing racial and ethnic achievement gaps. The gap between black and white 4th graders was reduced by 19.5 points since 2002. The gap between Hispanic and white 4th graders has decreased by 18.7 points since 2002. Among the 8th graders, the gap between black and white students has also narrowed, whereas the gap between Hispanic and white students has shrunk by 15.3 points since 2002.
The number of English as second language students in grades 3-8 who met or exceeded the math standards rose to by almost two thirds. The fraction of English-proficient students meeting or exceeding math standards also expanded to 84.1 percent from 76.8 percent in 2008 and 60.4 percent in 2006.
Substantial improvement was noted among students with disabilities. There was a more than 10 percent increase among special education students who met or exceeded math standards in 2009. The number of general education students meeting or exceeding these standards went up by 7 percent.
“I want to congratulate principals, teachers, and parents, who all played a critical role in helping our students continue the remarkable progress they have made since 2002,” stated Chancellor Klein. “All of our students are making progress, and we’re continuing to narrow the shameful racial and ethnic achievement gap, especially in eighth grade, where it has been the most persistent.”
He went on to add that the new statistics are proof that striving for excellence has worked.
“Today’s results show statewide gains is a testament to their relentless focus on raising academic standards across the State over the last several years,” added Klein.
Since statewide testing for grades 3 through 8 began, the achievement gap between New York City students and the rest of the state shrank by 7.1 percent points. The gap in 2006 was 13.6 points. During the same period, the total number of students who met or exceeded math standards increased drastically. Those scoring the lowest also dropped dramatically. Among New York City 3rd graders, 91.4 percent have met or exceeded math standards this year. It’s the first time a percentage so high has been reported for any grade level.
“The idea of New York City students performing nearly on par with the rest of New York State would have been unthinkable just a few years ago,” said Mayor Bloomberg during a press event on the results. “New York City is now proof that you shouldn’t have to choose between living in a big city and sending your children to excellent public schools.” Bloomberg added that the changes are a result of putting children first and holding schools accountable.
Black and Hispanic students achieved the greatest progress this year by significantly narrowing racial and ethnic achievement gaps. The gap between black and white 4th graders was reduced by 19.5 points since 2002. The gap between Hispanic and white 4th graders has decreased by 18.7 points since 2002. Among the 8th graders, the gap between black and white students has also narrowed, whereas the gap between Hispanic and white students has shrunk by 15.3 points since 2002.
The number of English as second language students in grades 3-8 who met or exceeded the math standards rose to by almost two thirds. The fraction of English-proficient students meeting or exceeding math standards also expanded to 84.1 percent from 76.8 percent in 2008 and 60.4 percent in 2006.
Substantial improvement was noted among students with disabilities. There was a more than 10 percent increase among special education students who met or exceeded math standards in 2009. The number of general education students meeting or exceeding these standards went up by 7 percent.
“I want to congratulate principals, teachers, and parents, who all played a critical role in helping our students continue the remarkable progress they have made since 2002,” stated Chancellor Klein. “All of our students are making progress, and we’re continuing to narrow the shameful racial and ethnic achievement gap, especially in eighth grade, where it has been the most persistent.”
He went on to add that the new statistics are proof that striving for excellence has worked.
“Today’s results show statewide gains is a testament to their relentless focus on raising academic standards across the State over the last several years,” added Klein.
