{
  "id": 192425,
  "title": "New York reading scores plunge on state tests while math proficiency edges up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/new-york-reading-scores-plunge-on-state-tests-while-math-proficiency",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T21:12:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Chalkbeat",
    "slug": "chalkbeat",
    "url": "https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2026/08/05/new-york-state-test-scores-reading-drop-math-2025/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New York state students' reading proficiency declined by 5 percentage points to 48% proficiency on 2025 state exams, according to preliminary results obtained by Chalkbeat. Math scores, however, increased slightly to 57% proficiency. The substantial reading drop, particularly in grades 3-5, raised concerns among experts who noted abrupt changes are uncommon. Fifth grade reading proficiency dropped 14 percentage points, the largest decline among any grade level. State officials acknowledged the decline and promised a thorough analysis to identify areas needing additional support. While test score fluctuations could stem from test changes, experts believe the data likely reflects true changes in student achievement. Nonetheless, policymakers should heed the reading decline, especially given lingering pandemic learning disruptions, and consider additional tutoring and support measures.",
  "summary": "Reading proficiency plunged across New York state last school year while math scores ticked up slightly, according to preliminary state test results obtained by Chalkbeat. About 48% of students across the state were proficient in reading on the 2025 state exams…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}