The teaching-learning system in the Big Apple’s public schools is changing. This Monday the City announced the launch of NYC Solves, an initiative to standardize performance in mathematics skills, based on proven techniques so that students in the Big Apple public education system can increase their levels. , historically lagging behind other school districts.
This coming fall, 93 middle schools in eight districts and 420 high schools in all five boroughs will use the new curriculum plan, supported by intensive training and new instructional materials, which teachers are already receiving.
The curriculum has been reviewed and recommended by EdReports, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization, and will be implemented by school leaders, core staff with expertise in mathematics, special education, and multilingual learners, as well as subject matter specialists from each district.
This announcement comes after some unflattering data about education in New York. Statewide, only 47.8% of high school students meet proficiency standards on math tests, with a 37-point gap between white and black students, and a 34-point gap between white and Latino students in the city. .
Based on figures from the New York City Department of Education (DOE), two-thirds of black and Latino students are not performing at grade level in mathematics, and students in temporary housing and other students, who have formal gaps in their education, they may be left behind by moving to a new school with a different curriculum.
A new equation
However, as educational authorities highlight in a report, “last year, math proficiency rates increased by 12 percentage points. Given this unprecedented increase in the performance of this subject, it is also announced that work will be expanded specifically in ninth grade algebra.”
Mayor Eric Adams and City Public Schools Chancellor David C. Banks unveiled their vision for the future of schools, building on the initial success of “NYC Reads,” a training program for reading techniques.
Figures shown at the beginning of the last school year reveal that 51% of all students in the city’s public primary schools are not adequately competent to read.
But if you check the figures for Hispanic students: 63% do not have adequate levels of reading and writing.
Now, through NYC Solves, schools will take a problem-solving approach that encourages students to explore multiple strategies, fostering deeper understanding and combating a persistent problem: fear of math.
“As someone who suffers from dyslexia, I can empathize with any student who is struggling in school. But the equation we announce today is simple: when good policies are made, the net result will always be positive. Over the past two years, we have built a long history of achievement, but we are just beginning to create a better future for our students and families,” said Adams.
Additionally, the Adams administration also announced the creation of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL), a new division that will focus on supporting multilingual students and students with disabilities.
This new division will create comprehensive educational experiences for every student, regardless of background or ability, that prepare them to graduate and achieve long-term economic security.
Strategies for special children
The idea of DIAL is to expand bilingual programs and strategies for students with autism. It will streamline the process of getting specialized services to students and build skills for all educators in the city’s public schools.
Certain strategies that have proven effective such as Autism Nest, Horizon and Path, which have a 95 percent graduation rate of participants, will now continue under the supervision of this new office.
“Regardless of disability or level of English proficiency, we are committed to providing children with services to help them excel academically and in life. “We are proud to follow the innovative launch of ‘NYC Reads’ with ‘NYC Solves’, reinventing education in the Big Apple,” said the Chancellor of Schools.
More schools:
- 9 new schools will open for the 2024-2025 school year in the Big Apple, adding more than 26,000 classroom seats through major construction and modernization projects.