How have reading curriculums changed in the NYC DOE ?

In response to low reading proficiency levels citywide, Mayor Eric Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks have launched the NYCReads initiative. This program mandates significant curriculum changes in K-5 schools. Some districts are also beginning to make significant changes to middle school curriculums.  

All NYC K-5 schools are now mandated to use one of three NYC DOE-chosen reading curriculums. Each district superintendent chose one of three curricula; EL, HMH Into Reading, or Wit and Wisdom. Half of NYC K-5 schools were designated Phase One, and required to implement a new curriculum starting in September 2023. The rest of NYC K-5 schools were in Phase Two, and began to implement their district’s chosen new curriculum in September 2024.

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What is the science of reading? (SOR)

In its academic meaning, “science of reading” refers to a body of research on how best to teach kids to read. It includes specific word reading instruction, phonics, and phonemic awareness in the primary grades, and a focus on vocabulary, comprehension, and fostering engagement across all grades. 

SOR suggests the best ways to teach reading, but it is not a curriculum. It does not specify content or books to be used. SOR does recommend that any approach to literacy be student-centered, culturally responsive, inclusive, and rigorous.

For a brief and clear explanation of what SOR is, and what it is NOT, please see here for NYSED Science of Reading Brief #1 and Brief #2.

What research supports the use of these curricula?

DOE officials have repeatedly claimed that they chose three “high quality, evidence-backed curricu[la].”

The claim that these curricula are “high quality” is based on their green rating by EdReports. EdReports green ratings have been shown to be problematic and not a reliable indicator of quality (Wexler, 2024). 

Regarding the claim that HMH is “evidence-backed,” there are no peer-reviewed, rigorous academic studies to support the claim that

The only study done was a commissioned report on grades 3 and 5 in a small suburban district with significantly different demographics than NYC. The study lasted only a few months and was terminated mid-way due to COVID. Rigorous academic studies that seek to prove the effectiveness of any intervention need a control group, peer review, and large sample sizes; this study did not meet any of that criteria.