Incoming administration faces critical decisions on literacy curriculum, gifted programs, and teacher recruitment
NYC Reads Initiative Faces Uncertain Future
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani assumes office at a pivotal moment for New York City’s public school system, inheriting the Eric Adams administration’s most consequential education initiative: NYC Reads, a phonics-based reading instruction overhaul launched two years ago. The program’s continuation will determine whether the city builds on hard-won literacy progress or risks losing momentum just as students begin demonstrating measurable reading gains. For decades, roughly half of New York City elementary students left school unable to read proficiently, with deepest harm affecting low-income communities, English language learners, and children with dyslexia. NYC Reads represents the city’s first serious attempt to address reading science systematically through evidence-based instructional methods.
Recent Progress and Policy Continuation Questions
Reading test scores climbed seven points for New York City public school students on recent state examinations, a substantial increase over previous years following literacy instruction changes. While progress is evident, education researchers worry that leadership transitions threaten program continuity. Katie Pace Miles, an associate professor and reading science expert at Brooklyn College, emphasized literacy’s foundational importance. “Literacy is the gateway to opportunity. It is the foundation for every subject, every grade, and every pathway into the workforce,” Miles stated. She called for Mamdani to sustain NYC Reads and expand the program to higher grades while ensuring teacher development remains robust. Education experts also encourage the administration to support a parallel mathematics initiative, NYC Solves, with similar intensity.
Gifted and Talented Program Controversy
During his campaign, Mamdani proposed eliminating the kindergarten entry point to Gifted and Talented programs, a position that sparked substantial pushback from parents and educators. Some analysts argued this would exacerbate school enrollment declines already threatening the system’s fiscal stability. Parents citing academic quality concerns have been leaving New York City schools in significant numbers. One exit survey found that eighty-two percent of families relocating mentioned school options as a major factor in their decision. Advanced academics rank among the most popular education policies in public polling, significantly more popular than most Democratic initiatives nationally. Yet Mamdani won election despite this position, suggesting voters view education as secondary to affordability concerns.
Teacher Recruitment and Development Strategy
Mamdani has unveiled a $12 million plan to recruit 1,000 teachers annually by offering tuition assistance to educators who commit to teaching in city schools for three years. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called Mamdani’s election “inspiring” and expressed willingness to work collaboratively despite policy disagreements. “I’m glad he knows what he doesn’t know and is willing to learn,” Weingarten said. The American Federation of Teachers endorsed Mamdani in the general election, signaling union confidence in his pro-teacher stance despite policy uncertainties.
Structural Governance Questions
Mamdani has expressed skepticism about mayoral control of schools, yet assuming office he will inherit significant authority over educational decision-making. The mayor appoints the schools chancellor and the majority of the Panel for Educational Policy panel members, which approves education department contracts and school closures. The city school governance structure faces state renewal in 2026, providing opportunity for significant reforms. Education advocates have pushed for shared governance structures giving parents and students greater voice in decision-making. Mamdani’s team has emphasized that education policy must connect to affordability — suggesting that universal childcare availability, free school meals, and other support services may become centerpieces of his education approach.
System-Wide Challenges
Beyond curriculum and governance debates, New York City schools confront severe challenges. Chronic absenteeism affects one-third of students, with highest rates among Black, Latinx, and low-income youth. More than 100,000 students face chronic housing instability. Just fifty-two percent of high school graduates are deemed ready for college-level coursework. Average performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress remained essentially flat between 2003 and 2024. These systemic challenges demand sustained attention alongside curriculum implementation debates. For further reading on Mamdani’s education approach, see Chalkbeat’s comprehensive election analysis, The 74’s advocacy for NYC Reads continuation, and CBS New York’s overview of his school system plans.
