UFT President Michael Mulgrew warned New York City officials on Thursday that the United Federation of Teachers will oppose the administration’s planned overhaul of the city’s reading curriculum unless additional reforms are incorporated. The warning comes after a recent decline in citywide reading test scores, which union leaders say signals that the current approach is not delivering expected results.
The city launched a comprehensive reading‑instruction revamp three years ago, a program that initially received the backing of the teachers’ union. At the time, officials described the initiative as a major step toward improving literacy outcomes for students across the district. Since then, however, data released by the Department of Education show a measurable drop in reading proficiency scores, prompting renewed scrutiny of the curriculum’s effectiveness.
Mulgrew emphasized that the union’s support for any future changes will hinge on the inclusion of specific reforms aimed at addressing the shortcomings identified in recent assessments. While the administration has not disclosed the full details of the proposed overhaul, city officials have indicated that a new framework is being prepared to replace the existing reading program.
Union representatives argue that without clear modifications, the overhaul could repeat past mistakes and fail to reverse the downward trend in student performance. They are prepared to use collective bargaining leverage and, if necessary, legal avenues to block the rollout of a curriculum they deem insufficient.
City leaders have acknowledged the union’s concerns and indicated a willingness to discuss potential adjustments. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the direction of reading instruction for the next several years and could determine whether the district can halt the continuing slide in literacy scores.
Both sides recognize that the stakes are high, as reading proficiency remains a core metric for evaluating school effectiveness and a priority for parents, educators, and policymakers throughout New York City.