Zohran Mamdani has unveiled a major expansion of New York City’s public school curriculum reforms, advancing education initiatives first introduced under former Mayor Eric Adams. The plan will broaden the reach of NYC Reads and NYC Solves, two citywide programs designed to strengthen literacy and mathematics instruction across public schools, with a new $17.3 million investment aimed at boosting student achievement and supporting educators.
Joined by Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels during a math competition at the Department of Education’s Manhattan headquarters on Thursday, Mamdani said the administration is focused on expanding access to rigorous, high-quality learning in every neighborhood.
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“This administration is investing in what works: rigorous instruction, strong support for teachers and a public school system that doesn’t give up on anyone,” Mamdani said. “This expansion will help make sure every student, in every neighborhood, succeeds.”
Under the expansion, NYC Solves will launch in elementary schools across Manhattan District 5, Bronx Districts 11 and 12, and Queens District 25 beginning this fall. The math initiative will also expand into middle schools in 10 additional districts citywide. Meanwhile, NYC Reads will begin in high schools across four school districts and expand to middle schools in 11 others, including District 75, which serves students with disabilities.
The reforms are part of a broader strategy to standardize high-quality curriculum materials throughout the city’s school system as officials work to improve lagging reading and math proficiency rates. Participating districts will continue using approved instructional programs, while teachers receive coaching and professional development throughout the academic year.
While the literacy reforms launched under Adams have generally received praise, NYC Solves has faced criticism from some educators who argue the curriculum places too much emphasis on conceptual understanding before students master basic arithmetic skills.
Samuels defended the initiative’s approach while acknowledging the need for stronger fluency in foundational math skills.
“We were focused on conceptual understanding, helping students understand the ‘why’ behind the math,” he said. “Now we are layering on fluency because students also need the basic understanding to solve more complicated math.”
The announcement came during a spirited math competition between middle school students from New York City Department of Education schools and a team of city officials. The students easily defeated the adults, prompting Mamdani to joke that the students might one day have to teach city leaders how to play the game.
