LI Schools See Improvement in Math and ELA Exams

Dec 23, 2025

1 min

Dr. Amy Catalano, interim dean of Hofstra University’s School of Education, was interviewed by Newsday about English language arts (ELA) and math scores improving among Long Island students in grades 3-8.

The article also noted that student participation in testing has increased. On Long Island, 31.1% of students opted out of the ELA test in 2025 compared with 36.5% last year and about 41% in 2023. Experts like Dr. Catalano noted all eligible students need to take the tests or scores could mask academic gaps.

“If you don’t have 100% of your kids taking the test, those results are just not reliable,” she said.

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Amy Catalano

Interim Dean; Director of Science Education and Elementary STEM Education

Dr. Amy Catalano, an expert in STEM education, has been serving as interim dean of Hofstra's School of Education.

Charter SchoolsChild and Adolescent Development in EducationTeacher ShortagesWomen in STEMTeaching

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