Letter to the Editor: Splicing the Data on Reveal Math

(This letter was submitted by Daniel Rothman)

To the Editor,

Scarsdale is known for academic excellence, and we need a board that will continue to elevate it. We need Board members who will work with parents, educators and administrators to improve pathways for parent input and district-wide communication. Most importantly, they must ask respectful questions and hold the administration accountable when results slip.

That is why I am voting for Kevin Ziegler and Omer Wiczyk.

The district celebrates that Scarsdale students are still "Proficient" under Reveal Math. Across Grades 3 through 6, the share of students scoring "Proficient" averaged 89.5% across the three years before Reveal (2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22)*. Across the three years since Reveal was adopted (2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25), that number climbed slightly to 91.9%. The district cites this as proof the curriculum is working.

But this celebration of "Proficient" is a celebration of mediocrity. On New York State's four-point scale, "Proficient" lumps Level 3 (meets standard, i.e. passing) with Level 4 (exceeds standard, i.e. excellent) into one number. Across the same three pre-Reveal years, Grades 3 through 6 averaged 59.3% excellent (Level 4). Across the three Reveal years, the average dropped to 50.1% excellent (Level 4). This is a 9.2 point reduction in excellence for our lower grades.

Parents have repeatedly asked the district to explain why they believe Reveal is the most effective math program for our children. It is safe to say the rollout has been bumpy at best. A year ago, at the district's June 2025 Reveal Math Coffee, parents put forward three concrete testing proposals. All three were declined, and no alternatives were shared. A school administration that refuses to critically evaluate its own curriculum and treats parent concerns as a nuisance is one that needs a change. Erica German has volunteered many hours, and I genuinely thank her for her service. But being a long-time insider is the opposite of what is needed. The insiders are the ones who told parents we weren’t qualified to engage. They are not going to be the ones who change that culture. We need a board willing to ask questions and constructively develop solutions.

After speaking with Kevin and Omer, I am confident that if elected they will critically assess the data, ask respectful questions, and preserve the values that define our schools: academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and an environment where students are challenged. More importantly, Kevin & Omer are already building those communication pathways between parents, administrators and the Board. They came to my daughter's elementary school to seek out a diversity of perspectives. That is why I will be voting for them, and if you want to continue having some of the best schools in the country (keeping your property values high), you will too.

Daniel Rothman
172 Boulevard

* Source: NYSED Data Site, data.nysed.gov, Scarsdale UFSD Grades 3 through 6 Math Assessment, six years of district report cards. Institution ID 800000034921. Pre-Reveal years: 2017-18, 2018-19, 2021-22. Reveal years: 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25. 2019-20 cancelled for COVID. 2020-21 excluded due to low participation. Same data the district uses.