ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — New research from the National Parents Union reveals more than 70% of students in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse are failing to read or do math at grade level. It’s part of the organization’s annual “Critical Condition: State of Education in New York,” which claims that less than 7% of Rochester students in grades four through eight, are proficient in math. And even still, there are disparities between racial and ethnic groups economically disadvantaged students with disabilities. This is publicly sourced information through the NYS Education Department’s website. Ashara Baker, the NPU’s NYS Director said the state has not invested in an evidence based curriculum and learning methods, like the Science of Reading, a body of scientifically-based research on how students learn to read. According to Baker, it’ll take more effort to get kids caught up to grade level. ”Seven hours a day in a school is not enough time to get kids caught back up. That is the truth, that is the reality,” she said. “We’ve seen investments in other states such as Mississippi, Alabama, Colorado, West Virginia, I would even say New Jersey, Massachusetts, I can go on for days on the particular programs. At the end of the day, we need to start addressing the simple fact that we are not going to close the achievement gap during just the school day hours. We need to become more innovative, we need to look at outside partners and we also need to look across the country to see what’s been working and what’s effective.” Career paths and opportunities in education: Stop the Violence College and Career Fair set for Wednesday Ultimately, NPU said, although Governor Kathy Hochul has made a historic investment in education, the State should be making statewide investments in early intervention screenings, high impact tutoring and expanded learning opportunities to get kids back on track.