Jessica Gould

Reporter, WNYC News

Jessica Gould covers education for WNYC.

Her stories can be heard on the local broadcasts of Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and nationally on NPR.

Jessica was the lead reporter for WNYC’s award-winning Affordability Project, which profiled diverse New Yorkers struggling to make it in this expensive city. 

She has also reported on business and politics, notably making front page news when a mayoral candidate fell asleep on her mid-interview!

Prior to WNYC, Jessica spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C. where she reported for public radio station WAMU, and served as the nightlife correspondent for the Washington City Paper (with the help of orthopedic clogs and a lot of coffee).

Jessica is a graduate of Harvard University and of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She is an adjunct professor at NYU's Journalism Institute. You can follow her on Twitter at @byjessicagould.

Read Jessica's latest reporting on Gothamist.

Jessica Gould appears in the following:

With test scores low, NYC schools turn to new approach for reading instruction

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

WNYC
The plan will require elementary schools across the city to shift to a reading curriculum that focuses on phonics and comprehension.

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Charter schools' expansion becomes key battle in NY budget negotiations

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

WNYC
The expansion of charter schools in New York has become a central issue in Albany this year as Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers battle over the state’s budget, which is due April 1.

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Alligator captured in Brooklyn's Prospect Park Lake continues to be evaluated

Monday, February 20, 2023

A 4-foot-long alligator pulled out of Prospect Park Lake continued to be evaluated at the Bronx Zoo health center on Monday.

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New York City's plan for pandemic "learning loss"

Saturday, September 17, 2022

WNYC
Across the country student achievement plunged during the pandemic. What's the plan for New York City students?

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Keeping Score: A Year Inside a Divided Brooklyn High School

Friday, September 09, 2022

By some measures, New York City has the most segregated school system in the country. Four high schools in Brooklyn are focussing their hopes for change on an unlikely target: sports.

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Keeping Score: A Year Inside a Divided Brooklyn High School

Friday, September 09, 2022

By some measures, New York City has the most segregated school system in the country. Four high schools in Brooklyn are focussing their hopes for change on an unlikely target: sports.

What's Happening With the NYC Schools Budget

Monday, July 25, 2022

Education reporter Jessica Gould explains the NYC Schools budget cuts and why the numbers are disputed.

Hundreds of couples didn't have a wedding due to COVID - until now

Monday, July 11, 2022

There were older couples and younger ones, gay, straight and nonbinary couples, couples of different races and from different places, all joining together at Lincoln Center.

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Keeping Score: Part 4

Thursday, June 30, 2022

After the Jaguars compete in the city championship, students and coaches ask: was it all worth it?

Keeping Score: Part 3

Thursday, June 23, 2022

What does it mean to lead a team in an anti-racist way?

Keeping Score: Part 2

Thursday, June 16, 2022

How did the schools in the John Jay building become divided in the first place?

Ditmas Park Porch Concerts Evolve Into Music Program For Students

Thursday, June 16, 2022

A musical tradition that began as a solo act during the loneliest days of the pandemic has blossomed into an ensemble.

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Keeping Score: Part 1

Thursday, June 09, 2022

Two sports programs – rivals under a single roof – are set to merge. Students ask what it will take for the building to live up to its new motto: “We Are One.”

Changes Coming to NYC Schools

Friday, June 03, 2022

Jessica Gould reports on education-related changes as the NY State legislative session ends. 

After Texas massacre, some parents call for public school front doors to be locked

Saturday, May 28, 2022

WNYC
City officials said the front entrance is supposed to be unlocked for emergencies, but they are reviewing the policy. 

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Adams Administration Promises Overhaul Of Public School Funding

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Parents and advocates say Fair Student Funding isn't fair enough. 

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Mayor Adams Promises Universal Dyslexia Screening and More Intervention

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Adams says he didn't realize he had dyslexia until he was in college; he doesn't want today's students to face the same challenges.

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Summer School Grant for Charter Students

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

WNYC reporter Jessica Gould on Michael Bloomberg's grant to City charter school students for summer classes.

New York City public schools go mask optional

Monday, March 07, 2022

After nearly two years, students will be allowed in classrooms with teachers without masks. 

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NYC Schools Chancellor Lays Out Vision

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

Schools Chancellor David Banks says his agency has a huge budget but is plagued with dysfunction, despite many educators' best efforts.

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