A sharp drop in literacy scores among New York City students on state tests has landed like a bombshell in the education world, prompting some to question the exams' accuracy. Half of New York City students in grades 3 through 8 did not read at grade level. The city’s third and fifth graders saw a 13 percentage-point decline citywide, while fourth graders’ scores went down just under six points. Seventh graders’ scores declined by 10 percentage points, while eighth graders’ scores went up eight points. State education officials said the tests already go through regular audits.