Introduction
Connecticut’s education system employs a comprehensive approach to assess and enhance student performance through standardized testing and accountability measures. These initiatives aim to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education and are prepared for future success.
Statewide Standardized Testing in Connecticut
Connecticut mandates standardized testing to evaluate student proficiency in key academic areas. The primary assessments include:
- Smarter Balanced Assessments: Administered annually to students in grades 3 through 8 and 11, these tests measure proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
- Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT): Previously administered to students in grades 4, 6, and 8, this test has been phased out and replaced by the Smarter Balanced Assessments.
- Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT): Previously administered to 10th-grade students, this test has also been phased out in favor of the Smarter Balanced Assessments.
- Academic Achievement: Performance in ELA, Mathematics, and Science assessments.
- Academic Growth: Year-over-year progress in ELA and Mathematics.
- Chronic Absenteeism: Percentage of students missing 10% or more school days.
- On-Track to High School Graduation: Percentage of students on track to graduate in four years.
- Postsecondary Entrance: Percentage of graduates enrolling in postsecondary institutions.
- Academic Achievement: In the 2024–25 academic year, the ELA Performance Index for all students improved to 64.7, up from 63.9 in 2023–24. (portal.ct.gov)
- Academic Growth: The average percentage of growth targets achieved in ELA for all students was 58.7% in 2024–25, slightly down from 59.9% in 2021–22. (portal.ct.gov)
- Chronic Absenteeism: Efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism have been ongoing, with the 2024–25 data showing improvements across various student groups. (portal.ct.gov)
- Identification of Schools Needing Support: Schools that consistently underperform are identified and receive additional resources and interventions. (oig.ed.gov)
- Statewide Education Accountability Plan: Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 10-223e, the state has developed a comprehensive plan to manage and support educational performance, focusing on continuous improvement. (law.justia.com)
- Students Continue Upward Trending in Achievement, Published on Wednesday, October 29
- Accountability Results Show Improvement Across Most Indicators, Published on Tuesday, November 05
- Accountability Results, Published on Tuesday, October 31
These assessments are designed to measure student achievement and growth over time, providing valuable data for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders.
Next Generation Accountability System
To provide a more holistic view of school and district performance, Connecticut implemented the Next Generation Accountability System. This system evaluates schools and districts across 12 indicators, including:
These indicators collectively contribute to the Accountability Index, which offers a comprehensive measure of school performance. In the 2024–25 academic year, the statewide Accountability Index increased from 70.8 to 71.8, indicating steady progress. (portal.ct.gov)
Recent Performance Trends
Recent data highlights several key trends in Connecticut’s education system:
Accountability Measures and Support
Connecticut’s accountability system not only assesses performance but also provides support to schools and districts:
Conclusion
Connecticut’s approach to standardized testing and accountability is multifaceted, aiming to provide a clear picture of student performance and to drive continuous improvement. By analyzing these measures, stakeholders can identify strengths and areas for growth, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.