New London Shows Mixed Results In Connecticut Standardized Tests

New London tenth graders taking the Connecticut Academic Performance Test showed some improvement in the number of students making goal levels, but declined across the board in those meeting the proficiency level.

The CAPT test measures student performance in the topics of reading, writing, mathematics, and science. New London Public Schools increased the percentage of students reaching goal in reading and mathematics. In 2012, results showed 21.7 percent making goal in both subjects; the numbers increased to 23.5 percent in reading and 27 percent in mathematics.

However, the number of students reaching goal level in writing dropped from 33.1 percent to 30.9 percent, while those reaching goal in science fell from 26.6 percent to 22.9 percent. Those reaching proficiency levels declined from 70.7 percent to 55.9 percent in reading, 77.1 percent to 70.9 percent in writing, 59 percent to 52.3 percent in mathematics, and 64.6 percent to 57.1 percent in science.

The scores mark a first year transition to the Common Core State Standards.

All percentages in New London remain below the state averages. Compared to other urban districts, the district had comparable or higher achievement levels. New London’s goal percentages were higher than Bridgeport in all subjects and higher than Waterbury and New Haven on each section except writing.

New London CAPT scores made significant improvements last year, but came on the heels of results that were some of the lowest in the state. Superintendent Nicholas Fischer said the scores have showed a steady improvement over the past six years, noting that New London tenth graders in 2007 were only scoring 12.8 percent at or above goal level.

“What our scores tell me is that there is no reason why 80 percent of our students can’t reach goal,” Fischer said. “There can be no excuses.”

Tommy Thompson, principal of New London High School, said the data from the tests will be used in analyzing the school's academic practices.

"Our student achievement trajectory is continuing to move in the right direction," said Thompson. "We once again realized gains in students meeting goal or above in reading and math.” 

Most elementary and middle school students posted improvements in the Connecticut Mastery Test, which is taken by grades three through eight. Fifth and sixth grade students improved in all areas, with sixth graders showing the greatest improvement from last year. The number of students reaching goal in that grade improved was 47.1 percent in writing (a 13.6 percent improvement), 39.1 percent in mathematics (an 11 percent improvement) and 43.3 percent in reading (a 3 percent improvement).

Principal Alison Ryan of Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School thanked the school's teachers as well as the district.

“The teachers have engaged in a high level of collaboration and professional development that was built into the school day so that they could share best practices and learn from one another," said Ryan. "I’ve always told our teachers that the expertise to move the building forward was located within our building."

Third grade results showed declines in all areas. Most significantly, students reaching goal level fell 11 percent in mathematics to 35.2 percent and students reaching proficiency level in reading fell 10.7 percent to 51.8 percent.

According to a press release from New London Public Schools, the third grade numbers were the only area where New London’s performance was aligned with the state’s downward trend in CMT scores. The district says third grade students need to improve their examination of content and structure in reading and form a general understanding of the text.

“Our staff has been working tremendously hard and although we are proud of our gains, we know we still have a ways to go,” said Chief Academic Officer Katherine Ericson. “Our focus now needs to be on a careful review of how we can continue to improve student achievement.”

The Connecticut Department of Education said in a press release that CMT scores showed decreases in all grades compared to last year, but were a “marked improvement” compared to 2006 scores. The department says CAPT scores showed slight increases to mathematics, reading, and science scores and a slight decrease in writing scores.  

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