Norwalk Posts Gains in CMT Scores; CAPT Scores Disappointing

In Hartford today The State Dept. of Education released results of the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT).

This year the results show that Norwalk Public Schools have posted gains most notably in elementary school math. Additionally there has been some improvements in reading across the grades. Writing scores improved only in grades 3 and 4.

Despite the progress however Norwalk students, with a few exceptions, are still posting scores below the state's "at goal" average in the subjects tested by the CMT and CAPT.

The CMT is administered to students in Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The CAPT is administered for students in Grade 10.

CMT results for districts and schools can be obtained here.

CAPT results for districts and schools can be obtained here.

Individual student scores for CMT and CAPT will be sent to parents by schools in September.

A summary of the results released to the media in a talking points format by Assistant Superintendent of Schools Tony Daddona showed that Norwalk's student performance improved in math and reading.

Mr. Doddona specifically pointed to the fact that in 2009 at least 50 percent of the students in each grade scored at or above goal on the math portion of the CMT and 78 percent scored at or above the proficient level.

Trending data from the Connecticut Dept. of Education's web site demonstrates some of the progress Norwalk has made. In 2006 for example only 47.4% of Grade 3 students were meeting or performing above the State goal in Math. In 2009 65.3% were at or above the goal, an increase of 18% percentage.

Also according to Mr. Doddona at least 44 percent of the students in each grade scored at or above goal on the writing portion of the CMT and at least 76 percent scored at or above the proficient level.

The news was not as as good on the CAPT front. This years results showed slight declines from the 2008 scores in math, science and reading.

Mr. Doddona said Norwalk's CAPT performance was "disappointing" however he said that both the CMT and CAPT scores "mirror what happened on a statewide level."

The sentiment was echoed by the state Education Commissioner Dr. Mark K. McQuillan.“This year’s CAPT scores indicate that our high schools continue to face academic challenges and that we need to change what we are doing at the secondary level in our public schools,” he said in a press release announcing the scores.