Preliminary 2016 Smarter Balanced test results show increases of more than 3 percent in both English language arts and math, according to the Connecticut Department of Education.
The percentage of students meeting or exceeding the achievement standard statewide increased by 3.3 points to 55.7 percent in English language arts, and 3.9 points to 44 percent in math. The prior year of testing set the baseline for the exams, which are new and assess critical thinking skills with complex questions.
Overall, test results show improvement in both subjects across all grades and high-need student subgroups, the state said.
“We need to continue the momentum,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, “and we need to maintain a laser-sharp focus on preparing all children for success in college and the workforce. The work we’re doing is paying off — and we must continue to build on our successes.”
More than 234,000 students in grades 3-8 participated in the second administration of the Smarter Balanced assessment, a participation rate of more than 97 percent.
