Paslov: Trumbull’s CMT and CAPT Scores Strong

Trumbull student scores remain strong, but many curriculum components must be developed to keep Trumbull on pace with the new state graduation requirements and the Common Core State Standards that will provide a framework for higher educational achievement.

That's according to Linda Paslov, curriculum director, who spoke at at the latest school board meeting.

Paslov presented a thorough review of our students’ performance on the Connecticut Mastery Tests and the Connecticut Academic Performance Tests. Then she listed the multitude of curriculum components that must be developed to keep Trumbull on pace. 

Paslov said the CMT and CAPT “do not compare students to each other, but are scored on an absolute scale” that enables school districts across the state to be compared and cohorts within a district to be compared to each other (fifth grades, low income students…) each year and from year to year.

Dr. Robert Tremaglio, principal, described the tests as “a diagnostic for the system more than a summation of student performance.” 

Students across the state take CMTs and CAPTs each spring. Those in grades three, four and five take math, reading and writing tests, and fifth graders add a science component. Sixth, seventh and eighth graders take math, reading and writing tests, and eighth graders add a science test.

Tenth grade students take the CAPT, which includes writing, math, reading and science units. 

Trumbull elementary and middle schoolers performed well on the 2010-2011 CMT, with 80 percent or more scoring"At or Above Goal," the top two categories, in all test components.

CAPT is a different test, scored differently. THS students performed nearly as well, with 72 percent or more earning At or Above Goal scores in writing, science and math, and 61 percent earned At or Above Goal scores in reading.

While scores have improved over the past five years in writing, science and math, reading scores have not.

Using the test to diagnose curriculum needs, the district developed a course to address the issue – Freshman Foundations. It will introduce ninth graders to high school expectations in reading, writing, note taking, oral communications and other basic skills, including creating a personal website to host their academic portfolios. 

Trumbull’s CMT and CAPT scores were uneven compared to other communities in its District Reference Group, 21 systems across the state with similar enrollments, demographics and educational needs, including Monroe, Newtown, Fairfield, Greenwich, Avon and Simsbury.

Trumbull’s cost per student is at the median for the DRG, officials said.

Looking ahead, curriculum, the CAPT and graduation requirements are being brought together to enhance, integrate and mutually reinforce the educational experience. 

New, more rigorous state high school graduation requirements will go into effect for freshmen entering in fall 2014. The state also adopted Common Core State Standards in 2010.

These are nationally and internationally developed curriculum guidelines most other states are also implementing. They embrace knowledge and skills necessary for today’s students to succeed in college and their careers.