State Intervention Starting To Close Achievement Gap

 A new report finds noticeable academic progress in fifteen low-performing Connecticut districts where there’s been intensive intervention by the state.  Test scores in these districts show substantial improvement over time, particularly among minority students.

Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, New London, Waterbury and Stamford are among fifteen school districts that are part of the Connecticut Accountability for Learning Initiative or CALI.  All were identified as needing improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act.  

State Department of Education spokesman Tom Murphy says for the past three years, CALI provided professional development and technical assistance to help teachers.  "And I’m pleased to report that the results are very positive and that we see a rapid closing of the achievement gap, far greater and far faster than the rest of the state, and we believe that this presents a model for future success throughout the state." 

Math and reading scores have been improving for all Connecticut students.  But the rate of improvement in these districts is faster. 

Education officials predict that students in these districts will reach “proficiency” by 2014.  

For WNPR, I'm Diane Orson.