Charlene M. Russell-Tucker Commissioner | Connecticut Department of Education
Academic performance in Connecticut has improved across all student groups in English language arts, mathematics, and science for 2025, according to new data released by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). The results show that this is the first time since the Smarter Balanced tests were introduced a decade ago that every student group saw gains at once. Chronic absenteeism also continued its downward trend, falling from 23.7 percent in 2021-22 to 17.2 percent in 2024–25. This decline means nearly 34,000 more students attended school regularly during this period.
The Connecticut Performance Index (CPI), which measures average achievement in subject areas, indicated statewide improvements for the 2024-25 academic year. These results bring Connecticut closer to surpassing pre-pandemic performance levels.
Growth on the Smarter Balanced assessments was notable between 2023–24 and 2024–25. In English language arts, students reached an average of 60.6 percent of their growth targets, up from 58.7 percent the previous year. Mathematics saw students achieve an average of 62.3 percent of their growth targets compared to 61.4 percent before. Across the state, about 60 schools had students meeting at least 80 percent of their ELA growth targets; for mathematics, that number was 104 schools.
Efforts continue to help all schools move toward having students reach close to all their annual growth goals.
Chronic absenteeism rates improved for almost every student group in the past year, with kindergarten seeing rates drop from 18.5 percent to 16.3 percent—the largest improvement among grade levels. Students in Grades 3 and 4 had the lowest absenteeism rates at just over twelve percent each for a second consecutive year; however, high school absenteeism remains comparatively higher.
The CSDE’s Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), which uses home visits as part of its strategy, continues to demonstrate effectiveness: “student attendance [is] improving by double digits six months after a visit.”
To support these trends, CSDE works with districts and community partners through several initiatives aimed at boosting engagement and academic recovery—such as elevating curriculum frameworks, recruiting diverse staff members, supporting safe learning environments, expanding postsecondary pathways, and focusing on outcomes for students with disabilities.
“Links to all assessment related EdSight reports are listed below,” according to CSDE.
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