Department of Education data shows improvement in attendance, math & science scores

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — The rate of chronic absenteeism across most districts in Connecticut improved last year, according to data released by the Connecticut State Department of Education Tuesday.

Chronic absenteeism decreased by 2.3 percent the last school year, going down to 17.7 percent, which means about 11,674 fewer students missed at least 10 percent of school days, officials said.

A decline in chronic absenteeism was shown in over 80 percent of school district from the 2022-23 school year to the 2023-24 one.

Education officials believe the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program- an evidence-based home visitation program- has continued to show double-digit improvement in student attendance rates six months after a visit.

Attendance in the kindergarten and early grades is improving faster than the upper grades, they said.

The data also showed overall improvement in mathematics and science scores on the statewide assessments completed in April. It was the second year in a row the state saw these improvements.

Education officials said the most significant improvement for the majority of students was in mathematics.

However, grades 8 and 11 showed small declines in English language arts performance. Other grades were at or above the previous year’s scores.

Overall, education officials said additional improvement is needed in all areas to “exceed pre-pandemic achievement.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.