ENFIELD, CT — Concerns about middle school math performance prompted Enfield school board members to question classroom support and tutoring during an Oct. 27 review of state assessment results.
Board member Kelsey McGuire-Bruce asked how the district was addressing declining middle school math proficiency, according to the meeting's draft minutes.
At John F. Kennedy Middle School, 29 percent of students met or exceeded the math standard on the 2025-26 Smarter Balanced assessment, compared with 43 percent statewide for the grades the school serves, according to Connecticut education department data published by GreatSchools.
The grade-by-grade math results were:
2025-26 Smarter Balanced math: students meeting or exceeding the standard
| Grade | JFK | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 35% | 44% |
| 7 | 33% | 44% |
| 8 | 21% | 42% |
Eighth grade had the largest gap: JFK's proficiency rate was 21 percentage points below the state rate. These figures compare grade-level results, rather than tracking the same students over time.
GreatSchools also reported JFK's English language arts proficiency at 46 percent, compared with 52 percent statewide for the grades served. Eighth-grade science proficiency was 38 percent, compared with 51 percent statewide. GreatSchools rounds the percentages and calculates schoolwide subject results using the number of students tested in each grade.
Assistant Superintendent Michelle Middleton reported 60 students participating in tutoring under a grant written for 90 students over eight weeks. She was exploring whether unused hours could extend the program into 2027.
Officials said students were selected using 2025-26 Smarter Balanced results, focusing on those close to reaching proficiency.
Enfield received $50,000 through the state's 2026-27 high-dosage tutoring grants. The state awarded $2 million to 42 education agencies following a competitive process that drew 70 applications.
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The state program serves grades 6-10 and calls for frequent sessions, small groups, consistent tutors and instruction connected to classroom mathematics. Tutoring is integrated into the school day whenever possible.
"High-dosage tutoring gives students focused support for the skills they need to succeed," Gov. Ned Lamont said in the state's Oct. 5 announcement.
During Enfield's discussion, Middleton said teachers review data during team meetings, faculty meetings and professional learning, though schedules do not include a dedicated daily data block.
Board Chair Amanda Pickett emphasized core instruction and asked for further discussion of how teachers analyze results. Superintendent Steven Moccio encouraged examining growth for the same groups of students over time.
Officials said individual results were sent securely through ParentSquare. Parents with questions were encouraged to contact school staff for help interpreting them.
For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.
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