Norwalk Schools Show 'Significant Growth' In State Report Card

NORWALK, CT — School officials said Norwalk Public Schools has shown significant growth, as measured across a broad set of indicators, in a report detailing the overall success of all school districts in the state.

The recently released 2016-17 Connecticut Next Generation Accountability Report shows a 56 point growth in Norwalk’s accountability index score, putting the district ahead of the state index, according to a release. Norwalk Public Schools received an accountability index score of 76.9 percent, compared to a state index

of 73.2 percent.

Norwalk had the third greatest gain of K-12 districts in the state, behind two much smaller districts in Eastern Connecticut.

"We are very pleased by the significant growth achieved by Norwalk Public Schools,” Norwalk Public Schools Superintendent Steven Adamowski said in a release. “This level of growth has placed Norwalk at the top of its District Comparison Group (DRG) for the first time, ahead of Stamford and other districts similar to ours. While there remains much work to be done, Norwalk’s score in the Accountability Index achieves a major outcome of the 2016 – 2019 Strategic Operating Plan, as set by the Board of Education.”

Norwalk’s four-year graduation rate of 90.4 percent also exceeds the state average graduation rate of 87.4 percent.

Norwalk ranked first as compared to similar districts in growth results for all students and high needs students in English Language Arts (ELA) and math. Meeting these benchmarks are in alignment with the goal to close the achievement gap compared to statewide results under the 2016-2019 Strategic Operating Plan.

The State Accountability Index report is made up of a broad set of 12 indicators that help tell the story of how well a school is preparing its students for success in college, careers and life. The system is intended to move beyond test scores and graduation rates, providing an overall perspective of district and school performance and incorporating student growth over time.

In November 2017, New Connecticut Smarter Balanced (SBAC) test results showed Norwalk Public Schools ranking first in Percent of Target Achieved (PTA) in English Language Arts (ELA) and math as compared to similar districts.

The PTA is a measure of what portion of the target goal is achieved under the Connecticut Next Generation Accountability System. The rankings reflect the average growth results for all Norwalk Public Schools students in the district.

A detailed, public presentation of all 12 indicators of the plan will be made at the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 20. More information on the accountability system is available on the State of Connecticut's Department of Education website.

Photo credit: Shutterstock