The number of Vernon students attaining grade level expectations in English language arts and math continues to improve and exceeds the statewide average, according to the recently released results. The data also show that Vernon students have not only recovered from learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but rocketed ahead of the statewide average.
arts, mathematics and science,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “We are preparing our students for success in their lives beyond school, whether it be the workforce, the armed forces, vocational training or college. These scores demonstrate we are giving our students a strong foundation to help prepare them for the global economy.”
While test scores are an important measure of how students are doing, they tell only part of a school or district’s story. Student growth provides a more accurate measure of how schools contribute to student learning by demonstrating achievement over time. Students start each year with different levels of knowledge. Measuring growth in that knowledge shows how well a school is helping students learn.
“This is one piece of a larger picture, but it tells us that we are on the right track,” Assistant Superintendent of Schools Robert Testa said.
More detailed statistics about student performance are expected to be released in October.
Over the past decade, Vernon students have demonstrated a steady increase in their mastery of English language arts, math and science.
“Since the 2018-2019 school year, the statewide average of students reaching grade level expectations has declined, while in Vernon the number of students who have reached or exceeded the standards has steadily increased and is well ahead of that state average,” Testa said.
Statewide, the number of students achieving grade level mastery declined from the 2017-2018 to the 2023-2024 school year, Testa said.
“When you look at Vernon you see a different picture,” Testa said. “You see an increase of over 8 percent in the number of students who are reaching grade level expectations in English language arts and nearly 16 percent in math.”
Vernon is No. 1 among the 33 Alliance Districts in English language arts and math and third in science.
Key to Vernon’s continued progress is a quality classroom curriculum that is aligned to standards, and quality instruction by Vernon’s teachers. The third essential element is intervention and support for students who are not reaching grade level.
“When you put those three ingredients together, you’ve got the secret sauce,” Macary said.
Ten years ago, Vernon was identified as one of the 30 lowest performing school districts in the state, Macary said.
“Today, that’s not the case,” Macary said. “Every child is growing academically, socially and emotionally, and the scores show that.”