The Tolland School District Board of Education heard an annual presentation on student assessment results and district interventions during its October meeting, where administrators said cohort SAT scores rose over time and AP exam pass rates remained high.

Administrators told the board that cohort analyses show student growth across multiple years rather than single-year snapshots. Penny (high school data presenter) said the class of 2025 increased its total SAT score over its time in the district, and that the district’s SAT and PSAT results remain above state averages. Mary Rosemead, the district’s director of curriculum and instruction, summarized how the district is using those data to adjust instruction and supports.

The presentation emphasized cohort growth rather than isolated year-to-year comparisons. Penny said the class of 2025 “started with a total of 955 and rose to 1,060,” and highlighted that the district’s grade-11 SAT scores exceeded state averages in both ERW (reading and writing) and math. Administrators also reported AP testing data: 356 AP exams were administered last year, with 341 scoring 3–5, a 96 percent pass rate for tests taken.

Mary Rosemead explained how the district is turning the data into action. She detailed short-term responses (targeted interventions and adjustments to course placement) and longer-term work (curriculum revision, professional development, and instructional rounds). Specific steps already underway include changes to the high school math sequence, continued staffing of math and writing labs, targeted reading interventions in middle school, and use of grants to support literacy and math programs. She also noted challenges in scaling high-dose tutoring because of staffing availability.

Board members asked whether the district benchmarks itself against similar demographically composed schools. Administrators said they compare multiple peers and state averages, but cautioned that cohort-level comparisons best show student growth; variability year to year can be misleading when looking at different grade-level snapshots.

Administrators said the district will continue regular data reviews, collaborate with sending elementary districts on transition planning, and pursue curriculum changes intended to close gaps identified in testing.

The presentation included time for questions and will inform curriculum and staffing decisions the board considers in coming months.