Wallingford reports gains on state accountability index; two schools named 'schools of distinction'

The Wallingford Board of Education heard an update on curriculum and state accountability results at its Nov. 25 meeting, with the district reporting broad gains across indicators.

Missus Latour told the board that the district "has seen an incredible amount of growth in our overall index" and said the accountability index for the last school year was up "over 5%." She said 11 of Wallingford's 12 schools increased their overall accountability index, and that Mary G. Fritz and Pond Hill Elementary were named schools of distinction by the Connecticut State Department of Education for high growth in English language arts among high-needs students.

Latour emphasized that the accountability index on the state’s EdSight site uses 12 indicators — including achievement, growth, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, physical fitness and arts access — and is not a single standardized-test measure. She also detailed curriculum activities this month including election-day professional development and student visits to local trade unions as part of career-focused experiences.

Board members followed with questions about the structure of union visits; Latour said students are introduced to required certifications and job tasks, may observe demonstrations and sometimes participate in hands-on experiences, and that limited spots have produced wait lists for some visits.

Missus Latour encouraged board members and parents to review the EdSight data for more detailed, school-by-school results and offered to follow up on any specific data questions.