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Suffield Board reviews PSAT results, targets math and curriculum updates
Summary
The Suffield Board of Education heard PSAT results showing reading, writing and math scores above state and national averages but identified math as an area needing improvement; members discussed curriculum alignment, instructional supports and Class of 2025 post‑secondary outcomes and endorsed next steps to explore labs and an SAT Academy.
The Suffield Board of Education on Nov. 17 reviewed PSAT results for grades 9–11 and identified math achievement as a priority for improvement while discussing broader curriculum and post‑secondary outcomes.
Assistant Superintendent Laura Norbut and Suffield High School Principal Anthony Hibbert presented the PSAT findings to the board. According to the presentation, Reading & Writing and Math scores remain above state and national averages, though math scores are described as “lower than desired.” Superintendent Matt Dunbar expressed appreciation for the district’s improvement plan and outlined a range of proposed next steps, including aligning the middle school curriculum with Science of Reading research, rebooting the middle school math curriculum, continuing support for the Algebra I math lab with consideration given to adding an Algebra II lab, sustaining professional learning for Tier 1 instruction, and providing targeted student assistance during Wildcat and other study halls.
Norbut also presented the district’s Post‑Secondary Plan for the Class of 2025, reporting how graduates dispersed among four‑year colleges, two‑year colleges, vocational/trade schools, military service, employment and other opportunities; the transcript does not include specific counts or percentages. Board members discussed comparing Suffield’s results to peer districts, the potential value of creating an after‑school SAT Academy for grade 11 students, the importance of maintaining professional development, and surveying graduates to track college and career performance.
Superintendent Dunbar added a curriculum and instruction status update to the agenda to ensure the full board understood ongoing work that carries budget implications. Norbut outlined focus areas that include Tier 1 instruction, multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS), elementary and secondary coaching, school climate initiatives, place‑based education, Building Thinking Classrooms practices, and the district’s consideration of artificial intelligence tools. Board members discussed student analytics and data platforms, the coaching model, Building Thinking Classrooms, and artificial intelligence supports, and noted the breadth of projects underway.
The meeting record notes that Board member Sam Toskin briefly stepped out at 7:52 p.m. and returned at 7:54 p.m. The board moved to adjourn at 8:35 p.m.; Brian Fry moved to adjourn, James Mol seconded, and the motion passed unanimously, 8–0–0. Minutes are listed as subject to approval at the board’s Dec. 1, 2025 meeting.
Attribution: Presentation material and summaries were delivered by Assistant Superintendent Laura Norbut and Principal Anthony Hibbert; Superintendent Matt Dunbar introduced and framed several agenda items.
