Colchester reports above-state test proficiency, highlights gains in STAR growth and social awareness

Gwen Carmolli, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, presented the Colchester School District's 2025 assessment report on Jan. 20, 2026, telling the board that district students outperformed statewide averages in core subjects: English Language Arts (61% proficiency), math (52%) and science (51%). Carmolli said the report also highlighted progress closing equity gaps for multilingual learners and students with disabilities in ELA.

Carmolli outlined multiple measures beyond VTCAP scores, including recurring STAR assessments and DESSA social-emotional screens. STAR growth from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 showed early literacy up 11 percentage points, reading up 6 points and math up 4 points. The DESSA social-awareness score rose from 47% to 69% over the same period; the district's graduation rate increased to 96% while chronic absenteeism fell from 20% to 18%.

Student Representative Trinity McCarthy said teachers and staff offered supports during testing such as snacks and movement breaks, which she described as helpful given the rigor of the VTCAP exams. Board members asked follow-up questions about test administration, cohort- and individual-level score reporting, and how STAR data informs interventions.

Carmolli closed by linking the results to the district's Continuous Improvement Plan: officials said the CIP will prioritize strengthening instructional systems, evidence-based practices and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to sustain gains and narrow remaining gaps for historically marginalized groups.