The East Haven Board of Education convened on September 23, 2025, to discuss significant developments in the district's writing curriculum and its impact on student performance. The meeting highlighted the district's ongoing efforts to enhance writing skills at the elementary level, where a focused initiative last year aimed to improve curricular support and professional learning for educators.
During the meeting, it was reported that there has been notable growth in writing proficiency among students, particularly in narrative writing and the integration of information. For instance, fourth-grade students, who previously struggled, have shown improvement, moving closer to proficiency levels. However, challenges remain, particularly in areas such as editing and vocabulary usage, indicating a need for further instructional support.
The discussion also included an analysis of SAT data, which revealed that writing and language skills continue to be areas of weakness for students. The district has implemented a new program designed to provide students with practice in writing, grammar, and language conventions. This initiative appears to have yielded positive results, as evidenced by a 28% decrease in the number of students falling into the lowest performance bands on the SAT, alongside a 19% increase in students meeting or exceeding the college and career readiness benchmark.
Board members emphasized the importance of ongoing assessment and targeted interventions to address specific areas of need. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining instructional strategies and providing necessary resources to support student growth in writing and related skills. The district aims to build on these successes and ensure that all students receive the support they need to thrive academically.