A day after release of test scores for 10th graders, Connecticut’s Department of Education today released Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) scores for lower grades and Westport fourth and eighth graders showed marked improvement over last year.

In the eighth grade, the biggest improvement in those achieving the goal came in writing, followed by reading, math, and science. Fourth graders also improved the most in writing followed by reading and math.

However, students in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades did not do as well as last year in achieving the goals. The CMT is administered to students in grades three through eight. The CMT tests students in mathematics, reading comprehension, writing, and science.

Full results are available here. The Board of Education is expected to discuss the results at a meeting in the fall.

The state Department of Education said today 10th grade students at Westport’s Staples High School in the latest statewide testing generally improved above previous levels in reading and writing and were at or slightly below previous levels in science and math.

The Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Connecticut.  The Staples proficiency results for 2011 compared to previous years:

Reading
99.6 (2011)
98.8 (2010)
97.6 (2009)
98.5 (2008)

Science
97.6 (2011)
98.3 (2010)
97.9 (2009)
97.7 (2008)

By James Lomuscio

Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon says that professionally “I’ve had the best best of all worlds,” and that at 71, he has no intention of retiring.
Elliott Landon: Westport Education 2025 is a main reason he is staying on. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“Retire? No,” said Landon in a wide ranging interview at the end of the school year. “What’s interesting about it is that I’ve hired everyone one of the principals that we have and some of our best administrators and teachers.

“The thrill of working is that I can work with these people. They are bright, dynamic, young, and for me, working in that kind of environment makes it so exciting.”

Having taken the helm in 1999, Landon is already the most senior schools superintendent in Fairfield County, not an easy feat in a town that seems to prize education first and keeps all eyes on the person at the top.

Scenes from Wednesday’s graduation ceremony at Westport’s Stapes High School. Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

After today’s graduation ceremony, Staples Class of 2011 graduate Tessa Green poses with mom Linda and dad Bill while Tessa’s sister Sophia and grandmother Mary Durakis snap pictures for the scrapbook. Tessa will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall and, according to her grandmother, passed up acceptances at Harvard, Yale and Princeton. That’s grandpa Charles Durakis with back to camera. Bill said that he and his wife also graduated from Staples High School—Bill in 1976 and Linda in 1979. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

With arms wide open, graduating Staples High School senior Danielle Judkins celebrates with Assistant Principal James Farnan at today’s ceremony in the Staples field house. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Twins Todd and Eric Lubin (c)—salutatorian and valedictorian of the Staples High School Class of 2011—take their honored places at today’s graduation ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Valedictorian Eric Brett Lubin praises fellow graduates. Contributed photoBy James Lomuscio

Principal John Dodig called it a moment of great pride “and some sadness”—today’s 124th commencement exercises for Westport’s Staples High School.

Dodig’s feelings wee bittersweet because after four years of watching his students grow, it was time to say goodbye.

“You’re the reason I love my job and remain being a high school principal,” told the 469 graduates assembled in the Staples Field House. “I love you.”

In addition to the graduates, more than 3,000 family members and friends filled the Field House, snapping pictures and fanning themselves with programs, if not portable electric fans.

John Dodig, principal of Westport’s Staples High School, gives a hug to one of the graduates at today’s ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo