Sharon Center Mastery Test results mostly unreported

SHARON — Though the results for the 2009 Connecticut Mastery Test were made public earlier this month, most of the results for Sharon Center School were unreported.

This is because results are not presented for classes with fewer than 20 students. The data is made available to schools but is not included in the published results.

For the grade levels that were presented, many of the classes received low marks in achieving the goal level for tests.  

However, in an e-mail to The Lakeville Journal, Sharon Center School Principal Karen Manning said that because of small class sizes throughout the school, the test results do not truly represent the abilities of individual students.

“Statistically, our sample sizes are very small, under 25 [students],� Manning wrote. “Small fluctuations in class composition, or events such as unexpected extended absences, can produce very large statistical changes. This means that we often focus our response at the individual level as we strive to improve student learning. We focus on developing students’ assessment stamina and understanding of assessment vocabulary.�

The 2009 tests are called the “fourth-generation� CMTs and include tests in math, reading, writing and (for students in grades five and eight) science.

Students are determined to be at or above “proficient� and at or above “goal� (which requires a higher score than proficiency).

In math and writing, the results were published for only the fourth- and seventh-grade classes.

In math, 52.4 percent of the fourth-grade class achieved goal level, and 90.5 percent were  proficient.

In the seventh grade, 79.2 percent achieved goal while 87.5 percent were proficient.

“The mathematics test consists of 25 content strands,� Manning wrote in her e-mail. “Two strands that continue to challenge our students are integrated understandings and estimating solutions to problems. We will continue to address these standards in our instruction.�

In the writing portion of the test, 57.1 percent of the fourth grade achieved goal level with 76.2 percent proficient.

The seventh grade fared somewhat better, with 66.7 achieving the goal level and 91.7 percent proficient.

In the reading portion of the test, only the results from the seventh grade were reported, with 75 percent of the class achieving goal level. However, the entire class was proficient.

“The reading comprehension section consists of general understanding, developing interpretation, making reader connections and examining content and structure,� Manning wrote. “We prepare students for the test by using teacher-designed test preparation units and curriculum that is aligned to state standards.... We continue to put special emphasis on making reader-text connections, an area that is challenging for some middle-school students.�

Results of the science test were reported for only the eighth grade, with 75 percent at goal level and 83.3 percent proficient.

“We are lucky because the community works hard at this and so do the students,� Manning said.

Latest News

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Classifieds - February 26, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Salisbury Association’s Land Trust seeks part-time Land Steward: Responsibilities include monitoring easements and preserves, filing monitoring reports, documenting and reporting violations or encroachments, and recruiting and supervising volunteer monitors. The Steward will also execute preserve and trail stewardship according to Management Plans and manage contractor activity. Up to 10 hours per week, compensation commensurate with experience. Further details and requirements are available on request. To apply: Send cover letter, resume, and references to info@salisburyassociation.org. The Salisbury Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

To save birds, plant for caterpillars

Fireweed attracts the fabulous hummingbird sphinx moth.

Photo provided by Wild Seed Project

You must figure that, as rough as the cold weather has been for us, it’s worse for wildlife. Here, by the banks of the Housatonic, flocks of dark-eyed juncos, song sparrows, tufted titmice and black-capped chickadees have taken up residence in the boxwood — presumably because of its proximity to the breakfast bar. I no longer have a bird feeder after bears destroyed two versions and simply throw chili-flavored birdseed onto the snow twice a day. The tiny creatures from the boxwood are joined by blue jays, cardinals and a solitary flicker.

These birds will soon enough be nesting, and their babies will require a nonstop diet of caterpillars. This source of soft-bodied protein makes up more than 90 percent of native bird chicks’ diets, with each clutch consuming between 6,000 and 9,000 caterpillars before they fledge. That means we need a lot of caterpillars if we want our bird population to survive.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stephanie Haboush Plunkett and the home for American illustration

Stephanie Haboush Plunkett

L. Tomaino
"The field of illustration is very close to my heart"
— Stephanie Plunkett

For more than three decades, Stephanie Haboush Plunkett has worked to elevate illustration as a serious art form. As chief curator and Rockwell Center director at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, she has helped bring national and international attention to an art form long dismissed as merely commercial.

Her commitment to illustration is deeply personal. Plunkett grew up watching her father, Joseph Haboush, an illustrator and graphic designer, work late into the night in his home studio creating art and hand-lettered logos for package designs, toys and licensed-character products for the Walt Disney Co. and other clients.

Keep ReadingShow less
Free film screening and talk on end-of-life care
‘Come See Me in the Good Light’ is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards.
Provided

Craig Davis, co-founder and board chair of East Mountain House, an end-of-life care facility in Lakeville, will sponsor a March 5 screening of the documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light” at The Moviehouse in Millerton, followed by a discussion with attendees.

The film, which is nominated for best documentary at this year’s Academy Awards, follows the poet Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley as they are suddenly and unimaginably forced to navigate a terminal illness. The free screening invites audiences to gather not just for a film but for reflection on mortality, healing, connection and the ways communities support one another through difficult life transitions.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.