Connecticut Sees Improvement in Academic Performance and Chronic Absenteeism

Strategic Insights -

Academic performance in Connecticut has seen a statewide improvement across all student groups in English language arts, mathematics, and science in 2025, with a decline in chronic absenteeism for the third consecutive year. The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has released new statewide data that marks the first time in a decade that all student groups have shown improvement at once. Chronic absenteeism rates have dropped significantly, from 23.7 percent in 2021-22 to 17.2 percent in 2024-25, indicating that nearly 34,000 more students were present for school on a regular basis over this period.

Key Takeaways:

  • Academic performance improved across all student groups in English language arts, mathematics, and science in 2025, with the first time in a decade that all student groups showed improvement at once.
  • Chronic absenteeism continued to decline for the third consecutive year, with rates dropping from 23.7 percent in 2021-22 to 17.2 percent in 2024-25.
  • Nearly 34,000 more students were present for school on a regular basis over this period, with the largest gains seen in kindergarten, where rates dropped from 18.5 percent to 16.3 percent.
  • Student growth in English language arts and mathematics was stronger than in the previous period, with students achieving 60.6 percent and 62.3 percent of their growth targets on average in 2024-25, respectively.
  • Approximately 60 percent of students met their growth targets on average, with 60 schools where students met at least 80 percent of their ELA growth targets and 104 schools where students met that benchmark in mathematics.
  • The goal is for students in all schools to move closer to 100 percent of their annual growth targets, which will put them on track for higher levels of academic performance in the future.
  • The Connecticut State Department of Education's evidence-based home visitation program, the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP), continues to make a strong impact, with student attendance improving by double digits six months after a visit.
  • Statewide initiatives, such as the science of reading masterclass and investments in evidence-based K-3 core reading curriculum models, were launched to support student learning.
  • The CSDE works with districts, schools, and community partners to provide resources, share effective strategies, and accelerate student learning.
  • Several initiatives to boost engagement and academic recovery are already underway or completed, including the "No Matter What" campaign and the "School is Better with You" campaign, which generated 59 million online impressions.

Statistics:

  • Chronic absenteeism rates dropped from 23.7 percent in 2021-22 to 17.2 percent in 2024-25.
  • Nearly 34,000 more students were present for school on a regular basis over this period.
  • Student growth in English language arts and mathematics was stronger than in the previous period, with students achieving 60.6 percent and 62.3 percent of their growth targets on average in 2024-25, respectively.
  • Approximately 60 percent of students met their growth targets on average.
  • 60 schools met at least 80 percent of their ELA growth targets.
  • 104 schools met at least 80 percent of their mathematics growth targets.
  • $20 million was invested in evidence-based K-3 core reading curriculum models and universal screening reading assessments.
  • $5 million was allocated for a high dosage tutoring (HDT) grant to build on the successes from a $11.5 million grant program.
  • $3 million was invested in the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program.
  • $7 million was allocated for the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP).
  • $4.5 million was awarded in grants to support the delivery of mental health services for students during the summer months.
  • $13 million was awarded in grants to provide summer enrichment opportunities to children during the summers of 2023 and 2024.

Sources:

  • Connecticut State Department of Education (2025) - "New Statewide Data Show Significant Improvements in Academic Performance and Chronic Absenteeism"
  • Connecticut State Department of Education (2025) - "Statewide Test Results Move Closer to Pre-Pandemic Levels"