Central contributes to CSDE gains in college readiness

Connecticut students are making continued progress in academic achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and preparation for college and careers, according to new statewide accountability results announced by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) at the at the Legislative Office Building on Oct. 27.

The results are part of Connecticut’s Next Generation Accountability System, first implemented in 2014–15. The system measures school and district performance across 12 indicators, going beyond test scores and graduation rates to provide a more complete picture of how schools support student learning, growth, and well-being. 

The results show improvement in most areas measured by the state's Next Generation Accountability System, including: 
•    Academic achievement: Students continued to improve in English language arts, mathematics, and science.
•    Attendance: Chronic absenteeism declined for the fourth consecutive year.
•    Graduation: More students graduated within four years, while more ninth-grade students remained on track to graduate on time.
•    College and career readiness: More students entered postsecondary education and demonstrated readiness for education and training beyond high school.
•    Student well-being and engagement: Results also improved in physical fitness and participation in the arts.  

Connecticut's overall Accountability Index, which measures school and district performance across multiple areas, increased for the third consecutive year, rising from 69.7 in 2021–22 to 72.2 in 2025–26. 

“These results reflect the hard work of Connecticut’s students, educators, families, local board members, school and district staff, and communities, along with the continued commitment of state and local leaders to strengthening public education across our state,” said Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. “We are encouraged by the progress across multiple measures of student success, particularly the significant increase in students earning college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their future, whether they pursue workforce certificates and credentials or two- or four-year college degrees.”

Increase in high school students graduating with college credits

The growing number of Connecticut high school students earning college credit before graduation reflects expanded opportunities for students to get a head start on higher education while reducing the cost of earning a degree.

Central interim President Kimberly T. Kostelis attended the Oct. 27 announcement and highlighted Central’s growing dual and concurrent enrollment partnerships with high schools across the state. As of this fall, 24 public school districts are offering 33 of Central’s dual and concurrent courses.

Central also launched Central U Blue Devils Scholars this fall in partnership with the New Britain Consolidated School District. The initiative gives New Britain students the opportunity to take college courses on Central's campus, with transportation provided.

To further strengthen the quality and reach of its concurrent enrollment programs, Central is pursuing accreditation through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, with a review scheduled for the 2027–28 cycle.

More than one-third of Connecticut students in Grades 11 and 12 are earning at least three college credits.

The percentage of students earning three or more college credits with a grade of C or better increased from 22.3 percent in 2021–22 to 34.6 percent in 2025–26, which represents more than 9,700 additional students earning college credits over that four-year period.

Through these opportunities, students can earn college credits before graduating from high school, reducing future college costs and helping them build confidence as they prepare for education and careers beyond high school. Most courses are offered at high schools and taught by instructors approved by partnering colleges and universities.

These dual credit opportunities have expanded the number of college-level courses completed by Connecticut high school students by more than 70 percent, from 30,653 in 2018–19 to 53,346 in 2025–26.