The state department of education has retained a law firm to look into what they are calling “potential irregularities” detected in the 2013 Connecticut Mastery Tests for the Ramon E. Betances Early Reading Lab in Hartford.
A statement from State Department of Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor reads as follows:
“The Connecticut State Department of Education has retained the law firm of Siegel, O’Connor, O’Donnell and Beck, P.C. to conduct an investigation into potential irregularities detected on Betances Elementary School’s 2013 Connecticut Mastery Tests. The Hartford public school district has expressed and demonstrated their full cooperation. We will provide updates on the progress of this investigation at appropriate times.”
The school includes Pre-K through third grade and is focused on developing early literacy skills.
"Students will develop an appreciation for all genres of literature, and be prepared to be at or above the proficient level on the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) by the end of third grade," the school website says.
The Hartford school board also issued a statement.
“Superintendent Christina M. Kishimoto and Matthew K. Poland, Chairman of the Hartford Board of Education, stand with Connecticut Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor in our commitment to valid and accurate student assessments. We take the concerns of testing irregularities very seriously. The Superintendent and Board Chair have requested and are totally committed to a full and swift investigation and to holding any responsible individual(s) accountable if there has been interference with student assessments at Betances Elementary School, as accurate assessments are critical components of sound instructional curriculum.”
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No additional information was immediately available.
