School Dropout Rates Are Linked To Test Scores

High schools in Tolland County with lower scores on the mathematics portion of the CAPT test also have higher dropout rates, according to a review of State Education Department data. One may think “So what?” or, “It’s just one test.”

But reports from other states have shown links between dropout rates and test scores. And in Connecticut, the CAPT test is a significant assessment for high school students. The test, administered to sophomores, assesses knowledge of mathematics, reading, writing and science. Of the three biggest high schools in Tolland County, Tolland High School performed the best on the CAPT test in 2009-10.