Kathleen E. Goodwin School has been named a School of Distinction by the Connecticut State Department of Education for high academic growth in English Language Arts (ELA) among all students and students with high needs as part of the state's 2025–26 accountability results.
Goodwin's ELA Performance Index rose from 72.1 in 2024-25 to 76.0 in 2025-26 for all students, exceeding the state's target of 75, and from 59.3 to 66.7 for students with high needs. The 7.4-point gain for students with high needs exceeded the 3.9-point gain for all students, narrowing the difference between the two scores from 12.8 to 9.3 points. The Performance Index measures achievement, while the School of Distinction recognition reflects academic growth.
Districtwide results also continued to improve. Old Saybrook's overall Accountability Index increased from 80.1 in 2023-24 to 82.9 in 2024-25 and 83.2 in 2025-26. For the latest year, Old Saybrook ranks first in District Reference Group D (DRG D), which groups districts serving similar communities, and second among shoreline districts behind Madison Public Schools.
Connecticut's Next Generation Accountability System uses 12 indicators, including academic achievement, growth, attendance, graduation, postsecondary readiness, physical fitness and arts access. The overall Accountability Index reflects the percentage of available indicator points earned, not the percentage of students meeting proficiency standards.
“These are results our school community can be proud of because they reflect more than a single test,” said Superintendent Chris Drezek. “The state looks at a broad range of indicators, and our improvement over three reporting years shows Old Saybrook is moving in a positive direction. I’m especially encouraged by the English Language Arts gains at Goodwin among all students, including students with high needs. We have more work ahead, but this progress matters.”