The tests, held earlier this year, indicate continuing strong performances in mathematics shown by the children as they moved from grade 3, when 39 percent scored at advanced levels, to grade 8, when they hit 40.9 percent at the advanced levels.

In reading, more than 80 percent of children in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 scored at or above goal while just under 80 percent of third and fourth graders met that same standard.

Grades 4 and 7 significantly increased their scores from earlier tests, but the scores overall were consistent over time, according to the report.

Science was on the CMT agenda only for the second year for elementary and middle schoolers. Grades 5 and 8 showed a slight decline in 2009 scores over last year's scoring which was especially high.

A series of graphs charted the progress of these students over four years, in vertical scale images that illustrated the strong and steady upward progress measured across the years.

The six principals laid out the process whereby these data are analyzed and become the material for evaluation of student progress and identification of areas of weakness.

Principals and staff work together to focus on improvements in their own professional standards to guide the progress of their students.

In response to a comment from board member Eileen Strange that there might be a tendency to focus on data and to teach to the tests, suggesting that test scores are the most important thing, Dr. Lanning responded that the CMT provides a conceptual assessment of where the students are in relation to the statewide standards, and pointed out that the goals of the test exceed the requirements of No Child Left Behind parameters.

Two Pomperaug High School seniors were recognized for outstanding achievement in different endeavors.

Edward Coe is the recipient of a $30,000 scholarship to Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in recognition of his work in the science of robotics.

A film that depicted the science fiction world of the robotic creatures demonstrated his contribution to the PHS robotics team and his academic accomplishments, creativity and inventiveness.

Adam Cherry was presented with a plaque by Nancy l. Carrington, executive director of the Connecticut Food Bank, that acknowledged his entrepreneurial efforts to benefit the bank.

Adam, a pitcher for the PHS baseball team, devised a plan that asked the community to pledge $62 for every strikeout.

During the season, $3,570, representing 50 strikeouts, was raised. More than 1,200 meals were distributed to needy people, Ms. Carrington said.

After all that, it was on to the board's regular business agenda. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Sippy reported that the Pomperaug Health District has scheduled H1N1 clinics on Tuesday, November 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pomperaug Elementary School and on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The comments from citizens portion of the agenda brought Southbury Board of Selectmen candidate Ken Korsu to the podium to urge that education should prepare students to compete on a worldwide platform.

Dr. Lanning assured him that "We try not to get too myopic when we look at our test scores."

The board also approved authorizing refunding bonds for payment of all or a portion of the interest and redemption premium, if any, of the district's $15,100,00 issue of 2004 General Obligation bonds.

It was clear that no immediate action is anticipated and business manager Keith McLiverty undertook to keep the board informed along the way.

Updates to the Bullying Behavior in the Schools Policy also were approved.

The board is due to meet again on Monday, November 9, at Pomperaug High School at 7:30 p.m.