Study: Region 15 Students Perform 'Very Strong' in College

A recent study shows that Region 15 is producing college-bound graduates that can perform successfully during their first year of college.

For the fourth consecutive year, student data compiled and analyzed by Torrington-based Words & Numbers Research, Inc. suggest that Southbury and Middlebury students are excelling at the next level after graduating Pomperaug High School.

Dr. Susan Carroll, president of Words & Numbers Research, Inc., revealed the findings of her study of how well PHS graduates from the Class of 2011 performed in their freshman year of college earlier this month.

The class attained an average freshman grade point average (FGPA) of 3.08 at the end of their first year of college, according to the report. In terms of most college grading systems, a GPA of 3.00 represents a “B” average. These academic achievements were attained by students carrying full course loads.

“What this research is telling us is ‘Are the students carrying forward what Pomperaug High School has taught them and are they performing up to a good standard in their freshman year of college’,” said Carroll. “The data is telling us that they are.”

Leslie Belval, PHS Career Center Coordinator, collected the official college transcripts from the 260, or 76% of those PHS graduates who gave permission, extracted the data, and submitted the data to Words & Numbers Research, Inc. for tabulation and statistical analysis.

By selectiveness of institution, the highest freshman grade point averages were achieved by graduates enrolled at the most selective schools. Students from less competitive schools achieved averages above 2.52, satisfactory as well, according to Carroll’s report.

Students at four-year schools achieved a FGPA of 3.20. The two-year students had a lower average of 2.40. Students at private institutions had a 3.19 FGPA, while students at public schools achieved a FGPA of 2.99. The number of credits on average reflected a full course load which makes the performance on FGPA even more impressive, said Carroll.

According to Carroll, the data indicates that there were no statistically significant differences regarding FGPA from previous years.

“This consistency of performance is a strong finding that has been corroborated each year,” said Carroll. “The academic performance of college-bound PHS graduates in the first year of college is very strong.”

Region 15 Board of Education member Sharon Guck commended Carroll on her report and reiterated that the district’s job is to prepare college-bound students well for post-secondary education.

“Seeing this trend of good freshman grade point averages shows that the region is doing this on a consistent basis and doing well for our students,” said Guck.