Norwich school district, which serves about 1750 students a year according to their website, introduces new strategies to teachers to in hopes of helping students improve scoring and create a culture of deep thinking. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)

NORWICH – The Norwich School District is looking for creative ways to help students learn after state testing came back lower expected scores.

According to the schools Interim Superintendent Diana Bowers, the students take “benchmark” tests to track their progress and make sure they are on course to pass their regents exams at the end of school year. These tests are scored one through four, with a one equivalent to a grade below 65, and four being a 90 or above.

District wide only about 30 percent of students scored a three or four in English Language Arts, and 40 percent in Math, on the last state benchmark test.

“Right now our ELA scores are not where we want them to be,” said Bowers, “We have to focus on where we want to go instructionally.”