April 2000          

Dear Student:

During the next few weeks you will be taking the Connecticut Academic Performance Test, better known as the CAPT. The purpose of this test is to measure the academic achievement of high school students throughout the state in the areas of Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and on an Interdisciplinary test. Whereas many of the traditional tests you have taken are designed to measure what you know, the CAPT is designed to also measure what you can do with what you know. Therefore, the primary goal of the CAPT is to determine your ability to apply what you have learned in school to situations you will face throughout your life.

Early next fall you and your parents, as well as your school, will receive a report describing how well you did on the test. The report will become a part of your school records. Students who meet the state goal on one or more parts of the CAPT will receive a Certificate of Mastery in those areas, and this accomplishment will be recognized on their high school transcripts. Students who do not meet the goals will have the option of retaking those parts of the test again next year in order to gain certification.

It is important for you to take this test seriously. There is nothing special you need to do to prepare for the CAPT other than come to each of the testing sessions well rested and ready to do your best work.

I hope you will work hard and enjoy the effort.

Sincerely,                             

Theodore S. Sergi                
Commissioner of Education