Standardized test scores are now above pre-pandemic levels in more than 100 Connecticut school districts, according to the state Department of Education.

School attendance is also improving across the state.

In Norwalk, officials credit the district's LEAP program for helping boost attendance.

The program uses outreach teams that visit parents at home to address barriers that may be keeping students out of school.

"It's not about shaming families around their attendance," Norwalk Interim Superintendent Sandra Faioes said. "It's about us saying, 'What is preventing you from coming to school? And how can we assist you in removing some of those barriers?'"

State education officials said the improvements come as districts continue efforts to support students both academically and in the classroom.