INTRODUCTION

Every student in Connecticut, regardless of their zip code, deserves a world-class education. That is the clear message and ongoing commitment of a partnership formed by our organizations, which represent six of the state’s leading education and business groups.^[1] In 2012, we worked together to support a landmark package of education reforms in Public Act 12-116. Although our groups represent different stakeholders and perspectives, including school boards, superintendents, principals, advocates, and the business and civic community, we continue to be united in a desire to see systemic change come to our state’s public schools. We believe that passing this legislation was an important first step, but now the hard work begins. A shared commitment and resources to support implementation will be essential in determining whether these changes bring about true transformation or simply more of the status quo.

A coalition of six of the state’s leading education and business groups – CAPSS, CAS, CABE, CBIA, CCER, CONNCAN – outline common legislative goals

New Haven, Connecticut (January 30, 2013) — As Governor Dannel P. Malloy and the General Assembly prepare to debate the state’s budget, our partnership – composed of six education and business organizations –urges state leaders to remain committed to improving public education, primarily by protecting key measures championed last year as part of the groundbreaking education reform law (Public Act 12-116).

In the midst of budget woes, state leaders will have to make tough decisions that could

Governor Malloy ended the week on a high note today, announcing at Briggs High School in Norwalk that he was increasing his support for the Commissioner’s Network. The Governor’s upcoming budget proposal, he announced, will call for an additional $14.1 million to be added to this program, bringing the total available funding for the Commissioner’s Network to $27 million.

Commissioner Stefan Pryor announced that, in light of this expanded support, six additional schools were being invited to advance to the next phase of planning for inclusion in the Commissioner’s Network in the 2013-2014 school year. Briggs High School, applying for the second time, was one of the schools made eligible.

Norwalk’s Superintendent Daddona stated that after Briggs was not admitted to the Commissioner’s Network last year, the school and district redoubled their efforts, making clear that they want to build a career academy, community involvement, and partnerships between parents and their chamber. “Becoming a part of the [Commissioner’s] Network will make our dreams come true,” he said.

Indeed, Commissioner Pryor observed that Briggs’ story of determination and second chances was a symbol for the entire Commissioner’s Network effort-in which struggling schools with great promise are given the opportunity to persevere and turn themselves around with increased state support. “Students in this school have faced academic difficulty… and barriers in their lives, and are aspiring to do better,” he said. “Likewise, in the Network process, this school and district applied once, didn’t quite make the cut… and they raised private money… and got a grant to do planning more generally, to come back, and apply again. This entire endeavor is about second chances. And this is an example that applies across the board on the Commissioner’s Network.”

Commissioner Pryor thanked the Governor for maintaining his commitment to the Commissioner’s Network, even in the midst of financial challenges in the state of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Council for Education Reform commends the Governor and Commissioner for expanding support of this important turnaround measure.

The recent commentary posted on the Stamford Advocate blog by columnist Wendy Lecker paints an incomplete picture about charter schools. A review of the charter school data for the schools reauthorized in June 2012 presents a far more diverse student achievement picture than was presented by Ms. Lecker.

Recently, at our workshop titled Innovate to Eliminate Gaps in Student Achievement, we were honored to have Dr. Sugai as our keynote speaker.

Click here to view a pdf of Dr. Sugai’s presentation.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Connecticut had an idea for education reform. There was a promise for expansive new education funding in exchange for new school district accountability programs. Low achieving school districts would get significant new dollars in exchange for implementing new district reform programs.

Fast forward a year. Financial institutions teetered on the brink of extinction and the national economy went belly up. In the face of Connecticut’s fiscal woes, education reform became the victim. Unable to fulfill its education funding promises, the state slashed assistance for district improvements and human capital at both the local and state levels.

This story might sound all-too-familiar at the start of the 2013 legislative session, but that tragic tale-in which Connecticut reneged on its promises to reform public education-spanned the years of 2007 and 2008. Since then, over two hundred thousand students have graduated from high school, many without the necessary skills to succeed in college or careers.

Executive Director of CCER, Rae Ann Knopf’s new blog on Huffington Post; Pulling Together to Prevent Violence From Tearing Us Apart

Executive Director of The Connecticut Council for Education Reform, Rae Ann Knopf discusses the Achievement Gap on WTIC-FM. Listen here.

Executive Director of the Connecticut Council for Education Reform, Rae Ann Knopf discusses the Achievement Gap on Education Talk Radio. Click here to listen.

A month after the terrible tragedy in Sandy Hook Elementary School, the outpouring of support and caring can barely be managed by the hundreds of volunteers who have come together to assist the community of Newtown. People from across the country and around the globe have united in an effort to prevent something like this from ever happening again. According to state and national experts, the themes for these solutions can be found in the very actions that residents of Newtown, Connecticut and people across America are taking in response to the event. As people connect with one another, communicate concerns and develop solutions in ways that balance prevention and response, we are strengthening the bond that will help us keep our children safe. Protective factors include: