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With primary elections decided and the height of campaign season ahead, the longest-serving state education advocacy nonprofit says that candidates for governor must recognize education as a leading policy issue—one that corresponds directly with our state’s economy and whether we remain globally competitive.
Marc Porter Magee, the interim executive director of ConnCAN, released the following statement:
“We congratulate Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski for their victories last night. As voters, we now face a choice—and the decision we make in November will have enormous consequences for the future of our state. That’s especially true in education. The seeds of our future economic growth are planted in the classrooms across our state. The next governor will need to put education at the center of a plan for economic revitalization.”
ConnCAN analysis of scores on the Nation’s Report Cardshowed that just four in 10 fourth-grade students were able to demonstrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) proficiency in 2017.
Yet eight in 10 of Connecticut’s fastest-growing careers for those who carry a bachelor’s degree also require a deep knowledge of STEM. Magee said that’s one example of steady habits working against the future of our state, and our kids’ potential to lead.
“Connecticut has pioneered in the past by providing children from all backgrounds with the chance to flourish into the industry leaders that built our 20th-century economy into the most prosperous in the nation. The truth is, we haven’t maintained that legacy. Now’s the perfect opportunity to reimagine what’s possible, beginning with a governor who understands the power of education.”
About ConnCAN: ConnCAN is leading a movement to improve education outcomes for Connecticut’s kids. We bring advocates, policymakers, parents and educators together to change the system and give all kids access to the great public schools they deserve.>
Learn more at www.conncan.org