posted on
This week marks the beginning of Connecticut’s 2024 Legislative Session. As a state, we’re at a key juncture: Do we make bold, equitable decisions that support our rapidly diversifying student population, or do we stay our current course where too many students are denied opportunity? ConnCAN’s goal will always connect kids to their potential through thoughtful advocacy, building community bridges and a persistent can-do belief.
This year, we have five policy goals that focus on educator certification, preserving education funding reform commitments made during the 2023 Legislative Session, supporting Multilingual Learners, choice in schooling experience, and sharing school performance with families. Together, these priorities address key systemic issues facing Connecticut kids, families, and educators.
Modernize Educator Certification System
Connecticut’s educator certification system is over 25 years old. With a statewide focus on educator diversity and acute staffing shortages, now is the time for change. ConnCAN believes that the teaching profession and access to high-quality educators is a key pillar of building equitable opportunity for Connecticut kids.
-
- Overhaul existing certification statutes and regulations to widen the pool of possible educators – while maintaining objective measures of quality
- Build clear pathways that provide greater access for mid-career shifters, out-of-state applicants to gain employment
- Lead with a lens for equity, focusing on Connecticut’s commitment to diversifying the educator workforce
Defend Historic School Funding Win
In 2023, ConnCAN and its coalition partners successfully advocated for a historic $150M investment in public K-12 education. This win reaches every public school in every corner of the state. We are determined to see this commitment made a reality in partnership with the Connecticut General Assembly.
We will:
-
- Ensure schools receive funding based on student need
- Support proper allocation of $150M additional education resources for FY25 and beyond
Fully Implement Multilingual Learner Bill of Rights
Multilingual Learners are among the most vulnerable (and promising) student populations in the state. Growing in number and proportion, Multilingual Learners deserve equal access to educational opportunity. Our Bill of Rights is an essential first step in building long-term focus and power alongside this key constituency.
-
- Bill of Rights is in effect now; Families are entitled to those rights
- Many families and districts are often not aware of the law change; ConnCAN will work with partners to get word out, troubleshoot problems and ensure universal adherence to law
Streamline Charter Approval and Funding Processes
State charter schools educate many of Connecticut’s black and brown students. Families deserve a clear, transparent process for the approval and funding of new charter schools. Right now, many of those decisions are unclear to the public, and leave families uncertain, waiting for opportunity. ConnCAN seeks to:
-
- Improve charter approval and funding process through transparency and legislative authority
- Ensure timely consideration of charter per-pupil funding so communities can plan effectively
Build Systems to Inform Parents of School Quality
Each year, Connecticut publishes school results. These results , when accurate, thorough, and accessible, are a powerful tool to build understanding for families on the strengths, growth areas and opportunities for their school environment. However, parents often do not know these results and can feel disconnected from the decision-making process.
-
- Parents have a right to know how their schools perform
- Districts and the State Department of Education should inform parents if their school is chronically underperforming and ensure families are aware of all school options available
While a lot of the work happens in Hartford, we understand that each decision has reverberating effects throughout our state. We know how important this work is for our collective future and we hope you’ll join us. As you know, our door is always open, so let’s chat soon.
While a lot of the work happens in Hartford, we understand that each decision has reverberating effects throughout our state. We know how important this work is for our collective future and we hope you’ll join us. As you know, our door is always open, so let’s chat soon.
Follow along with our progress:
