We kicked off 2026 by sharing in the CT Mirror the changes we’d like to see for public education this year, building on the gains and goals of 2025. Our commitment to students in 2026 includes a refocus on academic fundamentals like literacy and math, needed improvements in the teacher career pipeline, meaningful updates to the charter approval process, and real language access and opportunity for families.

Here is ConnCAN’s policy agenda for 2026:

Reading to Grow, Learn, and Lead

• Expand funding for High-Dosage Tutoring
• Extend Reading Plans beyond 3rd grade for students in need of additional support – including dyslexia screening prior to end of 3rd grade for students who continue to struggle
• Require evidence-based benchmark literacy assessments for every K-3 student, focused on Science of Reading skills

Every Kid Counts – Improving Math Outcomes in CT

• Address Connecticut’s opportunity gap in math, focusing on the continuum of skills from early numeracy starting in preK to advanced practice in college and career
• Convene a coalition of Connecticut leaders, student advocates, educators, and academics to build a statewide strategy that incorporates innovation, equity, and high standards for all students

Incubating and Investing in Public Charter Schools

• Align the Charter School Request for Proposal process with state budget timeline
• Streamline the charter approval process
• Expand opportunities for charter incubation across state

Creating Dynamic Education Options for Kids and Families

• Launch the “Innovation Fund for Education” campaign – focused on resourcing new and innovative ideas from districts to improve the delivery of education
• Improve resource equity through education funding reform

Ensuring Language Access and Opportunity

• Create a Statewide Language Access Plan for the State of Connecticut to support kids and their families
• Focus on early literacy development, the science of reading, and multilingual instruction to support the needs of multilingual learners in Connecticut

Growing, Keeping and Investing in Great Teachers

• Improve systems of educator preparation, certification, professional development, compensation and retention of educators – with a focus on modern workforce needs
• Fulfill the promise to resource and implement Connecticut’s Aspiring Educator Scholarship program, and modernize the regulatory and statutory requirements for certification in Connecticut

We look forward to collaborating with you, as we advocate for each and every Connecticut student to have equitable access to education in our state.

More to come as the year unfolds!
-The ConnCAN Team