Our Monthly Newsletter – Just in Time!

This year, we released a policy agenda that refocuses Connecticut’s education conversation on the changes that matter most to kids and families. “Ed REFOCUS” is our commitment to raise expectations for every student, and double down on what works: evidence-based literacy and numeracy instruction; driving down absenteeism; strong wraparound supports; and high-dosage, high-impact tutoring.

Going forward, you can look out for our “Ed REFOCUS” icon to flag policy discussions that fit into this vision. In this week’s update, we’re focusing the conversation on the state of literacy in Connecticut.

Reading is Freedom

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, we remember the life and legacy of a civil rights leader who advocated for equality, justice, and nonviolent social change. Dr. King famously said that, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.” Literacy is the foundational building block of those skills, and being able to learn and engage with words is a cornerstone of liberty. That is why we are pushing for a stronger state framework for early literacy: better reading assessments, real reading plans for struggling students, and high-dosage tutoring in reading where it is needed most.

Reading is recovering, but not equally. By 2025, Connecticut’s third graders have climbed back to a reading index of 66.5, just about three points below the pre-pandemic level of 69.9. As a note, the Connecticut index target sits at 75.0. Yet statewide, Black students (54.5), Hispanic students (55.0), and students eligible for free or reduced-price meals (55.0) are still about 17 points behind white students (72.1) in English language arts.

Given its importance to our state, the Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success (the hub of the state’s Right to Read Effort) has partnered with the State Education Resource Center (SERC) on a 2026 family literacy celebration that empowers families as their children build literacy skills. Through videos, interactive workshops, and handouts, they cover topics like content for multi-lingual learners, practical strategies to foster academic growth, and supporting at-home literacy learning. You can find this new information for families here.

Use #CTFamilyLiteracy and tag @ConnCAN to share your family literacy celebrations!

Calling Engaging Presenters!

SERC is hosting a “Dismantling Systemic Racism” conference on May 8, 2026—and they’re currently calling for presenters who can speak to the ways that race and systemic racism impact outcomes and opportunities for students and families. If you or a partner organization have a story about dismantling systemic racism in schools, consider submitting a proposal. Learn more here.

ICYMI: State to Prioritize Special Education

According to CT Insider, an independent review by WestEd has found that—although the state complies with federal requirements for special education—Connecticut’s special education system nevertheless faces “systemic issues.” The report raised questions about state capacity and staffing, highlighting issues like staffing shortages, timeliness, and decision-making during due-process hearings. Recommendations fell into four categories: Leading with Vision, Improving Infrastructure, Activating Strategies for Instructional Impact, and Ensuring Effective In response to the state-commissioned report, Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker has promised to rise to the situation. The State Department of Education will now work to develop a plan based upon these findings. We will be watching closely as the state responds and will share opportunities for public input. Read WestEd’s full report here.

Want to stay plugged into Ed REFOCUS at the Capitol? Make sure you are following us on X/FB/IG and signed up for action alerts. See you at the start of the 2026 legislative session!

– The ConnCAN Team –