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Health & Fitness

Education Reform in 2012 a Model for Political Compromise

Brief overview of Connecticut's 2012 education reform package.

Dear Friends,

I wanted to take a minute to thank
all of the teachers, parents and concerned citizens for your advocacy and
patience over the past several months as the Connecticut General Assembly
discussed and debated various aspects of education reform for our state. 
In the final days of the 2012 Session, the legislature did pass a comprehensive
reform package that directly reflects what teachers and progressive educators
know works to improve our schools.

This bill addresses:

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  • Literacy,
         with a new focus on reading in the primary grades.
  • Early
         childhood education, adding 1,000 pre-K seats.  
  • Wrap-around
         services, expanding social, health, and family supports for our
         children.
  • Collaboration
         among parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members.
  • Transparencies,
         in evaluation processes and turn around schools.


Other important aspects include:

· New Commissioners Network for struggling schools
will provide intensive supports and interventions needed to turn around
25 of the most chronically low-performing schools in CT over the next 3 years.
The network grants the state commissioner of education the needed authority to
develop or modify plans with teachers and parents at “turnaround” schools,
while respecting collective bargaining rights. 

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· Fair teacher/administrator evaluation, tenure and certification systems
will be developed over the next two school years, allowing for removal of
“ineffective” teachers. The evaluations will include multiple indicators of
student academic growth, professional dedication and achievement and
fairness. 

 In 2012 the collective efforts of many individuals and groups (Republican and Democrat) throughout Connecticut highlighted the key components needed to help struggling schools.  Together they impacted change for the children of Connecticut. We all did this with persistence, perseverance, and professionalism, thanks to all of you.   

Sincerely,

Kim Fawcett

My website can link you to a copy of the legislation at http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Fawcett/ or call my office directly to have some additional materials explaining the new law mailed to you directly.

 

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