The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has left us in uncharted territory, with more questions than answers. Given how quickly the situation is changing, we want to assure you that CEA is working on a variety of issues that impact teachers and providing you with the most up-to-date information possible. We are committed to keeping…
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The U.S. Department of Education has waived standardized testing requirements for the current school year for students in elementary school through high school. The department says it will provide relief from federally mandated testing requirements to any state requesting a waiver due to the public health crisis. “Eliminating standardized testing for the current year is…
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A bill President Trump signed into law yesterday is an important step in the right direction to provide relief during this difficult time, but the education community wants Congress to go further to provide families with immediate financial support and regulatory relief. The bill signed yesterday makes it easier for students who typically receive school…
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State Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona has said Governor Lamont asked him to seek a waiver from federal standardized assessment requirements from the U.S. Department of Education. “We don’t feel that if students are out for an extended period of time, bringing them back to school and sitting them down to take assessments is the…
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Educators have engaged in record numbers in the 2020 presidential campaign and have made it clear they are ready to take this activism and organizing all the way to November. After yesterday’s primaries in Arizona, Florida, and Illinois, Vice President Joe Biden has 1,180 delegates to Senator Bernie Sanders’ 885. After much debate and careful…
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State Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona today told CEA leaders that his department is focusing on the big picture: ensuring safety for students and staff and keeping students engaged. He urged teachers to “give it your best effort to serve kids” and provide continuity of education with today’s reality. In a conference call, the…
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Connecticut teachers are sharing their stories with legislators in the hopes of diversifying teaching in Connecticut, where more than 40% of the student population are children of color, while educators of color comprise only about eight person of the teaching force. Teachers testified in favor of Senate Bill 390, An Act Concerning Minority Teacher Recruitment…
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Classrooms were over 100 degrees. Crayons were melted, tables warped, magnets curled and fell off the boards, candies melted, floors buckled. Medical concerns when the temperature of the room was unbearable consisted of dizzy spells, headaches, blackouts, concentration issues, and difficulty breathing. Extreme temperatures caused mold to grow throughout the building, including in the HVAC…
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Governor Lamont declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies in Connecticut yesterday afternoon, in order for the state to take specific actions in response to the coronavirus. The declarations allow the governor to take broader measures to protect public health. There are currently school closures in six Connecticut towns. Wilcoxson Elementary School in Stratford, Nathan…
DetailsCEA is working closely with the State Department of Education and other education stakeholders on protocols for schools and teachers in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We agree with Governor Ned Lamont’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Connecticut and his recommendations to take precautions, including hand washing. As Benjamin Franklin so wisely…
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