January Forum to Focus on Early Learning Success through Collaboration

Parents, advocates, educators, and providers who help children develop into active learners can face daunting challenges—especially in an environment of dwindling resources. A free forum taking place Monday, January 9 will showcase success stories that exemplify how community engagement, collaboration, and innovation can be harnessed to develop our youngest children into our strongest students. Click…

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Demand a Secretary of Education Who Supports High-Quality Public Schools for Every Student

Teachers have been disappointed and frustrated, though not surprised, by President-elect Trump’s nomination of Betsy DeVos for U.S. secretary of education. With this nomination, the nation is entering dangerous, uncharted territory. NEA, in partnership with AFT, has organized a call to action so that you can share your concerns. Add your name to join with…

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East Lyme Kindergartners Make the Holidays Brighter for Others

Thanks to the efforts of their teachers and parents, kindergarten students at Flanders Elementary School in East Lyme had the opportunity to find out how good it feels to give this holiday season. Through the Holiday Bear Project kindergarten teachers at Flanders organized their students to purchase gifts for thirteen needy children who attend another…

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ESSA and Federal Funding Focus of Education Committee Forum

While the election of Donald Trump raises many questions about the future of public education, state Department of Education officials remained cautiously optimistic yesterday that the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) signed into law last year will allow Connecticut schools to move in a positive direction. “This is truly a historic opportunity in public…

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Mastery Examination Committee’s Draft Report Falls Short

A 21-member group tasked with reviewing the appropriateness of Connecticut’s statewide mastery examination reviewed a draft report today prepared by the State Department of Education (SDE) outlining several findings and recommendations. Unfortunately, the Mastery Examination Committee’s report fails to address substantial concerns raised by CEA Director of Policy, Research, and Reform Donald Williams and other…

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Resources for Responding to Harassment and Discrimination at School

A report from the Southern Poverty Law Center shows an increase in the use of slurs and derogatory language in schools since Election Day—along with disturbing incidents involving swastikas, Nazi salutes, and Confederate flags. The report also found more than 2,500 specific incidents of bigotry and harassment directly related to election rhetoric, including assaults on…

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