September 26 to October 3 is Banned Books Week – the only national celebration of the freedom to read. The American Library Association and other sponsors have a website with information about the week, including a map of recent book bans and challenges in the United States and suggestions for event ideas. Visit the online…
DetailsAmidst all the brouhaha over Health Care Reform another major legislative act, vital to millions of America’s school children, is up for renewal and expires on September 30, 2009. The Childhood Nutrition Act of 1996, last reauthorized in 2004, subsidizes the Free Lunch Program as well as the Free Breakfast Program. The program is still…
DetailsCEA is offering Professional Issues Updates this fall at locations around Connecticut. We are encouraging teams from every local association to attend and hear about 2009 legislative changes that affect you and your district. Some of the important issues that will be discussed at these update sessions include: Updated information about the TEAM program which…
DetailsYesterday it became official that Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) will assume the chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). He and Senator Kennedy were not only colleagues, but close friends and, in most respects, shared a similar worldview. Harkin served in the House from 1975-85 and has served in the Senate…
Detailsbully pulpit (a public office of sufficiently high rank that it provides the holder with an opportunity to speak out and be listened to on any matter) Last night President Obama took back the high ground in the health care debate after an ugly August. My impression is that he likely moved public opinion with…
DetailsAt noon today President Obama addressed America’s students. If you missed his remarks, you can read them here or watch them below. In his speech Obama told students that if they want to be successful, they must take responsibility for getting the most out of their educations. “No one’s written your destiny for you,” Obama…
DetailsHappy Labor Day! Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement, and has been celebrated for over 100 years in the United States. It serves as a tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. On this day, as we celebrate what the labor movement has accomplished thus far, it’s important to remind…
DetailsDr. Matthew Cartter, Connecticut’s State Epidemiologist, presented to the State Board of Education Wednesday, on the implications of the H1N1 virus (or Swine Flu) for Connecticut’s public schools. He offered background about the virus and answered questions at the end, as well as focusing on schools. Watch the section of his presentation where Dr. Cartter…
DetailsAs of September 8, Connecticut will finally have a budget in place for the 2010 fiscal year that began July 1. Governor Rell announced yesterday afternoon that she will allow the Democrat authored budget to become law without her signature. She will, however, veto $8.3 million worth of spending. Click here to see the Governor’s…
DetailsI was deeply saddened by Senator Kennedy’s death last week. He championed many of the causes I believe in. I had the privilege of working with him on many of those issues particularly in education, worker’s rights and children’s health care. I disagreed with his support for No Child Left behind in 2001 and he…
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