Substitute SB 24 Important Points

The Education Committee bill is a big step forward for students, teachers, and public education.

Substitute SB 24, adopted by the Education Committee as an alternative to the Governor’s Education Bill #24, represents significant reforms and improvements in education. Teachers are telling their legislators they support Substitute SB 24 because it:

·       Creates 1,000 new pre-K slots.

·       Provides new funding for schools most in need.

·       Maintains local control over our public schools.

·       Ensures that collective bargaining will be in place to enhance teaching and learning conditions.

·       Improves the teacher evaluation system by ensuring that evaluation plans will include collaboration and professional development supports to continually improve teaching.

·       Bases teacher dismissal decisions on a more credible evaluation system and makes the dismissal process more efficient and effective.

·       Enhances teacher standards by requiring master’s degrees in disciplines that will promote better teaching and learning.

Teachers appreciate that legislators have listened to their views from the classroom; however, more can be done.
Teachers are grateful for all the hard work that went into the alternative legislation and the fact that members of the Education Committee listened to the concerns of Connecticut teachers. However, recognizing that this “Year of Education” reform may be the most important event in a generation, teachers need to remind legislators that they can improve upon Substitute Bill 24 with the following actions:

·       Encourage more parental and community involvement in schools.

·       Elevate the teaching profession by instituting in teacher dismissal proceedings a “just cause” hearing—one afforded other employees in the public sector.

·       Eliminate any reference to “money follows the child” funding since cash-starved schools cannot afford to lose resources.

SB 24 is a work in progress. Teachers should not become complacent.

The Education Committee “punted” in the words of one member. Teachers should not be naïve about what is ahead: the day of reckoning will come when the final details of education reform legislation will be hammered out. Literally anything can happen in the weeks ahead. Teachers need to be vigilant in keeping up to date and engaging in political advocacy.    

Tell your legislators: By listening to teachers, and working together, we can get it right—and improve public education for all our children.

The legislature is often called a maze, and for good reason. There are numerous committees where bills can be sent to be changed and modified. There are legislative maneuvers to stall bills. And there are the myriad amendments that can be made as an education reform bill is ultimately brought to the Senate, first, then to the House of Representatives.