Support from DebraLee Hovey...

As a member of the Education Committee in the General Assembly, it is

very important to look for ways to improve the educational system in our

community and across the state. This is a lengthy piece of legislation

that covers a significant number of concepts and ideas, and is certainly

much to consider in the short legislative session, which is suppose to

deal ONLY with fiscal matters in our state.

There are parts of this bill that I support, including those that would

improve the access to early childhood programs and professional

reciprocity. Overall, however, I do not believe a top-down approach is

the way to achieve education reform. The State of Connecticut's

educational system cannot be so unique as to deter good teachers from

coming to Connecticut and becoming master professionals who could

benefit our students. Individuals become great teachers when they are

empowered to grow and develop and challenged to see things in a

different way.  I feel educational leaders are vital to the improvement

of our system and I am not sure this bill has spent enough time on the

development of a teacher support system. I question the rush to change

while I know there are subcommittees made up of the stakeholders who

have not completed their work.

I believe addressing the achievement gap is vital in attaining an

exemplary education for all children, but I am not sure much can be done

without a more deliberate thoughtful analysis of the issues. I worry

that this bill will blow up our system and leave little in the way of

positive change. 

There are still many questions that need to be answered and the idea of

"a work in progress" does not give me the confidence I need to make a

decision.

I encourage you to follow this bill as it goes through the legislative

process by using the Connecticut General Assembly's website,

www.cga.ct.gov. If I can be of any additional assistance regarding this

or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me and please

contact the Governor's office to give him your thoughts and ideas as

well.