Victory! (?)

It might be too soon to say this is a win for us, but this is a response from a legislator ON THE ED. COMMITTEE!

Thank you for contacting me regarding SB 24, AN ACT CONCERNING EDUCATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS, the Governor's Education Reform Bill.

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.

Keep the letters coming!