In the State · Opinion · Reform

What Happened? State Supreme Court Overturns CCJEF v. Rell Decision Leaving School Funding To The Whims Of A Divided Legislature

Elizabeth Harris with the New York Times wrote that Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher’s 2016 CCJEF v. Rell  decision could “fundamentally reshape public education in Connecticut.” Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim called the ruling “a game changer.” Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff of Norwalk said the decision might be the “clarion moment for education reform.” A year later and none of… Continue reading What Happened? State Supreme Court Overturns CCJEF v. Rell Decision Leaving School Funding To The Whims Of A Divided Legislature

In the State · Reform

[VIDEO] Connecticut Mom Gwen Samuel Brings Real Talk To American Enterprise Institute’s Panel On “Schooling in America”

Education policy panels tend to be posturing, jargon-heavy affairs, however on Wednesday, Connecticut mom and president of the CT Parents Union, Gwen Samuels, brought some much needed real talk to the American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) panel on “Schools in America.” Check out her comments linked in the video below: The AEI panel discussion centered on a recently… Continue reading [VIDEO] Connecticut Mom Gwen Samuel Brings Real Talk To American Enterprise Institute’s Panel On “Schooling in America”

Bridgeport · Reform · Students

Bridgeport Superintendent Resigns: Yet Another Victim Of Hostile School Board Politics

I should congratulate Maria Pereira! She finally got her way. To the detriment of 21,000 Bridgeport children, she’s finally pushed Superintendent Fran Rabinowitz out of the district. Good Job. With her help, Bridgeport became the third urban school district this month to abruptly lose its superintendent mid-year. In her resignation letter, sent on Wednesday and addressed to school… Continue reading Bridgeport Superintendent Resigns: Yet Another Victim Of Hostile School Board Politics

Reform · Students

Will Things Ever Really Change? CCJEF Appeal Or Not, Bridgeport Needs State Leaders To Act!

Last Wednesday, about 40 parents gathered in front of Geraldine Johnson School in Bridgeport, demanding the resignation of the school board member Maria Pereira. The situation has gotten so bad, that some are even asking for state intervention. “This is only happening in Bridgeport, Connecticut,” said parent Wanda Simmons during the rally.  “Our children are… Continue reading Will Things Ever Really Change? CCJEF Appeal Or Not, Bridgeport Needs State Leaders To Act!

Reform · Standards · Students

Bridgeport Board In Complete Disarray During Pivotal Time

What a shameful state of affairs — on the very same day the New York Times published an article detailing the gross inequity faced by students attending Bridgeport schools, a political feud between board members halted the city’s school board. Monday afternoon, the Connecticut Post reported that school board chairman Dennis Bradley canceled the school… Continue reading Bridgeport Board In Complete Disarray During Pivotal Time

Bridgeport · Hartford · Reform · Students

Bridgeport and Hartford Parents Make History! File Groundbreaking Equity Lawsuit Against State Of Connecticut

It’s really no secret that, in Bridgeport, a seat at one of the city’s six high-performing magnet schools is highly coveted. Last year alone, Bridgeport Public Schools received over 6,700 applications from K-8th-grade students, all vying for a chance at hundreds of open slots. Each year, thousands of parents pack open houses, many applying to… Continue reading Bridgeport and Hartford Parents Make History! File Groundbreaking Equity Lawsuit Against State Of Connecticut

Budgets · Reform

Another One Gone: Baker Says Goodbye To Bridgeport School Board

Andre Baker is the fourth Bridgeport Board of Education member to resign from their post in the last two years — the latest in what has become a revolving door of school board members throwing in the towel. It couldn’t come at a worse time. School starts in two weeks, and this newest resignation could… Continue reading Another One Gone: Baker Says Goodbye To Bridgeport School Board

Reform · Standards

Who’s Opting-Out? Recent Survey Results Show It’s Exactly Who You Think

Who is the opt-out movement? As it turns out, the people promoting opting out of state assessments are exactly who you’d expect. A recent survey conducted by Assistant Professor at Teacher’s College at Columbia University Oren Pizmony-Levy and Teachers College Research Associate Nancy Green Saraisky found that an overwhelming majority of opt-out activists are white… Continue reading Who’s Opting-Out? Recent Survey Results Show It’s Exactly Who You Think

Budgets · Reform

Education On The Ballot: August Primary Could Have Huge Impact On Schools

In less than a week voters will be headed to the polls to decide which legislative candidates will have a ‘D’ next to their name in November. In Bridgeport, this usually translates to who ultimately makes it to the state house. State primaries may not have the fanfare of the national presidential race, but when… Continue reading Education On The Ballot: August Primary Could Have Huge Impact On Schools

Bridgeport · Budgets · Hartford · Reform · Students

Sheff v. O’Neill Turns 20: How Long Will It Take For The State To Fulfill Its Promise To Connecticut Kids?

Last Saturday marked a major anniversary for Connecticut, though you’d never know it. It wasn’t total radio silence, but certainly not the usual fanfare that comes from the 20th anniversary of a seminal supreme court case. The most prominent mention of the landmark Connecticut State Supreme Court Case Sheff v. O’Neill, which turned 20 on… Continue reading Sheff v. O’Neill Turns 20: How Long Will It Take For The State To Fulfill Its Promise To Connecticut Kids?