In the State

And We Wonder Why We Can’t Have Nice Things? Fact Check On News Surrounding The Removal On Teacher Evaluations

Thursday afternoon while researching information on the state school board’s recent decision to permanently remove annual mastery exam data from teacher evaluations, I stumbled upon a Channel 12 News segment entitled: “State teachers to no longer be rated on test scores.” *Spoiler Alert:* That’s not a factual statement. State teachers have never been rated based… Continue reading And We Wonder Why We Can’t Have Nice Things? Fact Check On News Surrounding The Removal On Teacher Evaluations

Hartford · In the State

CT Parents Union Founder Tells State To Do Their Job: Asks That They Follow Up On Child Abuse Report

In case you’re wondering how done parents are with Connecticut’s State Board Of Education, Connecticut Parents Union founder Gwen Samuel explained it — in detail —  on Wednesday morning at their monthly meeting. Here’s the video of her testimony:

“Parents have to know that you are reading about their abuse and neglect,” to the state board of education during public comments. She’s talking about an Office of the Child Advocate report on mandated reporting that was released a few weeks ago. The report found that Hartford Public Schools routinely and systematically ignored allegations of child abuse. 

Since the report’s release, Hartford Public Schools responded by releasing an Action Plan, but Samuel says this doesn’t go far enough. 

“Do what you were appointed to do,” said Samuel, who wants the state board to step up and ensure that districts are complying with state law, referencing the groundbreaking CCJEF v. Rell ruling.  According to Superior Judge Thomas Moukawsher, the state has a “non-delegable” responsibility to provide free public education. Samuel argues this extends to protecting children from abuse — as it should.

Bridgeport · Hartford · Students

Will the Bridgeport BOE Vote on Legal Action Against State Board?

It appears my suspicions might be right! The Bridgeport Board of Education cancelled Monday evening’s Facilities Committee Meeting, and replaced it with a Special Board meeting to discuss “possible action” on the state Board of Education’s approval of two new charter schools in Bridgeport. The “possible action” referred to on the agenda remains unknown, but… Continue reading Will the Bridgeport BOE Vote on Legal Action Against State Board?