Crisco supports education reform bill

State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, today voted with a Senate majority for a comprehensive package of public education reforms deemed a priority for the session. Crisco said the bill begins the lengthy process of reform with a goal to provide Connecticut children and families a chance to capitalize on all the opportunities inherent in a good education.

Crisco said the bill represents compromise among many of the governor’s original proposals, priorities of legislative leaders, and suggestions from stakeholders: teachers, administrators, parents, reform advocates, and policy experts.

“As an integral part of a sustained economic development strategy, public education reform is properly placed in the spotlight this year,” Crisco said. “These meaningful changes address everything from school readiness for young children, to the turnaround of failing schools, to teacher certification and evaluation standards, all with the goal of preparing students for the 21st century’s global marketplace.”
Crisco highlighted several landmark reforms and initiatives among the lengthy and painstakingly negotiated legislation:

• 1,000 new school readiness slots, recognizing the undeniable value of early childhood education.
•  At least 20 new or expanded school-based health clinics, understanding that a healthy mind depends upon a healthy body.

• At least 10 new Family Resource Centers, to involve more families in their children’s education.

• Two new literacy initiatives, because reading proficiency is the foundation of learning in every discipline and subject area.

• Direct intervention of the state Department of Education at under-performing schools, utilizing School Governance Councils comprised of administrators, teachers, parents, and other local talent.

• Incentives for and evaluations of ever-improving, professional teachers and administrators, acknowledging and respecting that no one is better suited to improve student achievement than the teachers who lead Connecticut’s classrooms and the principals and superintendents who lead Connecticut’s schools and school districts.

•  Modest funding increases for vocational/technical and vocational/agricultural schools, charter and magnet schools, and a kindergarten through 8th grade science initiative, with a move to a uniform accounting system to better track school funding and accurately gauge per pupil costs from district to district.

The above release was provided by Crisco's office.