Recruit and Retain Educators of Color:
Students in public schools should see adults of color as educators and role models. Although 46% of the student population in CT is made up of students of color, 91% of our educators are white. We should promote diversity in the education workforce through:
Recruitment of public school students to the teaching profession.
Preparation and induction programs that set teachers up for success.
Incentives to place and retain excellent teachers of color in our public schools.
Timely execution of the MTR Policy Oversight Council’s recommendations.
Establish Greater Resource Equity:
Building on progress made in the 2017 budget, CT should continue to pursue a more equitable and transparent education funding system. This plan should include:
A single funding formula for all districts and types of public schools.
A progressive model to ensure students and schools with the greatest needs are receiving sufficient resources.
A new plan to fund special education that can be predictable and cost-effective for communities, while maintaining our state and federal obligations.
Build Career Pathways for Students:
CT should invest in dual-track programs that have a proven record of providing students with flexible and personalized opportunities for success in college and career.
An example is the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (PTECH) model.
Such programs should leverage partnerships between secondary schools, post-secondary schools, and business/industry.
Explore Costs and Benefits of Consolidation:
CT public school enrollment is decreasing, and some of our many school districts can no longer afford to provide students with the comprehensive programming they deserve. We should:
Pursue hard conversations about whether consolidating resources in small district is a solution.
Support incentives that encourage shared services and consolidation.