ERN CT 2021 Policy Priorities

The Right to Read

Identify and approve K-5 reading programs for all districts based on the Science of Reading.
Establish an independent Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success to collect data, provide professional development and coaching, collaborate with educator preparation programs, and expand the Connecticut Literacy Initiative (CK3LI) for intervention in high-need districts.
Position Connecticut as a national leader, securing state and federal dollars to support implementation, professional development, and early literacy initiatives.

Incentivize municipalities to build affordable housing with a bonus in school construction reimbursements.
Expand the Open Choice Program to districts state-wide to offer families more options and districts a chance to address racial isolation and declining enrollment.

Remove non-medical exemptions to school immunization requirements —because all parents, teachers, and students have a right to know that their children are in safe and healthy classroom environments.
Allocate federal resources towards safely and fully reopening schools.

Establish a single funding formula for all districts and all types of public schools, including magnets and charters.
Secure seed funding in the 2021-22 Biennium Budget to open the Danbury Prospect School, which was approved by the State Board of Education in 2018. Advocate for a renewed RFP process to open additional charter schools in the state next year.