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This weekly segment by Democrats for Education Reform CT looks at the top education stories Democrats are watching, providing bite-sized analysis and links to recent articles. On the roster this week: Connecticut’s latest SBAC results, the municipal primaries, and our forum on immunizations.
Test Scores
Last week, the State Department of Education released the 2018 results of Connecticut's standardized test, the SBAC. Statewide results showed a slight improvement, and Governor Lamont commended teachers for their efforts. Still, only 55.3% of all Connecticut students met benchmarks for proficiency in English, and 46.7% met benchmarks in Math. Black and Hispanic students, students with disabilities and English language learners all showed improvement, although significant achievement gaps persist.
Key Takeaways from the Municipal Primaries
Amidst 25 Democratic and Republican municipal primaries, Mayors in three of the state's largest cities faced challengers yesterday. Only one of the incumbent mayors, Mayor Bronin of Hartford, found an easy victory; Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim narrowly won, while incumbent New Haven Mayor Toni Harp lost to challenger Justin Elicker. With two of the three major cities seeing a likely return of their sitting Mayors post-general election, these secure second terms will, we hope, be a time for increased leadership and outspoken advocacy on behalf of Bridgeport and Hartford students. For more on what these results will mean for the Connecticut, check out our analysis here.
Mayor Ganim’s win through absentee ballots (Hartford Courant | CT Post)
Mayor Harp’s loss in rematch with Elicker (Hartford Courant | New Haven Register)
ERN CT Forum on School Immunizations:
The ongoing conversation statewide on religious exemptions and immunization continues as state leaders make plans to address this concern in the coming months. On September 23rd, Education Reform Now CT (our 501(c)(3) affiliate organization), will host a forum on school immunizations--featuring Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Senator Will Haskell, and state medical leaders. Click here to see our Save the Date.
Remembering September 11th
On this anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks 18 years ago, we pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy. For this newest generation of students who were born after that awful day in 2001, the event is part of history. This TIME article looks at how it’s being covered in school.