The CAS Legislative Committee advocates on behalf of schools to promote sound education policy that furthers student learning, school improvement and leader development. This year, the committee will focus primarily on three critical topics:

1. English Learners: There is a pressing need for expanded services for these students. The committee, along with thirty urban leaders, participated in a dialogue with the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus earlier this year. This dialogue will continue in the coming year in the hope of contributing to draft legislation that improves services for these students. 
2. Personalized Learning: CAS has been involved in the development of a white paper on this subject which will be released in early January. There are legislative barriers to overcome in order for schools and districts to have the flexibility to innovate. 
3. Secondary Reform: Legislation passed in 2010 is out of step with the direction of reform in the state and aspects need to be removed from the books. 

If you are interested in helping to affect change in any of these areas or want to learn more about a topic or the committee, please contact Mike Galluzzo at mgalluzzo@casciac.org.

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The Connecticut State Department of Education is now accepting grant proposals to support assessment reduction efforts in local school districts. Up to $500,000 is available to local educational agencies to be used for the elimination of tests that are outdated or do not contribute to student learning and for the improvement of student assessments currently in use. Individual districts can apply for up to $10,000. Grant applications must be submitted by January 9, 2015. Awardees will be selected and notified by late January 2015.  MORE

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Nearly fifty retired administrators had a chance to reconnect and reminisce at a luncheon held at the central office on December 8, 2014. For some, the visit to CAS was their first in more than a decade! Check out the photo page!

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This month, Connecticut was awarded three grants from the U.S. Department of Education, bringing in more than $16 million to help the state expand high-quality preschool, promote positive and healthy school climates, and strengthen school emergency operations plans.

Connecticut received nearly $12.5 million in discretionary federal funding under the Preschool Development Grants program. The money will be used to expand access to high-quality state-funded preschool programs and to improve the quality of these programs in 14 high-need communities.  MORE

Connecticut was one of 12 states - out of more than 30 that applied - to receive a federal School Climate Transformation grant. The $3.3 million grant will help the state expand the infrastructure it already has in place for supporting effective school wide positive behavior practices, with a particular focus on providing support to low-performing schools. The state also received a School Emergency Management grant for $291,483. This money will be used to provide additional training and technical support to schools in the development and update of their school emergency operations plans.  MORE

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Last call to register for the CAS Elementary School Leadership Conferences in January! We have a few spaces open at our Sacred Heart University, Asnuntuck and Three Rivers Community College sites. However, the conference at Naugatuck Valley Community College is SOLD OUT! Registration for the other three venues has been extended until December 22nd. 
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Registration for the 31st Annual CT Association of Athletic Directors (CAAD) Conference is now open. The 2015 conference will offer workshops on a number of critical topics and will feature two outstanding speakers of national renown: former NFL great Billy “White Shoes" Johnson and Olympian Rod Dixon. Click here for details and registration information.

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The Neag School of Education’s Executive Leadership Program prepares prospective superintendents and other district leaders to meet the challenges of 21st century district leadership. More than fifty of the state’s current superintendents have participated in this program. Interested school leaders are invited to attend one of two upcoming information sessions. 
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The CT State Department of Education is sponsoring a conference on best practices in educator evaluation and professional learning. The conference, entitled "Moving from Compliance to Coherence: Enhancing Professional Learning and Growth," will be held on February 26, 2015 from 8:30 am-3:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell. Districts are encouraged to send teams that represent various positions and perspectives. A complete schedule and brochure will be available in early January 2015. If you have questions, please contact the CSDE Talent Office at 860-713-6868 or Shannon Marimon, Division Director, CSDE Talent Office, at shannon.marimon@ct.gov.

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