The new legislative session is underway and CAS is actively engaged with lawmakers, putting forward the principals’ perspective on key policy and legislative issues. There are more than sixty raised bills that affect schools and school personnel in our state – some are good; many are not. CAS will be providing written testimony on almost all of them. Members can track the progress of these bills by visiting the website below. This site provides direct access to up-to-date information on all education-related bills, public hearings and testimony.

http://www.legislationtracker.com/login/igs
Username: CASCIAC
Password: CASCIAC

We encourage your involvement and invite your feedback as we continue our advocacy work for the current session.

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Now in its twentieth year, the Governor's Scholars Awards Program honors the top 30 scholars in Connecticut. Principals are invited to nominate one junior who ranks in the top five percent of his or her class. The nomination deadline is Monday, March 7th; and, all required documentation must be postmarked by that date.

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The Connecticut Education Law Blog, published by Berchem, Moses & Devlin, P.C., recently featured an article explaining the provisions of Public Act 15-205, An Act Protecting School Children. The Act expands the reporting requirement for school employees and subjects violators to increased penalties. It also requires principals to certify that DCF training has occurred and clarifies that the mandated reporter law protection applies to high school students who are over age 18. This article is a must-read for school leaders not familiar with the terms of the new legislation.

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The state department of education is now accepting submissions from Connecticut middle and high schools for the statewide Challenge to Educational Citizenship Awards. Any student-organized activity that represents a “good deed” is eligible for submission. Projects submitted for consideration should demonstrate good citizenship, a commitment to helping others, civic awareness, leadership, responsibility and teamwork. If you have a program or activity in your school that you feel might be worthy of this award, please consider submitting a nomination.

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The 54th Annual Scholastic Chess Championships for students in grades 1-12 will be held on Saturday, March 12th, at the Travelers' cafeteria in Hartford. Students attending ANY Connecticut school (as well as home-schooled students) are invited to participate. Last call to register!

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The long-awaited screening of “Salam Neighbor,” a documentary capturing the plight of Syrian refugees, will take place on March 10, 2016, at Goodwin College Auditorium. Postponed from its original date due to weather, the screening will be followed by a discussion with award-winning filmmakers Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci who use immersive storytelling to raise awareness around pressing global issues. This unique opportunity will inspire thought and dialogue on overwhelming and complex issues from a perspective different from the day-to-day news coverage. There are a few spots still open. Register now!

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The Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut – in partnership with Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood – is now offering a leadership development program for educators and administrators seeking to make a difference in PreK-3rd grade. Designed for elementary and PreK school principals, assistant principals, teacher leaders, school superintendents, early learning and child-care center directors, as well as other administrators, this one-year, part-time program will guide you in developing robust early childhood education action plans for your community. Gain valuable knowledge through modules focused on curriculum and instruction; assessment practices with young children; evaluation of teachers and programs; and effective leadership. Register online by March 31, 2016.

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A recent survey of middle level leaders revealed "student stress" as a significant problem in middle schools. The CAS Middle Level Board is looking to identify the top stressors experienced by Connecticut’s middle school students and to examine successful interventions employed by schools to mitigate those stressors. Middle school administrators are asked to complete a brief questionnaire on this topic.

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The Neag School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership is now accepting applications for the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) 2016-2017 cohort. The program provides prospective superintendents and other district leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of 21st century district leadership. Interested school leaders are invited to attend the upcoming information session on March 24th at the Center for School Change in Hartford.

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The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, in partnership with the Seedlings Foundation, is excited to offer a unique opportunity for districts seeking to join the movement to build emotionally intelligent school communities. The Seedlings Institute for School Leaders is a multi-day master class that provides a foundation for understanding and implementing emotional intelligence district-wide. The institute will take place July 11-13, 2016, at the Yale campus in New Haven. Cost is $500 per person and includes accommodations and most meals. The application deadline has been extended to April 1st. Apply Today!

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On March 23rd, the CT State Department of Education and the New England Secondary School Consortium will host a full-day workshop on master-based learning (MBL) for district and school leadership teams. Mastery-Based Learning: What, Why, and How It Can Help will focus on the core elements of mastery-based learning and provide opportunity for school-assessment in the key areas of teaching and learning, organizational design, and school leadership. Teams will discuss the what and why of MBL and how it can help schools improve so that students will graduate college, career, and citizenship ready and prepared to compete in a globally competitive world.

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