"School principals have the most difficult job in education," states Fran Rabinowitz in the most recent episode of CASconversations. CAS President Dr. Rosie Vojtek chats with the executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) about the state's budget impasse; CAPSS' ambitious plan for transforming CT's education system; the importance of high quality early learning programs; how technology has revolutionized education; and, the ideal relationship between the superintendent and the building principal. Listen now!

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On November 14th at 3:00 p.m., the CIAC will be hosting an open forum for principals on the issue of transgender athletes. Executive Director Karissa Niehoff and Associate Executive Director Gregg Simon will review and answers questions concerning the CIAC’s current regulation on the eligibility of transgender students to participate in high school sports. We hope this chance to dialogue will help our members more easily navigate this complex issue in their schools and districts. Athletic directors are welcome. Please register in advance.

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The Connecticut Student Activities Conference (CSAC) is pleased to announce a leadership conference for young men and women of color. This unique event for middle school leaders and aspiring leaders will be held on December 14, 2017, at Goodwin College in East Hartford. Students will engage with uniquely talented presenters in exercises designed to uncover their leadership abilities and probe possibilities for their future. The keynote speaker will be Omari Pearson, former high school, collegiate and professional hoops standout and current president of Passion to Purpose, LLC.  

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Do you know someone who is involved in the arts and has demonstrated exemplary ‘heart’; has exceeded normal expectations in assisting others within the school community; or, has overcome adversity or a challenging circumstance? If so, please consider submitting a nomination for the “CAS Heart of the Arts Award.” This award recognizes students, adults or groups involved in high school performing or visual arts programs who exemplify the core values of education-based activities – i.e., integrity, citizenship, courage, good character. The deadline for nominations is January 24th.

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Registration for the always popular elementary student leadership conferences is open and filling fast! These annual events feature unique, interactive lessons in communication, problem solving, decision making and productive thinking. Choose from four college sites: Sacred Heart University in Fairfield on January 4; Naugatuck Community College in Waterbury on January 8; Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield on January 10; and, Three-Rivers Community College in Norwich on January 11. Each conference offers an impressive line-up of breakout presentations and hands-on activities. Register soon!

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Does your school have a great story that you would like to share with a wider audience? An impressive student or faculty member? A unique program? A feel-good human interest story? Anything in between? If so, submit your story to CAS and let us help in publicizing it either on our website or through our relationship with the news media. We want to help tell your great education stories!

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The Connecticut Middle School Debate League (CTMSDL) kicked off the 2017-18 year with a scrimmage at Bethel Middle School on October 21st. One hundred seventy 5th through 8th graders from fourteen schools did a fabulous job debating both sides of the motion: This House believes that National Service should be compulsory in the US. The proposition side prevailed in 58% of the rounds.

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This year, ACES International is offering another comprehensive learning tour for Connecticut educators in July. AI’s Field Study annually prioritizes global competencies through a foreign country’s educational system and cultural environment. The 2018 Field Study will take participants throughout Southern China and Thailand and include cultural preparatory seminars in advance of the excursion. Educators interested in participating can inquire at acesinternational@aces.org. Spots are limited in order to personalize the experience for all.

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A recent study by the CSDE indicated that, though there are significant differences in the design and delivery of the two assessments, there is a moderate relationship between student performance on the Smarter Balanced assessments in ELA and Mathematics in 8th grade and performance on the PSAT 8/9. Students with higher achievement on the Smarter Balanced 8th grade assessment exhibit, on average, higher scores on the PSAT 8/9. Moderate correlations are noted in both subjects between student scores on the two assessments. The correlation in ELA was slightly stronger than the one for Mathematics.

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