Advisory: ERN CT Unveils Four Goals for Reopening Education in Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 24, 2020 CONTACT: Amy Dowell | Amy@edreformnow.org

Education Reform Now CT Unveils Four Goals for Reopening Education in Connecticut

April 24, 2020 — As Connecticut plans for an eventual reopening of public schools, ERN CT has unveiled its “Goals for a 2020 CT Education Recovery Plan.” The plan covers four proposals, outlined below, for a statewide recovery aimed at preparing districts to address the changing needs of students when they eventually head back to school.

“While the timing for reopening schools is still uncertain, it’s unfortunately true that all students are being adversely impacted by prolonged closures due to lost time in the classroom as well as the emotional impact of dealing with this crisis,” said Amy Dowell, Connecticut State Director for ERN CT. “With limited resources and time, the top priority in planning for a return to the classroom must be the needs of students who were already vulnerable prior to this pandemic. We need to start preparing a robust statewide strategy now with clear guidance for districts on the use of federal and state recovery funds, so that when schools do reconvene, our education system can do better by all students and educators.”

ERN CT’s proposal for a 2020 CT Education Recovery Plan features four goals for the state:

1. Provide Ongoing Professional Development for Online and Remote Learning for Educators. The state should ramp up and maintain updated training on the pedagogy of effective online learning—to meet student needs during this pandemic, prepare for the possibility of future extended closures, and also leverage current investments as an ongoing academic opportunity.

2. Use Funds to Help Students Recover from Learning Loss with Extra Instructional Time. The state should direct districts to provide extra learning time for make-up instruction through summer learning, weekend academies, extended school days, or extended school year schedules.

3. Address Students’ Social and Emotional Well-Being from the Start. The state should ask districts to expand student access to school counselors—who will give students a school-based support system and help schools to intervene when students exhibit signs of trauma.

4. Use a Diagnostic Tool to Understand Where Student Learning Left Off When Classes Reconvene. The state should repurpose funds that would have been spent on the 2020 SBAC and identify a formative assessment that will produce quick data about student achievement after the pandemic.

ERN CT’s full document can be found here.

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About Education Reform Now CT

The state chapter of a national organization and affiliate of DFER CT, Education Reform Now CT is a 501(c)(3) that operates as a think tank and policy advocate, promoting great educational opportunities and achievement for all by increasing equity, protecting civil rights, and strengthening the social safety net.