STATEMENT: ERN CT Responds to New Relief Aid for Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 14, 2020

CONTACT: Amy Dowell | Amy@edreformnow.org

ERN CT Responds to New Relief Aid for Schools

Calls for Required, Statewide Assessments Tied to Disbursement

May 14, 2020 —  Education Reform Now CT today responded to Governor Lamont’s announcement of $111 million in new federal coronavirus relief aid for Connecticut school districts, applauding the news but also stressing the importance of requiring local funding recipients to participate in statewide measurement standards.

“This injection of federal education funding is welcome news, and the Governor should be applauded for securing more than $100 million for our state through the CARES Act,” said Amy Dowell, State Director for Education Reform Now CT. “These dollars can go a long way toward helping Connecticut students affected most by the COVID-19 crisis. In the wake of this announcement, there are simple questions that should now be at the center of a robust and transparent discussion: how will Connecticut municipalities put this funding to use, and what requirements will be used for its distribution?” 

Last month, ERN CT put out four goals that the state should consider for a 2020 education recovery plan. These goals, which have now been reflected in guidance issued from the State Board of Education, include increased academic and emotional supports for students, training for teachers, and encouraging diagnostic measures to understand where kids have fallen behind and what kind of support they need to get back on track.

Continued Dowell, “We applaud the inclusion of ERN’s concepts in guidance issued from the State Board of Education. Connecticut too often defaults to locally controlled measures, but during this time of crisis, a more comprehensive strategy is needed. If requirements for all districts are specific and consistent in every community, rather than optional or suggested, this will be a meaningful effort to increase equity and effectiveness for Connecticut students, teachers, and our state.” 

ERN CT’S Goals for a 2020 CT Education Recovery Plan 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.