NEW: Right to Read Implementation Tracker; and Pressure to Fix FAFSA

Tracking Implementation of “Right to Read”

Today, the Right to Read CT Coalition published a new “Implementation Tracker” that charts the state’s progress from 2021-2024 in seeing through the landmark early literacy legislation. 

Filled with links to resources and news coverage over that time period, the tracker charts just some of the continually building body of work that has resulted from the Right to Read legislation—both within the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and across local public school districts. From passage of the bill, to establishment of a Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success as the hub of the statewide early literacy strategy to setting curricular requirements and orchestrating a truly impressive body of professional development efforts, and so much more—we are watching this sea change for students across Connecticut.

Don't miss the section towards the bottom of the page that links to webinars spotlighting implementation within individual districts—all part of the CSDE's new "Infinite Possibilities" series. Access the tracker here.

• Right to Read CT: Implementation Tracker

• CSDE Webinar Series: Infinite Possibilities

Pressure’s on to Fix Federal Student Aid

"Time is running out to fix America’s student-aid mess" read a headline from The Economist earlier this month. The article was referring to the buggy roll-out of the updated Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which students must fill out to qualify for federal assistance to attend college. Problems with this year’s FAFSA form have resulted in long delays in the process by which colleges determine how much aid prospective students might receive, which, in turn, has meant that applicants have struggled to accept offers of admissions. While many institutions have pushed back their acceptance deadlines, resulting in scrambles within college administrations—a new and growing concern is that these delays may cause some high school seniors to make other plans, rather than enroll in higher education at all. 

Last Week, a USA Today story covered the particular difficulty for college students who were relying upon summer school programs to complete their degrees. The article covers one small, private college in Kansas, where some students have already started summer school without any idea of how much aid they will receive.

In a letter sent Thursday, US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced that the Department of Education (USEd) is taking steps to improve its Federal Student Aid (FSA) Office. Beyond reviewing the FSA Office's organization and business practices, according to NBC News, USEd is bringing in new information technology experts, as well as new leadership for the FSA. “From administering the FAFSA, awarding Pell Grants and campus-based aid, managing student loans, overseeing more than 5,000 institutions of higher education, and more—we are working tirelessly to help all students have access to the resources they need to attain higher education,” Cardona said.

• The Economist: Time is running out to fix America’s student-aid mess

• USA Today: Some colleges are scrambling to get financial aid to students enrolled in the summer term

• NBC News: Education Department vows 'full-scale review' of financial aid office after FAFSA debacle

🌈 This Pride Month, let's ensure ALL students feel safe and supported at school. Read our national team’s latest blog post diving into the debate around parental notification policies affecting LGBTQ+ youth.