Progress in Education Reform

Education reformers in Connecticut are fighting hard this legislative session to close the worst achievement gap in the United States. It’s a gap that directly affects Connecticut's most vulnerable children but also impacts our entire population and economic future.

The path to achieving real education reform in the state will likely be a long one as difficult issues are confronted and leadership emerges.

Some legislators are working to make real reform happen, several even adapting their positions to make certain that important education reform legislation passes.

As an example, SB 1106 — the early childhood consolidation bill — originally contained language making family childcare providers state employees, for the purpose of increasing membership in state employee unions. The collective bargaining language was removed from that bill.  

Fortunately, the bill's sponsors avoided putting interest-group politics before reform, which ultimately will benefit Connecticut's schoolchildren.

The proposal instead creates a coordinated system of early care, education, and child development by 2013, with a focus on efficiencies and quality improvement.

CBIA encourages lawmakers to adopt reforms that improve Connecticut’s education system, ensuring a better future for our young people and a stronger state economy.