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www.cabe.org
Vol. 27, No. 12
January, 2024
State Board of Education Happenings
CABE’s Legislative Priorities Sheila McKay
Sheila McKay
Sr. Staff Associate for Government Relations, CABE
Sr. Staff Associate for Government Relations, CABE
See STATE BOARD page 3
Members of CABE’s State Relations Committee have set CABE’s 2024 legislative priorities. CABE urges the Legislature to:
Newington High School Stuff a High School Initiative Julia Dennis
Busines Education teacher, Newington High School; Board Chair, Berlin Board of Education
The Newington High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) embraced a new challenge this holiday season by spearheading the school-wide initiative, NHS Stuff a High School. Traditionally organized by staff and faculty, FBLA students assumed leadership roles this year, conducting extensive research to plan and execute the necessary steps to achieve their ambitious goals efficiently. FBLA has been a club at NHS for six years with 99 student members. Unlike previous years, when the initiative was run by staff, the FBLA students took charge and set forth formidable objectives. Their mission included collecting 500 new, unwrapped gifts catering to teenagers and adults, involving seven student groups (clubs or teams), and achieving 100 percent FBLA chapter participation. The committee dedicated considerable effort and time to attain these goals, demonstrating their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community. Running from November 16 to December 11, the gift drive saw regular committee meetings to strategize and optimize their approach for maximum community impact. The results
were impressive, with the committee surpassing their target by collecting over 500 gifts, including 35 gift cards. This student-led initiative met and exceeded expectations, showcasing the dedication and effectiveness of the Newington High School FBLA chapter in supporting local families in need during the holiday season.
• Commit state funding to enable district to support the continued need for counselors, mental health staff and other supports as the ESSER funding ends. • Allow local option to phase in implementation of kindergarten start date. • Invest in programs that promote the training, hiring and retention of educators of diverse backgrounds and increase opportunities for districts/RESC “grow your own” programs. • Allow flexibility in implementation of the reading program mandate to recognize successful programs There will be nine legislative breakfast statewide in January and February with members, superintendents and legislators to discuss these priorities. The 2024 legislative session convenes on February 7 and adjourns on May 8. Public hearings on committee bills will likely be in March. Look for Advocacy Highlights emails during session to keep you informed on hearings (five-day notice) and committee votes (one-day notice).
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The State Board of Education adopted its five-year comprehensive plan for 2023-2028 at their November meeting. The four key issues are: •A ll learners are supported, including those with high needs, and have equitable access to education regardless of background or advantage, as well as access to great teachers and leaders, and a diverse educational workforce. •L earning spaces are safe, compassionate, and culturally responsive and are designed to support the academic, physical, and social-emotional well-being of all learners, including learners of color, multilingual learners, those with a disability, learners experiencing food and housing insecurities, learners coming from low-income families, and those who identify as LGBTQ+. •E levate Connecticut’s curriculum frameworks to provide support for the development of rigorous, engaging instruction and the reliable assessment of universally required skills for life beyond school and a lifelong love of learning. •C reate opportunities for all students to explore multiple career pathways through coordinated and rigorous programs that are developed in partnership with institutions of higher education and local/ regional employers, and that align with economic opportunity and advance students in careers of their choice. The plan can be found here: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/SDE/
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