March 2019

CSDE launches comprehensive recruiting system - TEACH Connecticut

TEACH Connecticut has launched! After months of research, planning, production and collaboration, the Connecticut State Department of Education, in partnership with TEACH.org, a nonprofit group launched by the US Department of Education and Microsoft, is excited to announce that TEACH Connecticut is now accessible online at TEACHConnecticut.org.

For more about TEACH Connecticut, read the Hartford Courant's article, "Program Aims to Boost Teacher Diversity."

CT wins $1.1 million grant to support veterans pursuing teaching careers

Connecticut Troops to Teachers is a program for all service members and veterans to receive assistance in transitioning their leadership, core values, and acquired skills to a career in teaching. Learn more about the program.

2017-18 Accountability Results

The Next Generation Accountability System results for 2017-18 were released publicly on EdSight on Friday, February 22, 2019. The following resources about the accountability system can be helpful in communicating the results and using the information for local improvement efforts:

·         Video Introduction to CT's Next Generation Accountability System (2 minutes, 18 seconds)

·         Using Accountability Results to Guide Improvement (detailed guide including data sources, methodology, and resources for all indicators) 

·         Two-page FAQ (a brief, high-level overview)

·         Sample district communication presentation (PowerPoint presentation that can be customized for district use)

If you have any questions, please contact Chief Performance Officer Ajit Gopalakrishnan.
 

Voices from the Field: Factors Influencing Academic Growth

What are the specific local policies, educator practices, strategies, and/or systems that you would identify as the primary factors influencing the high academic growth in your school or district on Connecticut’s student growth model? The CSDE report Voices from the Field: Factors Influencing Academic Growth provides insight about which factors influence academic growth. Educators from 16 communities identified a variety of factors that are organized into six themes. 

1.     Climate, culture, social and emotional factors for students and teachers 

2.     Targeted and focused improvement of curriculum and instruction

3.     Data-based decision making

4.     Responsive and effective professional learning 

5.     Personalized learning - meeting students where they are 

6.     District-wide coherence

The document provides a more in-depth look at some of these factors through the experiences of several Connecticut educators.