Opinion: Keep Focus on Essential Reform

Date:
March, 2012
Abstract:
The CT Post says any education reform bill that comes out of the CT legislature must include quantity and quality - more availability of programs and high-quality early childhood education programs.
Author:
CT Post

Time is quickly running short for the Legislature to hash out an education reform plan. The original bill as proposed by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is enormous, with many good measures and some that are questionable. But whatever bill is ultimately put up for a vote needs to include some baseline reforms.

More and better early-childhood education programs are essential. Experts understand the need for all students to arrive in school ready to learn.

The Educational Cost Sharing formula is due for an overhaul. The proposed bill would mean more money for schools in need, but also require those schools to meet certain requirements before more aid could kick in. This would help ensure the money is going where it's needed.

And any reform needs to take a close look at teacher tenure, and ensure there are ways to get underperforming educators out of the classroom.

No matter what happens with the more controversial parts of the bill, the valuable aspects that garner wide agreement should not be abandoned. School reform is more essential than ever, both for today's children and the state's economic future.

Early Childhood Advocate