Too often, state commissions convene and write reports that then sit on a shelf and do not result in actions being taken.  In Connecticut, however, we have broken ranks and gone against the norm.  In 2010, the Connecticut Commission on Educational Achievement (CCEA) framed several important policy changes and actions necessary to radically improve public education in our state.

One of the recommendations was to form an independent non-profit organization whose focus would be to propel these ideas from theory to practice in Connecticut’s public schools. With a mission to support efforts to close the largest in the nation achievement gap, while raising academic outcomes for all students, the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) took the CCEA’s report and turned it into a working plan for improving the educational lives of all public school children in Connecticut. Two years after the release of CCEA’s initial report, we are pleased to report on the incredible progress that Connecticut policymakers and education advocates have made in permanently altering the education landscape in our state.

We applaud these efforts, and celebrate the tremendous amount of courage and will it has taken to get us this far. As Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Although there is much work left to be done, CCER is incredibly proud to have been part of the progress to date.

Please join us as we expand our focus to include supporting the implementation of these important reforms so that they have the greatest impact on the children who need them most.  As the future leaders of our families and communities, they are counting on us to see this process through. Click here to view CCER’s 2012 Education Policy & Progress Report, which highlights CCER’s original recommendations, the actions that have been taken so far, and the important next steps needed to improve the state of public education.  You can also contact us at info@ctedreform.org if you would like us to mail you a hard copy.