CCER Supports State’s Continued Commitment to Preschool
New Haven, Connecticut – Today, May 8th, Governor Malloy announced that he expects the State Bond Commission to approve almost $1.6 million in capital improvement grants to districts seeking to enhance or expand preschool services. These grants are apart of the Smart Start program, established last year as a ten-year initiative to expand preschool access, particularly for children from low-income families. In response, Jeffrey Villar, Executive Director of the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER), issued the following statement:
“We are very pleased that Connecticut has continued to provide support to our districts and to promote the importance of expanding preschool access. Research shows that students from disadvantaged backgrounds really can overcome gaps in achievement, if we make the right early investments and give them sustained support.
“As Connecticut’s young students are poised to begin their academic careers, they deserve a fair chance at meeting success. Under Smart Start, the state is able to work with districts make that happen. We hope that Connecticut will continue to honor this commitment for years to come.”
About the Connecticut Council for Education Reform
The Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER)–a statewide, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) not- for-profit organization–works to close the achievement gap and raise academic outcomes for all students in Connecticut. The achievement gap is the disparity in academic achievement between children from low-income families and children of color, and their peers. We advocate for state policies and local practices that research shows have the best chance of raising achievement for high-need student populations.
For more information on CCER, go to www.ctedreform.org
