Driven by four key underlying considerations, ReadyCT has established its 2022 policy agenda. For the 2022 legislative session, ReadyCT will look to advance: 

(1) Increasing Access to Career Readiness Opportunities.

In light of ReadyCT’s emphasis on preparing students for the future of work, we continue to believe that all students should have access to low-stakes exposure to career options with applied, project-based learning. By thoughtfully aligning career readiness instruction with regional workforce needs, and by emphasizing work-based learning (WBL) within the general education experience, we can position students from all districts for quality career opportunities in Connecticut. This priority is in complete alignment with the Governor’s Workforce Council Career + Education Committee strategies, and we can work closely with the Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS) to advance certain priorities.

For a deeper look at what’s needed on this and ReadyCT’s other policy priorities, click here.

(2) Improving Educator Preparedness to Meet the Needs of Students/Workforce.

In order to best prepare our students for the rapidly evolving world of work, it will require an educator workforce that keeps pace with these changes. As such, it will be essential that we make investments in modernizing teacher preparation, certification, and professional development standards and expectations. CT’s teacher certification regulations were written in 1998 and are in desperate need of an overhaul. While there have been attempts to modernize the regulations in the past, these efforts have failed because of a lack of vision for the “why” and “how” necessary for this change.

For a deeper look at what’s needed on this and ReadyCT’s other policy priorities, click here.

(3) Investing in and Designing Statewide Remote Learning Models.

COVID-19 has forced districts nationwide to leverage technology in new and unexpected ways. Amid challenges, there were some successes. CT should capitalize on all remote learning lessons in ways that support equitable, cost-effective, and high-quality instruction for all students regardless of ZIP code. This May 2021 Hartford Courant article reflects on the lessons learned and opportunities for leveraging remote learning as part of the design and delivery of K-12 education going forward. 

For a deeper look at what’s needed on this and ReadyCT’s other policy priorities, click here.

(4) Funding for the State’s Computer Science Education Plan.

ReadyCT continues to advance access to and participation in computer science (CS) education across the K-12 continuum. This priority is in direct alignment with the GWC’s strategic plan and OWS priorities. 

For a deeper look at what’s needed on this and ReadyCT’s other policy priorities, click here.