CAS is pleased to announce the availability of a grant to support special education administrators. The grant program, a joint initiative of CAS and the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), was established two years ago in response to frequent reports from practitioners indicating that special education administrators would benefit greatly from the support of an executive coach with special education expertise. Districts are invited to apply for a grant that will provide them with a coach at no cost. The deadline for submission of applications is November 20, 2018.

The CSDE, in partnership with CAS, is pleased to offer a workshop series to allow principals the opportunity to examine the implementation challenges of the Connecticut Core Standards for Mathematics and learn how to address these challenges in their buildings. The series will consist of the three sessions beginning on January 16th.

The holidays are right around the corner. Are you ready? Every December, public school students, parents, teachers and administrators face the difficult task of acknowledging the various religious and secular traditions celebrated during that time of year. Be prepared for the “December dilemma” by joining us on November 2nd to learn about best holiday practices for schools. Registration closes today so act now!

Scott Driscoll, founder of Internet Safety Concepts, will be at CAS on November 7th to share his vast knowledge of the pitfalls of social media. What sets Scott apart from other social media presenters is his background as a youth officer in a suburban police department where he worked closely with schools. A skilled “techie” with a good understanding of public school policies and procedures, Scott employs clear and understandable terminology and a bit of levity to deliver an engaging and frank presentation on the challenges of managing the social media landscape in a school setting.  

Join us for a booktalk at CAS on Thursday, November 29th from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Scholastic Books will be sharing new titles and describing services which support administrators’ literacy efforts within our schools. Refreshments will be served.

The 12th annual CIAC Sportsmanship Conference will be held on Thursday, November 15 at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. Keynote speaker Keven Laue, the first competitor missing a limb to play NCAA Division 1 hoops, employs a mix of humor, audience participation, and a uniquely strong delivery to tell the story of a life so extraordinary that it was chronicled in the 2013 Oscar-qualifying documentary “Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story.” Students will participate in interactive workshop activities, consider and address real world challenges and network with athletic leaders from across the state.

CAS, in conjunction with the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), is offering a unique experience for middle and high school social studies teachers throughout the state. Entitled “Teachers Law School,” this day-long program will include workshops on hate speech and hate crimes, immigration law, and issues of immunity for governmental entities. The workshop will be held at the CAS office on December 5, 2018, and will feature practicing attorneys and law faculty from UCONN and Quinnipiac University. A continental breakfast and a light lunch will be provided and there is no fee for CAS member schools. Please inform your social studies faculty of this coming event.

The State Education Resource Center (SERC) is pleased to announce a terrific lineup of upcoming professional learning activities for general and special education leaders and educators, including:

• Enhancing Instructional Programs Within Schools: Training In Special Education Administration
• PPT Chairperson Training (Fall and Spring)
• Fall Leadership Series: Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
• Orientation for new General Education Administrators about Special Education Procedures/Practices 
• Strategies for Conflict Resolution and Building Partnerships During the IEP Development Process -Sessions for Administrators 
• Strategies for Conflict Resolution and Building Partnerships During the IEP Development Process - Sessions for Families 

Click here for details and registration information.