Is there an extraordinary individual who has given his/her time, energy or expertise to your school? Has a local business provided services or resources which have resulted in positive experiences for your students? If so, please consider submitting a nomination for the CAS Distinguished Friend of Education Award.  MORE

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Do you know a student who is involved in the arts and has demonstrated exemplary ‘heart’ – i.e., integrity, citizenship, good character – in his or her chosen activity; has exceeded normal expectations in assisting others within the school community; or, has overcome adversity or a challenging circumstance? If so, please consider submitting a nomination for the new “CAS Heart of the Arts Award”! This award seeks to recognize students involved in high school performing or visual arts programs who exemplify the core values of education-based activities.  MORE

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Due to great demand, Alan Bernstein of The College Board will return to CAS on March 12th for a second session of “The Redesigned SAT and PSAT/NMSQT: What School Administrators Need to Know.” Alan will discuss how the revised SAT and PSAT/NMSQT tests will be closely linked to rigorous college readiness standards, such as the Common Core State Standards. He will also explain what the changes will mean for parents, teachers, and students.  MORE

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The CAS Division of Student Activities is pleased to announce a unique, one-day training for high school student leaders and teacher advisers designed to prepare them to help students who are experiencing mental health challenges. The workshop, offered in partnership with the Rushford Center and Institute of Living, will be held at the CAS Office on February 5th. Participants will:

• grow in their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions.
• identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or addiction.
• increase their confidence in helping and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
• show increased mental wellness themselves.
• be introduced to common mental health challenges for youth.
• learn a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
• cover topics including despondency, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
• increase their awareness of mental health disorders and available resources which should decrease incidents of bullying and disruptive behaviors impacting school climate.

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The Big Six has released a Statement of Principles and Policy Recommendations outlining its priorities and goals for 2015. The Big 6 coalition represents key stakeholders and perspectives from the state’s leading education and business groups - including the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS), the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN), and the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) - and continues to be united in a shared commitment to pursue systemic improvement in the state’s public schools so that every child gets an excellent public education. With the release of its Statement of Principles and Policy Recommendations, the coalition expects elected officials to keep education improvement efforts a priority during Legislative Session.

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The Principal of the Year Award Program was established in 1984 to bring recognition to high-achieving school principals and to increase public awareness of the critical role that principals play in the education of our youth. The program is designed to honor outstanding principals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, a passion for educational excellence, a commitment to their students and staff, and service to their communities. If you know or work with an outstanding school administrator and would like to nominate him or her for the Principal of the Year Award, click here for further information.

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CAS staff worked as part of a team of educators - which included representatives from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) and Regional Education Service Centers (RESCs) - to develop a white paper entitled: “A Look to the Future: Personalized Learning in Connecticut.” While the content of the paper does not suggest or propose a new set of mandates for school districts, it presents a rationale for the transformation of our educational system and proposals which would remove barriers freeing districts to innovate. Throughout January, this paper will be presented to state department officials, the State Board of Education, Connecticut legislators and the press. We hope you will have an opportunity to review this important document.

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The CT State Department of Education is sponsoring a conference on best practices in educator evaluation and professional learning. The conference, entitled "Moving from Compliance to Coherence: Enhancing Professional Learning and Growth," will be held on February 26, 2015, from 8:30 am-3:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell. Districts are encouraged to send teams that represent various positions and perspectives. Participants will: 

• engage in collaborative conversations with a focus on how to build coherence among and between district/school priorities and new initiatives; 
• reflect on current district/school efforts and plan ahead for implementing 2015-16 educator evaluation and support systems; 
• explore practical resources and tools to support the work of educator evaluation and professional learning in their district/school 

A complete schedule and brochure will be available later this month. Questions can be directed to the CSDE Talent Office at 860-713-6868 or Shannon Marimon, Division Director, CSDE Talent Office, at shannon.marimon@ct.gov.

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Are you planning for retirement? Do you need guidance? Attend the "Choosing Your Retirement Path" seminar on February 12th at the CAS office. This no-cost, educational presentation, sponsored by New York Life, will examine financial concerns you may face in retirement and explore possible solutions.  MORE

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