Raise the Bar.

All students should have a balanced education that includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages and the arts.

Why This Recommendation Is Important

Students enter learning from many different perspectives. Some students are interested in the sciences, others may be interested in the arts. Providing a balanced education is important because it is the foundation for the 21st-century learner.

Actions Needed

  • Establish ambitious, focused and cohesive education standards in all major disciplines of Connecticut public education, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages and the arts.
  • Benchmark Connecticut’s educational standards to established international standards to ensure our children will be globally competitive.
  • Obtain agreement between public schools and postsecondary institutions in Connecticut on the standards for a child to be college and career ready.

Connecticut’s school systems need to measure a child’s progress based on demonstrated competency, not seat time.

Why This Recommendation Is Important

Time cannot be the criterion that determines when a child progresses through the education system. The mastery of skills and knowledge is essential for students to build a foundation for college and career. Requiring mastery of content and skills ensures that all students will learn at high levels.

Actions Needed

  • Enable students to advance through school, and ultimately graduate, based on their demonstration of essential knowledge, skills and dispositions—not on the time they’ve spent in class.
  • Provide children with the support they need to advance at their own pace to meet educational requirements.

Connecticut school systems and higher education must agree on the standards for college and career readiness.

Why This Recommendation Is Important

Currently, there’s no agreement about the skills and knowledge that students need to enter the workforce or attend college after graduation. Agreement is essential so that students, parents and teachers know what is required—and know how to help students best prepare for their future.

Actions Needed

  • Make sure high school assessments measure student progress on college/career readiness standards.
  • Use adopted readiness standards for postsecondary admissions decisions.
  • Address effective teaching of college/career readiness standards in professional development for pre-K to 12.



Recommendations