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HARTFORD Gov. M. Jodi Rell has assembled a high-powered group of business leaders to study the educational "achievement gap"between low-income students in Connecticut and their more affluent peers. Established by Rell's Executive Order No. 40, the volunteer, privately funded Connecticut Commission on Educational Achievement will research why Connecticut has one of the largest achievement gaps in the nation and make recommendations to the governor, lawmakers, relevant state and local institutions and the public on how to close it.
"We all want the same things for our children, whether we are parents, teachers, employers or the governor ?and that is top-notch education,"said Rell. "The future leaders of Connecticut in both commerce and community are in our classrooms today. How we prepare them and how they respond will dictate the success of our society.
The commission includes NewAlliance Bank CEO Peyton R. Patterson, Community Foundation for Greater New Haven President William W. Ginsberg, Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) CEO John Rathgeber, and retired People's Bank chairman David E.A. Carson.
Other appointees include retired chairman and CEO Ramani Ayer of the Hartford Financial Services Group and Roxanne Coady of R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison.
The 11-member group will be chaired by Greenwich businessman Steven J. Simmons, chairman and CEO of Simmons/Patriot Media and Communications, LLC. Simmons was previously a professor at the University of California, associate director of the Domestic Policy Staff at the White House, and the author of several children's books. Simmons approached Rell recently about getting involved in helping Connecticut students succeed in the classroom.
"I felt as an individual citizen it was my obligation to try and do something about this critical issue,"said Simmons. "A distinguished group of business leaders and other outstanding citizens who feel the same way are joining in this effort.
The group plans to hold hearings around the state, visit public schools, review research and consult with interested parties. Commission members will also examine successes in other states, according to Rell's office.
"Connecticut has long prided itself on having one of the finest workforces in the nation, but this must be inclusive of every child in every neighborhood,"Rell said. "The commission I have assembled is made up of those who have achieved success in a number of fields and, most importantly, those who have a passionate interest in helping all of our children succeed.
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