HARTFORD - Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed into law a sweeping education reform bill that aims to improve public schools and improve Connecticut's chances of securing federal "Race to the Top" funding. The new legislation increases the number of credits required for high school graduation and requires students to pass exams in core subjects including math, history, biology and English, while making it easier for parents, school boards and the state to step in when schools are failing.
"This new law raises academic criteria, boosts requirements for graduation and puts a much-needed emphasis on core areas of study such as math, science and technology," Rell said during a May 26 signing ceremony at Hockanum School in East Hartford. "It gives new authority to stakeholders - including, for the first time, parents - to take decisive action when schools are letting students down. And it includes new and rigorous processes for tracking the performance of students, teachers, schools and districts.
S.B. 438, "An Act Concerning Education Reform in Connecticut," increases the minimum credits required for high school graduation to 25 from 20 and places greater emphasis on math, science and world languages, beginning with the Class of 2018 (students now completing the fifth grade). It also requires every student to complete a "capstone," or independent demonstration project.
In addition, students will be required to pass end-of-year exams in algebra, geometry, biology, American history and 10th-grade English in order to eligible for graduation.
The new law also seeks to increase parental involvement. The measure creates "Parent Governance Councils" to give parents and guardians a role in decisions affecting school improvement in the state's neediest schools.
Also under the new law, the state Board of Education will be able to replace local boards of education in low-achieving schools, while "priority" school districts (those with the greatest academic need) will be able to convert existing schools to "innovation schools." Innovation schools have special flexibility in curriculum, schedule, budget, staffing and other areas, and must be reviewed each year by the district superintendent.
The new law also enhances Connecticut's chances to secure up to $175 million in federal "Race to the Top" grant funding that rewards states for taking steps toward education reform. Connecticut was expected to file its application for the next round of Race to the Top grants on June 1.
"Today, we put in place standards and requirements that ensure Connecticut's students will be the best-educated and the best-prepared in the world," Rell said.
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