CT News Junkie | Commission Looks to Close the Achievement Gap


CT News Junkie | Commission Looks to Close the Achievement Gap
They don’t have any recommendations yet, but a commission appointed by Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell wanted to remind families heading back to school this week that it is working on solving the state’s achievement gap.
In Connecticut, the gap between rich and poor students is wider than that of any other state, the Connecticut Commission on Education Achievement pointed out at a Capitol press conference Monday. Studies show that 4th and 8th grade low-income students are, on average, three grade levels behind their wealthier counterparts in math and reading.

The group is focusing on the achievement gap from an income standpoint, but earlier this year the legislature tackled the issue by focusing on the gap between white and minority students. It was even able to get legislation passed that will give parents more power over their child’s education. It gives parents of failing schools a voice in the process to reconstitute a school.

“Poverty is directly correlated with low educational achievement,” Steven Simmons, CEO and Chairman of Simmons/Patriot Media and Communications, said Monday.

(Commission Members http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3872&Q=456624)

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