Conncan 2019 Update

2019 Update ConnCAN is leading a movement to transform education and give all kids access to the great educational outcomes they deserve. See how below.

Message from ConnCAN Executive Director Subira Gordon

I have now been at ConnCAN for 8 months and it has been an amazing journey! Every day I learn something new about the challenges facing our kids and the work that needs to be done to foster greatness. A representative body must be held accountable by its electors. Connecticut's education system, which has failed so many, needs to be transformed to allow every child to reach their full potential. Since the beginning of 2019, we have been at the legislature telling the stories of students and parents with the goal of making lasting and meaningful change. In addition to meeting with legislators, we have hosted quality school tours for parents and led community education equity discussions across Connecticut. It is an honor to serve as ConnCAN's Executive Director and advance education policies that create a more equitable system in Connecticut.

From the field ConnCAN believes local residents know what's best for your community! We launched a statewide 2018-2019 "The Future of Education Equity" listening tour to connect with and listen closely to residents about why access to quality education matters. Through the initial five stops in local communities from East Hartford to Waterbury to New Canaan, we heard ideas and issues from over 75 parents, teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, elected officials and students. To learn more about future listening tour stops and for more info on how you can get involved, please email State Outreach & Advocacy Manager Toni Williams at toni.williams@conncan.org

Highlighting great schools Students benefit from educational options. We were proud to co-host parents with Make the Road CT for quality school tour visits atSilvermine Elementary in Norwalkand with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conferenceat Amistad Academy in New Haven.

Education leadership We joined individuals and groups from across the country includingStrive Together, Teach for America &the 74 Million for the 2019 Yale School of Management Education Leadership Conference. The theme for 2019 -- Never Standing Still: Leading through Uncertainty.

Partner engagement At the conference, I was proud to serve on a panel discussion titled, 'Systems of Oppression in Education Reform' with Relay Graduate School of Education, Teach for America, Make the Road CT andFaithActs for Education.

Pressing the system We're holding elected officials accountable as we advance policies years in the making:  SB 1022 AAC Minority Teacher Recruitment & Retention, passed Appropriations by a vote of 46-2 on 5/2/19, passed Senate on consent on 5/29/19, workforce development and affordable housing for teachers.

Teaching students about the strength of our diversity On 5/22/19 Rep. Bobby Sanchez, co-chair of the Education committee, mentions ConnCAN's support for HB 7082 AAC The Inclusion Of Black And Latino Studies In The Public School Curriculum.

15 years of advocacy! ConnCAN continues to confront the educational challenges that affect our state through data driven research and policy. We offer our sincerest thanks to those who have worked with us over the years!

Meet ConnCAN's staff