Led by @CharleneRTEdu, the CSDE is committed to supporting every student in unlocking lifelong potential and success in learning, life, and work beyond school.
Great news! This past April, CT recorded its lowest chronic absenteeism rate on record for this point in a school year.
Rates also dropped from 17.2% in March to 16.7% in April, with gains across nearly all student groups.
Let's finish the year strong, in school, every day.
Members of Connecticut's State Student Advisory Council on Education presented thoughtful, student-led research and recommendations to the State Board of Education today on mathematics education and artificial intelligence. From strengthening math confidence and career connections to promoting responsible AI use and digital literacy, these student leaders demonstrated the power of student voice in shaping the future of education.
More than 300 members of the Class of 2026, representing more than 50 schools across Connecticut and neighboring states, were celebrated last night at the 2026 Groton Signing Day after accepting job offers from Electric Boat and taking the next step toward meaningful careers in Connecticut's growing workforce.
"We are incredibly proud that you are choosing to build a future in our small but mighty state," Commissioner @CharleneRTedu told the students as she joined Congressman @JoeCourtneyCT, Dr. Alice Pritchard, members of the United States military, and @GDElectricBoat leadership in recognizing this important milestone.
These students are a powerful example of what is possible when schools, employers, and communities work together to expand career pathways and unlock lifelong potential. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as you begin this exciting new chapter, helping to build Connecticut's future workforce and strengthen our nation's defense.
As we near the end of the school year, @LGSusanB & Commissioner @CharleneRTedu are encouraging businesses to participate in the 5th Annual School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer https://t.co/ZzeL2d584X
Congratulations to the students in the BMHS Marine Science Academy! 🌊 Through hands-on learning in marine science, engineering, and ocean exploration, these students are building real-world skills and discovering career pathways that match their talents, passions, and dreams.
⛵🌊 Two new mini boats built by BMHS sophomores in the Marine Science Academy have launched on an incredible journey across the Atlantic Ocean. 🌎
Learn more about the “The Killer Whale” and “Booyah” miniboats project: https://t.co/6WN5HF5cPA
On May 26, Connecticut will once again observe Get Outside and Play for Children’s Mental Health Day, first proclaimed by Governor @NedLamont in 2022.
The goal is to promote the benefits of outdoor classroom time on children’s mental health and wellness! 🌞 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
Bipartisan education policy is not only possible, it is already happening!
In a recent op-ed in @educationweek, Commissioner @CharleneRTedu joined national education and policy leaders to discuss how collaboration across differences can move education forward. Read more below!
In case you missed it...
We recently published our May newsletter, featuring a message from the Commissioner, updates from around the agency, and more.
Read here: https://t.co/cMJ7O4I8Oj
Subscribe here: https://t.co/nrqpUnS0WI
CT's Science of Reading Masterclass is strengthening how reading is taught in classrooms, helping educators apply evidence-based strategies that support student learning, according to a report conducted by the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration.
CCERC found that educators who participated in the Masterclass reported significant gains in their understanding of how children learn to read and to put those strategies into practice.
Launched in 2022 with a $4.5M in ARP ESSER funds, the Science of Reading Masterclass is a statewide professional learning initiative developed by the CSDE in partnership with @capssct to build local capacity in evidence-based literacy instruction.
Read the full report here: https://t.co/Zs5WSLR8YN
📣ATTENTION CT BUSINESS OWNERS
Commissioner @CharleneRTedu is encouraging CT businesses to participate in the 4th Annual School Staff Appreciation #DigitalBackpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer. Learn more at https://t.co/BYETSfym9D
Yesterday, Commissioner @CharleneRTedu convened more than a dozen educators from across CT for the 2026 Commissioner's Teacher Roundtable in partnership with the Teacher of the Year Council.
The conversation focused on supporting student learning, strengthening the teaching profession, and preparing for the future of teaching - including student engagement, school climate, educator leadership, mental health supports, and the evolving role of Al in education.
Thank you to all the educators who shared thoughtful, solution-oriented perspectives and recommendations grounded in their experiences serving students across our state. Your partnership and leadership continue to help Connecticut strengthen teaching and learning for every learner.
Happy School Nurse Day!
Today, we acknowledge the incredible work CT's school nurses do to ensure the health and well-being of our students. Thank you for your hard work, compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to children and school communities across our state
In honor of #TeacherAppreciationWeek, @LGSusanB
& Commissioner @CharleneRTedu are encouraging businesses to participate in the 5th Annual School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer https://t.co/ZzeL2d584X
Connecticut students continue to build momentum in attendance, with March marking the LOWEST CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM RATE for this point in the school year on record. At 17.2%, this is an improvement from 17.6% in Feb. and down significantly from 19.3% as of last March.
This continued year-over-year progress reflects sustained, statewide efforts to keep students connected, engaged, and on track for success.
Let’s finish the year strong! In school, together, every day!