Opinions and Editorials
SCHOOLS: Merit-pay resistance fades
Editorial, Republican-American, July 3, 2007
Unions' long-standing hostility toward merit pay, however, is receding. Though the National Education Association still believes it inappropriate, American Federation of Teachers supports it when factors other than standardized-test scores are weighed, and the United Federation of Teachers is willing to discuss bonuses for entire schools that show sustained growth in student achievement.
This significant and welcome thawing is attributable to the building consensus that merit pay energizes veteran teachers and attracts bright young people to the profession. The consensus is supported by a growing body of evidence showing bonuses work.
News Articles
Activist likely choice to fill BOE vacancy
By Amanda Pinto, Norwalk Hour, July 5, 2007
NORWALK — The city's Democratic Town Committee will likely appoint Shirley Mosby to fill the board of education position vacated when Richard Fuller retired July 1, Committee Chairwoman Galen Wells confirmed Tuesday.
Mosby is the co-president of the Parent Leadership Training Institute, and is involved in various Norwalk High School parent groups including African-American Outreach, which she chaired, the high school's principal search and building construction committees, and the Junior Achievement program.
She is also a past first vice president of Norwalk's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Program for Hispanic students has its successes
By Chris Gosier, Stamford Advocate, July 5, 2007
STAMFORD - Brian Eirin, 16, used to skip school and was at risk of joining the ranks of Hispanic high school dropouts. Without a new Stamford program known as ALTA, or Aspiring Leadership Through Success, Brian said, he would "still be running around in the streets."
Hispanic students have the highest dropout rate in the state, but the program, backed by more than $140,000 in state funds, is hoping to change that. It is seeing some success.
An Appointment The Mayor Never Misses
By Daniella Altimari, Hartford Courant, July 3, 2007
Lunchtime at Macdonough Elementary School in Middletown: Most of the fourth grade is parked in the cafeteria, but a 10-year-old in a crimson hoodie is headed in the opposite direction. There's a buoyancy to his step, even though he's carrying his lunch on a flimsy plastic foam tray.
A few minutes later, a man in a well-tailored dark suit walks in. He is Sebastian Giuliano, the mayor of the city, and he has come to see Anthony Bartucca, the boy he is mentoring, just as he has every Friday morning throughout the school year.
Schools may study overcrowding
By Melvin Mason, Connecticut Post, July 4, 2007
The city's School Building Commission may hire a consultant to study whether the city should build another elementary or middle school to address classroom overcrowding.
The New England School Development Council is expected to give a presentation of its proposed review of the district's four schools and future space needs when the building panel meets at 6:30 p.m. today in City Hall.
Acting Supt. of Schools Anne Giddings said NESDEC, based in Marlborough, Mass., will look at the district's space needs and enrollment projections to offer recommendations.
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