Connecticut State Department of Education

08/22/2026

08/05/2026

The CT State Board of Education today adopted an updated position statement and policy guidance on personal and purposeful technology use in schools that expands the state's previous recommendations beyond student cell phone use to include classroom screen time and the intentional use of educational technology.

In the updated guidance, which you can read using the link below, the Board recommends that local and regional boards of education develop districtwide technology use policies that establish bell-to-bell restrictions on student use of personal technology while providing appropriate flexibility for instructional purposes and individual student needs.

Read the full updated guidance here:https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/board/positionstatement_cellphoneuse_2026.pdf

07/22/2026

Registration is open for the Connecticut State Department of Education’s newly launched Paraeducator Preparation Academy.

This free, six-week program prepares aspiring paraeducators for the ParaPathways assessment required for employment in Connecticut by providing instruction from certified bilingual educators, covering the full cost of study materials and the exam, and offering Spanish-language support.

To learn more or register, visit the Paraeducator Preparation Academy webpage at portal.ct.gov/sde/talent_office/talent-office-home-page/paraeducator-preparation-academy

07/20/2026

Make the most of summer with family fun at Quassy Amusement Park! Connecticut school staff can receive special rates on combo tickets and season passes thanks to CSDE's School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack. For this opportunity and more, go tohttps://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/staff-appreciation/digitalbackpack_businesses.pdf

07/17/2026

The Connecticut Department of Public Health recently launched "Protect Who Matters Most" to make vaccine education more accessible, relatable, and engaging for Connecticut families.

The campaign includes family-friendly videos, downloadable materials, and the Connecticut Immunization Guide to help parents and caregivers better understand vaccines and how they help protect children and communities.

07/16/2026

⚾️Step up to the plate!

Connecticut school staff can enter for a chance to win four tickets to a Hartford Yard Goats home game.

See how to enter and explore more great offers in the CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack!https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/staff-appreciation/digitalbackpack_businesses.pdf

07/16/2026

The 2024-25 statewide achievement results showed progress across every tested subject and every student group for the first time in more than a decade. That momentum continued throughout this past school year, as chronic absenteeism reached its lowest year-to-date rates on record from January through May, more students earned college credit in high school and gained access to career-connected learning opportunities, and the state advanced evidence-aligned literacy instruction while expanding no-cost instructional resources for educators.

These accomplishments did not happen by accident. They reflect years of collaboration, thoughtful policymaking, and sustained investment in strategies grounded in evidence and focused on student success.

That is why this year’s legislative session was so important.

Read more from the Commissioner’s op ed in the Hartford Courant using the link in our bio Connecticut Dept of Education

07/16/2026

Be sure to read Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker's op-ed, titled “Investing in what works for Connecticut students is building on progress,” which was published yesterday by the The Hartford Courant.

Read the full article here: https://www.courant.com/2026/07/15/opinion-investing-in-what-works-for-connecticut-students-is-building-on-progress/

07/15/2026

Explore Connecticut's rich history this summer!

School staff receive FREE general admission for up to four people at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. Discover this and many more deals in the CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack!https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/staff-appreciation/digitalbackpack_businesses.pdf

07/12/2026

⚾️ Connecticut school staff can access discounted tickets to select Boston Red Sox games this summer thanks to our 2026 CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack. Check out this opportunity and more athttps://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/staff-appreciation/digitalbackpack_businesses.pdf