06/04/2026
Supporters of current policies argue more time and investment are needed. Critics argue that focusing primarily on school assignment and funding has not solved the underlying causes of achievement gaps.
Either way, the report is likely to fuel renewed debate during the 2026 election
Top 5
1. Connecticut Has One of the Largest Education Achievement Gaps in America
-Connecticut ranked 49th out of 50 states for racial equality in educational outcomes.
-The biggest problem is the gap in college degree attainment between White and Black residents.
2. The Issue Isn't Just School Funding
-Despite decades of court orders, reforms, and billions spent on education, large achievement gaps remain.
-A separate Brown University study found that school finance reforms have not fully closed racial funding gaps and may have increased inequities in some cases.
3. The Hartford School Integration Case Is Still Driving Policy
-The landmark Sheff v. O'Neill ruling found Hartford's schools were unconstitutionally segregated.
-Thirty years later, Connecticut is still operating under court-supervised agreements intended to reduce segregation.
4. State Officials Say Progress Is Being Made
-In late 2025, the Connecticut State Department of Education reported that 96% of Hartford families seeking placements outside the city school system received them, exceeding a major court-ordered benchmark.
-More seats are scheduled to be added through magnet schools, Open Choice programs, and technical schools through 2029.
5. The Debate Is Shifting from Access to Outcomes
-Connecticut has invested heavily in school choice and integration efforts.
-The WalletHub study suggests that while access may be improving, significant gaps in test scores, graduation rates, and college attainment remain.
https://insideinvestigator.org/study-ct-has-second-most-segregated-education-outcomes/
