The CSDE is awarding approx. $6.2M in state grants to 29 school districts through the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program, continuing Connecticut’s investment in a research-based approach to approving student attendance and engagement. Learn more at portal.ct.gov/sde/press-room…

In case you missed it... Earlier this week, the CSDE awarded approx. $6.2M in state grants to 29 school districts through LEAP, continuing CT's investment in improving student attendance and engagement. For more, watch this segment on @FOX61 youtube.com/watch?v=-_dJ4hmH…

Earlier today, the CSDE hosted its annual Superintendent Back-to-School Meeting, bringing together more than 100 superintendents and education leaders from across the state to kick off and celebrate the new school year. To watch the full event, go here: ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=… During the meeting, Commissioner @CharleneRTedu announced CSDE’s 2026-27 statewide education theme - inspired by the Artemis II mission around the Moon - “Connecticut’s Mission: Empower Every Learner’s Journey.” Thank you to @LGSusanB, DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, @capssct Executive Director Fran Rabinowitz, CT Superintendent of the Year Jeffrey Newton, and keynote speakers Jeremy Anderson of the @nmsi and Amanda Jarrell Billiot of Pratt & Whitney/RTX (@RTX_News) for joining us! And a special thank you to the talented students of the Lyman Contemporary Ensemble from Lyman Memorial High School, under the direction of Kathryn Ricard, for starting our morning with a terrific performance!

Read the full article here: capitoldispatch.substack.com…

Congratulations to Maloney High School senior Shepard Fisher and South Windsor High School senior Shruti Shah, who were sworn in this week as our newest non-voting student members on the State Board of Education. Welcome aboard, Shruti and Shepard, your voices will bring valuable student perspectives to the work of the Board.

Registration is open for CSDE's Paraeducator Prep Academy, which prepares aspiring paraeducators for the ParaPathways assessment by providing instruction from certified educators and covering the full cost of study materials and the exam! Learn more: portal.ct.gov/governor/news/…

⚾️Step up to the plate! Connecticut school staff can enter for a chance to win four tickets to a @GoYardGoats home game. See how to enter and explore more great offers in the CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack! portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/st…

🎢Make the most of summer with family fun at @quassyamusement! 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 to portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/st…

Ready to climb? First-time visitors can enjoy a FREE day pass, plus additional savings on memberships and punch passes at Ascent Climbing Gym. Check out this and dozens of other discounts in the CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack! portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/st…

Explore Connecticut's rich history this summer! School staff receive FREE general admission for up to four people at the @TheCTMuseum of Culture and History. Discover this and many more deals in the CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack! portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/st…

Take your summer adventure to new heights! Connecticut school staff can receive $10 off general admission at The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum. Find this offer and many more in the CSDE School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack! portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/st…

Thank you to everyone who joined us today at Conard High School to celebrate Connecticut’s 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools and recognize six outstanding public schools for their excellence in academic achievement and student success: 🏅 Great Oak Elementary School, Oxford 🏅 Nathan Hale School, Meriden 🏅 New Lebanon School, Greenwich 🏅 Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield 🏅 Webster Hill School, West Hartford 🏅 Western CT Academy of International Studies Elementary Magnet School, Danbury A special thank you to @GovNedLamont, @LGSusanB, State Board of Education Vice Chair @benhamerin, state and local elected officials, school and district leaders, educators, and community members for joining Commissioner @CharleneRTedu and Team CSDE in celebrating these remarkable schools. Our Blue Ribbon Schools represent what is possible when school staff, families, and communities come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to unlock their lifelong potential. Congratulations to all six schools on this well-deserved recognition! To learn more about these remarkable schools, go to: portal.ct.gov/governor/news/…

Congratulations to the two student members of the State Board of Education – Samarth Basanth and Hansika Lenkala – for completing their year of service. Their voices have been an invaluable asset to the Board, and we wish them success on their continued academic endeavors!

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 portal.ct.gov/digitalbackpac…

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.

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.

Did you know? CT high school students are bringing STEM to life—taking on a global wildlife crisis having already achieved patent-pending status for their invention. Selected as 1 of 8 teams nationwide for MIT’s InvenTeams program, students from Berlin have developed real-world solutions to protect bat populations and combat White-Nose Syndrome. Last week, they presented their work to Commissioner @CharleneRTedu and the State Board of Education, which you can watch here: youtube.com/live/QHBza6G6TQ4… As one Board member shared, their curiosity, perseverance, and ability to communicate complex ideas is “truly impressive," and a powerful example of how students are building real-world skills and exploring future career pathways through hands-on learning.