Why We Are Here
We Are Here to Address the Need
While Connecticut ranks nationally as one of the states with the highest student performance, the data mask discrepancies in test scores between economic, racial and cultural differences. The reality is Connecticut has the largest achievement gap in the country. In fact, in Bridgeport, only 22 percent of third grade students performed at or above goal in reading on the Connecticut Master Test.
The Center’s mission is to improve teaching and learning in order to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps.
Equity and excellence in education are the civil rights issues of the 21st century. Strong public schools have been recognized as an essential component of community building and economic development. Improving schools across our state will require:
- Investments in the capacity of educators and instructional leaders
- Improvements in the organizational functioning of districts
- Engagement of parents and community member as partners in educational improvement