To the Editor:

For his work in helping to pass the Education Reform Act, Chris Lyddy, Newtown’s state representative, received an award from the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now. The goal of the Education Reform Act is to reduce the education achievement gap in Connecticut. 

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that Connecticut eighth graders who receive free lunch (a measure of poverty) scored 34 points lower on a statewide mathematics test than those who did not — the highest mathematics achievement gap in the nation. The achievement gap in reading is 29, also the highest in the nation.

The Education Reform Act has many provisions.  Among them, it requires:

1. An increase in the minimum graduation credits from 20 to 25.

2. The creation, in low achieving schools, of school governance councils made up primarily of students’ parents to advise principals on budgets and interview candidates to fill principal vacancies.

3. Two teacher-parent conferences a year,

4. Minimum standards for online high school courses,

5. High schools to offer advanced placement courses,

6. That teacher and school administrator evaluations  be based in part on student academic growth.

Those who attend Newtown school score well on standardized tests. Why should reducing the achievement gap matter to Newtown voters? 

This is why: Those who attend low-achieving schools have a higher likelihood of dropping out of school. Those who do graduate have a fewer job skills, contribute far less in taxes, need more in tax-funded services, and are more likely to spend time in prison. 

Chris Lyddy was a leader in drafting and passing the Education Reform Bill. In doing so, he has put in motion changes that will eventually reduce the overall tax burden and raise the standard of living for all Connecticut residents.

Sincerely,

Jan Lee Brookes

38 Hundred Acres Road, Newtown            October 1, 2010