Weekly Digest: May 27, 2010

Report: The State of Preschool 2009

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University has released its newest report on state-funded pre-K initiatives across the country. The annual assessment provides a snapshot of access to pre-K programs, ranking states according to ten measures of quality. The report delivers encouraging news - investments in early care and education continue to grow. However, it points out, the rate of growth of these investments has slowed significantly. Children are more likely than ever to be in state-funded pre-K programs, but, according to NIEER, only 16 states are spending enough money to deliver a program that meets all ten of NIEER's quality benchmarks.

To read the full report, download state profiles, and use NIEER's new interactive database, visit the NIEER website at http://nieer.org/yearbook/ 

Achievement Gap Public Hearings

Governor Rell has created a commission to propose strategies to close the achievement gap. The commission is holding hearings around the state to hear from the public. The hearings will continue through June 15th (schedule below).

PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE
All Hearings Scheduled 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

May 24, 2010 University of Bridgeport - Littlefield Recital Hall - 126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport
June 3, 2010 Three Rivers Community College - 574 New London Tpke., Norwich
June 10, 2010 Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street, Willimantic
June 15, 2010 University of Connecticut/Waterbury – 99 East Main Street, Waterbury