Why is education important to Connecticut's future?
That fundamental question is the focus of a statewide conversation across Connecticut conducted in 2008 with four Town Meetings, attended by business leaders, educators, community leaders, parents and students.View Panelists
- Fernando Betancourt
Executive Director, Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission - Sally Boske
Vice President, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
Executive Director, Connecticut PTA - Christopher Bruhl
Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Fairfield County - Gary Chesley
Superintendent of Schools, Town of Bethel - Christopher Clouet
Superintendent of Schools, Town of New London - James P. Comer
Yale Child Study Center, Yale University - Juan Figueroa
President, Universal Health Care Foundation - David Fink
Partnership for Strong Communities - Noel Hord
CEO, The Hord Foundation - Chandler Howard
President & CEO, Liberty Bank - Linda Kelly
President, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving - Fran Rabinowitz
Superintendent of Schools, Town of Hamden - Diane Randall
Partnership for Strong Communities - John R. Rathgeber
President & Chief Executive Officer Connecticut Business & Industry Association - Anthony Rescigno
President, Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce - John W. Rowland
Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing - Robert Santy
President and CEO, Connecticut Economic Resource Center
The connections between education today and prosperity tomorrow became clear as participants sought ways to ensure a vibrant economy and quality of life in Connecticut.
The statewide conversation continues in the months ahead throughout Connecticut, in meeting halls across our state.
If your organization is interested in learning more about this topic, or is considering a locally-based forum on the subject, video and printed support material is available, as well as potential speakers and panelists.
Consider the Facts
With dramatic changes in demographics, the advance of technology, and unprecedented demands of global competition, Connecticut's long-term economic strength is in doubt.View the Statistics (pdf)
Participating Organizations and Agencies
A statewide coalition and the Connecticut State University System (CSUS) hosted an unprecedented series of four participatory Town Meetings during a two-week period in late March and early April. The list of participating organizations in the initiative continues to grow.
View Participating Organizations »
- Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
- Connecticut Business & Industry Association
- Connecticut Office for Workforce Competitiveness
- American Federation of Teachers (Connecticut)
- Capitol Region Council of Governments
- Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents
- Connecticut Health & Education Facilities Authority
- Connecticut State University System Foundation
- Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors
- Connecticut Small Business Development Centers
- Connecticut Department of Education
- Connecticut Department of Higher Education
- Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges
- Connecticut Community Colleges
- African American Affairs Commission
- Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission
- Northeast Utilities Foundation
- The Business Council of Fairfield County
- State University Organization of Administrative Faculty, AFSCME, Council 4 - Local 2836
- Community Renewal Team (CRT)
- Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network
- Connecticut State University System (CSUS)
- Charter Oak College
If you are concerned about education and Connecticut's future, consider holding a forum in your community to discuss the issues. Below is information to help you create a community discussion.
Handouts | Videos for Discussion | Speakers Bureau | Photos
Handouts
Use these handouts at a forum or pass them along to members of your community- 37 Reasons to get Involved (pdf)
A listing of key statistics and facts highlighting the connections between education and economic vitality, and the challenges facing Connecticut and the United States. - 24 Ways to get Involved (pdf)
Suggestions of how Connecticut residents can get involved in efforts to support education across the state and help students and the state respond effectively to global economic competition.
Click here to Purchase the DVD from CPTV
Videos for Discussion
The academic achievement gap in Connecticut is wider than any state in the nation.
Play Video (32sec)
Speakers Bureau
The following individuals may be contacted to participate in panel discussions or speak with local groups and organizations:
Allan B. Taylor
Chairman, State Board of Education
Attorney at Law, Day Pitney LLP
242 Trumbull Street, Hartford CT 06103-1212
860-275-0225
Chairman, State Board of Education
Attorney at Law, Day Pitney LLP
242 Trumbull Street, Hartford CT 06103-1212
860-275-0225
Diane Randall, Director
David Fink, Policy and Communications Director
Partnership for Strong Communities
860-244-0066
Dr. David G. Carter, Sr.,
Chancellor
Connecticut State University System
860-493-0011
Chris Clouet
Superintendent of Schools
New London, CT
860-437-3303
Fran Rabinowitz
Superintendent of Schools
Town of Hamden
203-407-2000
Robert Rader
Executive Director
Connecticut Association of Boards of Education
860-571-7446
Noel Hord
CEO
The Hord Foundation
203-798-3691
Juan A. Figueroa
President
Universal Health Care Foundation of CT
203-639-0550
Dr. Evan Pitkoff
Executive Director
C.E.S.
203-365-8803
Lyle D. Wray, PhD, Executive Director
Capitol Region Council of Governments
860-522-2217 ext. 232
Robert W. Santy
President & CEO
Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc.
860-571-6200
Photo Gallery
An exhibit including 8 images with related stats made its debut at the State Capitol/Legislative Office Building in February, and will return for a two-week display April 1-15.It is available for organizations, businesses, libraries, and community groups to display.
Contact CPTV for additional information.
Achieve Inc., April 2007
Achieve Inc., April 2007
Governing, September 2007
Photos from the 2008 town meetings in Danbury, Willimantic, New Britain, and New Haven:
The 2008 Town Meetings, free to the public, featured panels of business, education and community leaders. Audience participation was a critical component. Excerpts from each meeting, and more, can be found below:
2008 Town Meeting Highlights
Education & the Economy in the News
- Pulling Apart in Connecticut: Income Gaps Grow More Than in Any Other State (pdf)
- (Press Release) Town Meetings to Focus on Education and State's Economy (pdf)
- Demographic and Housing Trends Expert Says Connecticut is Facing a Growing Workforce Shortage
- Connecticut Economic Resource Center Issues Analysis of Innovation, Technology
- Governor Says CERC Report Confirms Economic Strategy
- American Diploma Project Network Issues CT Profile(ppt)
- New England 2020 Educational Attainment/Workforce (pdf)