WFSB Channel 3Gov. Malloy promoting education reform proposal

Gov. Malloy promoting education reform proposal

Changes could be coming to classrooms across the state as Gov. Dannel Malloy unveils plans to revamp the state's education policies.

In Malloy's State of the State address Wednesday, he said too many public schools are not making the grade.

He said they are failing our children and the needs of Connecticut's employers.

Malloy's $128 million education reform plan increases funding for early education, targets low-performing schools and revamps teacher tenure.

"I think there is always room for improvement," said Hartford teacher Kelly Cykley. "I always think teachers can learn from one another and administrations can work together."

Under the plan more money would go to districts serving students with the greatest needs. For schools with a history of low achievement, the state would serve as a temporary trustee, providing intensive training and support.

Malloy said he also wants to send 500 more children to preschool at no cost. That's something he said is the first step towards statewide pre-K programs.

Where he may see the biggest resistance from educators is on the subject of teacher tenure.

"In this new system, tenure will be a privilege, not a right," Malloy said during his State of the State address Wednesday. "It will be earned and retained through effective teaching, not by counting years of service."

That effective teaching will be measured through a parent and peer reviews, student performance and school performance.

Republican lawmakers said they agree with most of the ideas, but not the attached price tag. They said the overall increase in spending proposed for the next year is more than the state can handle.

Malloy will take these ideas to classrooms starting Thursday.

He is planning on touring a Meriden elementary school at 10 a.m. and will then meet with educators to talk about the proposal.

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