ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20
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Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
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2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
2019-2020
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Table of Contents Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
2............ Executive Director Letter & Mission Statement 3............ EASTCONN Board, RESC Alliance 4............ EASTCONN Board & Member Districts 5............ Member Needs Assessment 6............ Organizational Chart 7............ EASTCONN Locations Map 8............ Partnerships & Collaborations 9-34....... Agency Goals 1, 2 & 3 Highlights 35.......... EASTCONN’s 6 Divisions 36-40.... EASTCONN Districts Participation Chart 41.......... EASTCONN Program Addresses 42.......... 2019-2020 Funding Detail
EASTCONN 40th ANNIVERSARY Created in 1980 by Connecticut General Statute 10-66a, EASTCONN is proud to celebrate its 40th year of serving the education needs of 33 towns and 36 school districts across northeastern Connecticut. One of the state’s six, public, non-profit, Regional Educational Service Centers, EASTCONN was formed when two small, northeastern Connecticut public service agencies merged to provide affordable, high-quality education programs and services to the region’s smaller and often less affluent schools and communities. The agency grew quickly as it expanded its workforce and expertise in response to requests for effective, new, educational programs and services. Today, EASTCONN employs more than 630 staff, who work in a wide range of specialties, highlighted in this annual report. Driven by its mission to serve learners of all ages, EASTCONN looks forward to another 40 years of partnering with schools and communities to provide the innovative and effective educational resources and options they need.
1. www.eastconn.org
LEADERSHIP Gary S. Mala Executive Director Michael Akana Facilities Kimberly Bush Transportation Services Larisa Carr ECHIP Administrator Andrew DePalma Technology Solutions Diane Dugas K-12 Student Services Leading & Learning Services Diane Gozemba Early Childhood Initiatives Melanie Marcaccio Human Resources Amy Margelony K-12 Special Education Services Edward Martin Business Office Heather Plourde Food & Hospitality Services Teddie Sleight Marketing & Communications Rich Tariff Adult & Community Programs TBD Research, Development & Innovation Joni Weglein CFO/Finance
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
A note from EASTCONN Executive Director Dear Colleagues, As I introduce our 2019-2020 Annual Report, I am struck how my approach to that introduction differs this year. Under different circumstances, I might lead with a reference to EASTCONN’s 40th anniversary this year. Or with a list of our growth and accomplishments over decades of serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut. Or with references to statewide budgetary challenges. But this year is different. COVID-19 has changed the conversation. Yet, while the pandemic may have shaken our confidence in many longstanding social norms and institutions, I’m proud to say that EASTCONN has maintained a solid footing throughout, with one clear mandate: to continue fulfilling its mission of providing quality educational resources and support to learners of all ages and needs. Perhaps that is one of the most important messages I could share.
Gary S. Mala EASTCONN Executive Director
This report provides highlights from EASTCONN’s work this school year, across all divisions. It is filled with brief descriptions and data from our work both before the threat of COVID-19 emerged, and afterward. You’ll find a series of primarily pre-COVID-focused narratives in this main, annual report booklet. But you’ll also find an informative addendum to that report, called the COVID-19 Response Supplement, which offers snapshots of our work between midMarch and June 2020, as the pandemic forced our schools, programs and services to go virtual. Throughout both publications, you’ll find evidence that EASTCONN staff continued to meet our region’s education and training needs with professionalism, perseverance, innovation and a collaborative spirit. Please enjoy your reading. Sincerely,
Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
Gary S. Mala, Executive Director
MISSION STATEMENT
EASTCONN will initiate, support and facilitate partnerships, collaborations and regional solutions that are responsive to the needs of all learners through exemplary programs, products and services.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
2019-2020
EASTCONN Board Members 2019-2020 The invaluable commitment of EASTCONN’s Board of Directors ensures the agency’s ongoing success. Representing EASTCONN-region boards of education, each director helps guide and approve agency programs and services, and assists the agency in its mission to serve the learning needs of all northeastern Connecticut’s public schools and communities.
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS Chairman, Ms. Joan Trivella Woodstock Academy
Vice-Chairman, Ms. Valerie May Pomfret Public Schools Secretary/Treasurer, Ms. Katherine Paulhus Mansfield Public Schools
EASTCONN is one of Connecticut’s six public, non-profit, Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs). RESCs were established by state statute decades ago to provide cost-effective, high-quality, education-related programs and services that respond to public school districts’ needs. While each RESC is responsible for offering education services in their own regions, membership in the statewide RESC Alliance effectively augments their capacity to serve not only their region’s needs, but also more broadly, those of the CSDE education system. Alliance membership encourages RESCs to collaborate, share critical expertise and resources, and expand their service-providing capacity. The power of the RESC Alliance lies in its focus on excellent outcomes for all Connecticut students and staff, and on its devotion to saving local taxpayers dollars.
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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Herb Arico Willington Public Schools Dr. Judy Benson Clarke Regional District #8 Ms. Amy Blank Union Public Schools Ms. Terry Cote Eastford Public Schools Ms. Mary Ellen Donnelly Hampton Public Schools Mr. Michael Morrill Putnam Public Schools Mr. Rod Perry Scotland Public Schools Ms. Lydia Rivera-Abrams Killingly Public Schools Mr. Matthew Smith Lebanon Public Schools
Among the statewide initiatives championed by the RESC Alliance in 2019-2020: • Regionalism: Incentivize opportunities for increased regional collaborations among local school districts. • Support equitable, sustainable funding formulas for magnet schools of choice. • Continue state investment in early childhood programs and initiatives, including Birth to Three. • Continue to support new teacher and administrator development, and MTR recruitment/development. • Provide equitable, consistent, sustainable funding for ECS, Special Education and related services.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
2019-2020 EASTCONN BOARD & MEMBER DISTRICTS Andover Shannon Louden, Chair Valerie Brunneau, Superintendent Ashford John Lippert, Chair James Longo, Superintendent Bozrah Jeanne Goulard, Chair Ruth Levy, Superintendent Brooklyn Mae Lyons, Chair Patricia Buell, Superintendent
Killingly Douglas Farrow, Chair • Lydia Rivera-Abrams Diane Summa, Superintendent Lebanon Sarah Haynes, Chair • Matthew Smith Robert Angeli, Superintendent Lisbon Melissa Krauss, Chair Sally Keating, Superintendent
Canterbury Nancy Duvall, Chair Steve Rioux, Superintendent
Mansfield Kathleen Ward, Chair • Katherine Paulhus, EASTCONN Secretary/Treasurer Kelly Lyman, Superintendent
Chaplin Jaclyn Chancey, Chair Ken Henrici, Superintendent
Marlborough Ruth Kelly, Chair David Sklarz, Superintendent
Colchester Mary Tomasi, Chair Jeffrey Burt, Superintendent
Plainfield Christi Haskell, Chair Kenneth DiPietro, Superintendent
Columbia Christopher Lent, Chair Christopher Lent, Superintendent
Pomfret Kathleen Cerrone, Chair • Valerie May, EASTCONN Vice-Chair Stephen Cullinan, Superintendent
Coventry Jennifer Beausoleil, Chair David Petrone, Superintendent Eastford Stephen Bowen, Chair • Terry Cote Donna Leake, Principal/Superintendent Franklin Peter Calvert, Chair Lawrence Fenn, Superintendent Griswold Mary Beth Malin, Chair Sean McKenna, Superintendent Hampton Rose Bisson, Chair • Mary Ellen Donnelly Frank Olah, Superintendent Hebron Heather Petit, Chair Thomas Baird, Superintendent
Putnam Jeannie Dodd, Chair • Michael Morill Daniel Sullivan, Superintendent Scotland Bryan Lipstreu, Chair • Rod Perry Frank Baran, Superintendent Sprague Megin Sechen, Chair William Hull, Superintendent Stafford Sonya Shegogue, Chair Steve Moccio, Superintendent
Tolland Ashley Lundgren, Chair Walter Willett, Superintendent Union Andrea Estell • Amy Blank Steve Jackopsic, Superintendent Voluntown Kate Beauparlant, Chair Adam Burrows, Superintendent Willington Michelle Doucette, Chair • Herbert Arico Phil Stevens, Superintendent Windham Lynne Ide, Chair Tracy Youngberg, Superintendent Woodstock Megan Bard Morse, Chair Viktor Toth, Superintendent Woodstock Academy Christine Swenson, President • Joan Trivella, EASTCONN Chair Chris Sanford Superintendent Regional District #8 Stephanie Bancroft, Chair • Judy Benson Clarke Scott Leslie, Superintendent Regional District #11 Jacqueline Chancey, Chair Ken Henrici, Superintendent Regional District #19 James Mark, Chair Sharon Cournoyer, Superintendent
• EASTCONN Executive Board Members
Sterling Frank Blood, Chair Gail Lanza, Superintendent Thompson Kathleen Herbert, Chair Melinda Smith, Superintendent
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
2019-2020 MEMBER NEEDS ASSESSMENT Member Needs Assessment
Research, Development & Innovation
Regional Forums, Both Online & In-Person
Leadership Team
EASTCONN leaders meet regularly, either in person or remotely, with member district leadership and staff, to assess how well we are meeting their needs and to identify areas where we can provide added support. We solicit feedback and analyze data to identify regional trends, and respond as quickly as possible to districts’ educational and operational needs.
Regional forums provide another critical source of data. We host and facilitate free, regional meetings and councils across a range of pedagogical, job-alike and school-related topics, including: URSA/NASA with our region’s Superintendents, the Regional Staff Development Council, Arts Learning Council, Facilities Directors Forum, ConnCASE, Technology Council, Math Council, Science Council, Social Studies Council and Language Arts Council, as well as many other sub-regional and topic-specific groups, as needed. These groups explore regional challenges and solutions, as well as opportunities to collaborate in cost-effective, efficient ways in response to a range of needs (mental health services, improved public transportation, distance-learning strategies and early childhood programs, for example). Agendas are designed both to identify and address the needs of members. EASTCONN uses these data to expand its regional needs profile.
Individual District Needs
Each request for service reveals a district need. Program staff are trained to work in collaboration with EASTCONN customers to define and articulate the need that underlies each request for service. These data are then used to refine our understanding of regional needs. When additional data are required, needs assessments are conducted, using focus groups, regional forums, surveys, benchmarking and best-practice research.
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This group of agency division leaders was established to develop new products and services and to recommend their phase-out when no longer needed. Team members collect and interpret regional data, identify new service needs, recommend the allocation of resources, and ensure the open flow of information with stakeholders and member districts.
Our Leadership Team oversees the strategic interests of EASTCONN and the customers we serve. The team includes the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Human Resources, and the Directors of Adult & Community Programs; Business Office; Conference Office, Food & Hospitality Services; Early Childhood Initiatives; Facilities; K-12 Special Education Services; K-12 Student Services; Leading & Learning; Marketing & Communication; Research, Development & Innovation; Security & Investigations; Technology Solutions; Transportation; and the Administrator of ECHIP, the agency’s collaborative health insurance program. Each member of the Leadership Team develops annual program goals that respond to an assessment of our customers’ needs, as well as to federal, state and regional mandates, best practices and research in their respective fields. Collectively, the Leadership Team monitors progress toward both agency and program goals and ensures that we are collaboratively meeting our district member needs.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
2019-2020 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
• Adult Education & High School Completion • Community Education • Employment & Training Programs • English Learner Services & Citizenship • Parent & Family Programs
EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES
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Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
Schools & Communities
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• Birth to Three General Program • Early Childhood Coaching & Consultation • Early Childhood Materials & Products • Head Start/Early Head Start • Programs for Young Children & Families • School Readiness Support to Districts & Region • Development & Coordination of Statewide Professional Learning Services
EASTCONN EXECUTIVE BOARD
K-12 STUDENT SERVICES
• Academic Enrichment Programs • Clinical Day Treatment Programs • Magnet & Alternative High Schools • Programs for Students with Developmental Disabilities • Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services • Related Services (AT, OT, PT, SLP) • School-to-Career Programs • Schools for Non-Traditional Learners • Summer, Vacation & After-School Programs • Transportation
LEADING & LEARNING SERVICES EASTCONN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MISSION STATEMENT
EASTCONN will initiate, support and facilitate partnerships, collaborations and regional solutions that are responsive to the needs of all learners through exemplary programs, products and services.
• Center for Educational Leadership • Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment • Professional Learning • EASTCONN Regional Groups & Councils • School Improvement Strategies
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES • Business Office & Employer Services • Conference & Hospitality Services • Cooperative Purchasing • Facilities Services • Finance Office Support • Human Resources & Staffing Solutions • Marketing & Communication & Website • Research, Development & Innovation • Security & Investigations • Student Food Services • Transportation Services for Students
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
• Data Solutions, Support & Training • Educational Technology Integration • Student Information Systems Support & Training • Technology Infrastructure Support • Technology Products & Services • Video Production Services • Web Application Development
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN PROGRAM LOCATIONS IN THE EASTCONN REGION
COLUMBIA
• EASTCONN Educational Services • Educational & Vocational Center (EVC) • Transportation
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Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
HAMPTON
• EASTCONN Central Administration & Conference Center
KILLINGLY
• Head Start at Killingly High School • Northeast Learning Center • Northeast Regional Program (NRP) • Quinebaug Middle College
PLAINFIELD
• Plainfield Head Start – Early Childhood Center • Plainfield Head Start at Moosup Gardens
PUTNAM
• Putnam Head Start
WINDHAM
• Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) • Community Learning Center • The LEAP School
WOODSTOCK
• Woodstock Academy Cooperative
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EASTCONN LOCATIONS
Columbia • Hampton • Killingly • Plainfield • Putnam • Windham • Woodstock
EASTCONN LOCATIONS
Northeastern Connecticut is home to 33 towns, among which are some of the state’s smallest and most economically challenged. Often called “The Quiet Corner” because of its deeply rural character, this is the region that EASTCONN serves. Among the farms, forests, small-town hamlets and villages that comprise the region are pockets of both affluence and poverty, including areas that are not only among the state’s poorest, but are also home to students scoring among the state’s lowest on standardized tests. Characteristics of this 240-square-mile region include small schools, a strong sense of community and a long history of voluntary collaboration and resource sharing. Challenges include high unemployment rates, inadequate public transportation, and limited access to educational enrichment opportunities, social and recreational resources, and health-related services.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS 2019-2020 A
P
Town of Bolton
Early Childhood Consultation Partnership; Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC); Eastern CT Health Network; Eastern CT Libraries; ECSU; EWIB; EdAdvance; Ed2Go; Even Start F Family Center for Natural Wellness; Family Resource Centers; Family Service Coordination Centers; Federal Church of Christ, Brooklyn; FedEx; Food, Resources, Education Security & Health (FRESH) of New London; Friendship Tours; 4-H LIFT After-School Program
C
G
R
Abington Social Library; ACCESS Agency; ACES; AHM FRC; All Our Kin; Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers; American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE); American Cancer Society; American Job Centers; Ampersand Consulting; Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA)
B Backus Hospital; Benton Museum; Big Y; The Cake Lady; Camp Quinebaug; Carelot Day Care; Career Step; C.E.S.; Center for Applied Research in Human Development; Center for Latino Progress; Center for Legal Studies; CCI; Chelsea Groton Bank; Chili’s; CLiCK Willimantic; Colebrook Village at Hebron; Town of Columbia; Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE); Community Foundation of Eastern CT; CT Association for Adult and Continuing Education (CAACE); CT Associations of: Boards of Education (CABE), Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), School Nurses, School Personnel Administrators, Schools (CAS), Secondary Schools, Supervision and Curriculum & Development; CT Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology; CT Audubon; CT Center for Advanced Technologies, Inc.; CT Commission on Culture & Tourism; ConnCASE; CT Children’s Medical Center; CT Department of Higher Education; CT Dept. of Rehabilitation Services (DORS); CT Distance Learning Consortium; CT Educators Computer Association (CECA); CT Adult Virtual High School; CT Educators Network; CT Fair Housing Center; CT General Assembly; CT Historical Society; CT Legal Services; CT Principals’ Academy; CT Quality Council; CT Reading Association; CT School Public Relations Association (ConnSPRA); CT Society of Health-System Pharmacists; CT State Collaborations: Alternative Sanctions, Bureau of Rehabilitation, Children and Families, Commission for Educational Technology; Corrections, Department of Education (CSDE), Department of Labor, Energy & Environmental Protection, Health, Income Maintenance, Justice, Labor; Developmental Services; Mental Health, Policy and Management, Public Health & Addiction Services, Social Services, Teaching & Learning, Workers’ Compensation & Rehabilitation; CT State Library; CT Tech Act Project; CT United Way; CT Virtual Learning Center; Conway Tours; CREC Learning Corridor
D Davis Place; Day Kimball Hospital;
Dempsey Center; Discovery Education; Discovery Zone Day Care; Douglas Library; Douglas Manor
E
Gateway Community College; Generations Family Health Center; Giant Pizza; GoodwillNorwich; Goodwin Conservation Center; GROW Windham
Papa Gino’s; Parent Engagement Advisory Team (PEAT); Park Church; PAWS; Plainfield FRC; Pleasant Pizza; PPI; Preston Public Schools; Prevent Child Abuse CT; Price Chopper; Princeton Review; ProLiteracy; Prudence Crandall Museum; Putnam Chamber; Putnam Cyclery; Putnam FRC; Putnam Supermarket
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Quester’s Way; Quiet Corner Grooming & Doggie Daycare; QVCC Renaissance Learning; Research for Better Teaching; Retired Seniors Volunteer Program; Roots
S
I-J InCord; Infoline; Institute for Community Research; Interdistrict Grant Partner Schools; JASON Learning
36 School Districts in the EASTCONN Region; St. Joseph Living Center; St. Mary St. Joseph School; Salvation Army; Senior Resources Agency on Aging; Silver Mill Tours; Smith and Walker Funeral Home; Special Education Resource Center; SPIROL; Stafford Library; Statewide Birth-to-Three; Step-Up New London; Sturbridge Village; Studio #5; Subway; SUEZ Foundation
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T
H
Hale YMCA; Hartford Foundation Head Start; Head Start State Collaboration Office; Heart Life CPR; Historic New England; Holy Family Shelter; Horizons
Knowledge Works
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The Last Green Valley; LEARN; Learning Resources Network (LERN); LEGO Foundation; Liberty Bank; Library of Congress
M Mansfield Center for Nursing &
Rehabilitation; Mansfield Discovery Depot; Milltown Grill; Mitchell College; Morgan Corporations; Museums of Northeast CT; My Learning Plan
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Natchaug Hospital, Joshua Program; National Association for Music Education; National & CT Associations for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC/CAEYC); Neag School of Education/UConn; NECCOG Regional Animal Shelter; NELRC; New Britain Museum of Art; New England Literacy Resource Center; New England Office of the College Board; New England Science and Sailing (NESS); New Haven Chamber of Commerce; New Life Residential Services; New London Adult Education; New London County 4-H Program; New London Youth Affairs; Nonprofit Alliance of Northeast CT (NANC); Northeast Alliance for Economic Development; Northeast Area Superintendents’ Association (NASA); NE CT Chamber of Commerce; Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH); Northeast Opportunities for Wellness; Northwest Investment Board; Norwich Adult Education; Norwich Youth & Family Services
O
Office of Early Childhood; Office for Workforce Competitiveness; OSA Foundation; Ossen Foundation
T&A Tours; Thames Science Center; Thompson Public Works; Thompson Recreation Department; TEEG; Thread City Development; Three Rivers C.C.; T.J. Maxx; Tours of Distinction; Tri-County Association of Retarded Citizens; Tsunami Tsolutions; TVCCA
U
United Connection Action for Neighborhoods, Inc. (UCAN); United Labor Agency (ULA); United Services; United Social and Mental Health Services; U.S. Departments: Education, Health & Human Services, HUD, Labor; UConn; UConn Extension Food & Nutrition Program; UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI), UConn Jumpstart; University Region Superintendents’ Association (URSA); University of Missouri; University of St. Joseph
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Valley View Riding Stables; Vanderman Place; VESTA Corporation; Villa Maria Nursing & Rehabilitation; Villages at Killingly; Village Heights; Visiting Nurses Association
W-Z
WAIM; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Waterbury Adult Education; Westminster Tool; Westview Health Center; The Wheeler Clinic; Willimantic Public Library; Willimantic River Alliance; Willimantic Weed & Seed; WILI Radio; Windham Arts; Windham Region Chamber of Commerce; Windham Family & Community Partnership; Windham Heights; Windham Recreation Department; Windham Regional Arts Council; Windham Region Community Council; Windham Region Health Council; Windham Rotary; Windham School Readiness Council; Windham Textile and History Museum; WINY Radio; Work Force Alliance; Youth Engagement Team Initiatives
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 1
The LEAP School’s personalized, competency-based program of study helps over-age, under-credited students integrate academics with personal career interests, while pursuing their high school diploma.
AGENCY GOAL 1
To provide exemplary programs and services for learners, especially those with significant barriers, so each can achieve individual success. 9. www.eastconn.org
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 1 2019-2020
Our Head Start program promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of youngsters, ages 3-5, through the provision of supports that focus on necessities like health, education and family relationships that help ensure great student outcomes.
2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Young Children & Their Families Birth to Three
In spite of the pandemic crisis that forced staff in mid-March to start employing new, remote-communication platforms and strategies, Birth to Three continued throughout the school year to serve a record number of children and families, up 14% across 32 towns in the EASTCONN region. The pre-pandemic, monthly, program-wide caseload averaged 230 children and families, with 400+ children and families receiving services in the last year. Staff provided intensive services for children with significant diagnosed needs, like medical complications or conditions such as autism and Down Syndrome. Among infants and toddlers with Individual Family Service Plans, 74% demonstrated improved positive social-emotional skills; 89% of families reported staff helped them effectively communicate their child’s needs; and 96% reported staff had helped their child develop and learn.
Head Start & Early Head Start
Our federally funded Head Start (215 children) and Early Head Start (183 children) child development programs served 398 income-eligible children and their families this year. We continued providing services through a variety of new, personalized,
remote-delivery strategies after our COVID-19 site closures. Prior to the closures, we delivered in-person, comprehensive services, including health, nutrition education, dental, mental health and family support at 9 sites in Tolland and Windham counties. This year, 19% of children enrolled in our Head Start program had an IEP. Preliminary child-outcome analyses showed that 85% of our Head Start children will meet school readiness gauges. Head Start continued to see an increase in children who have experienced trauma. Staff received trauma-informed training and coaching in order to better serve families, and the children in their care.
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Children were enrolled in EASTCONN’s Early Head Start & Head Start programs www.eastconn.org 10.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 1
The ACT magnet high school’s popular dance program gives students a chance to perform multiple times throughout the school year.
School-Age Children & Their Families Schools of Choice & COVID-19 Response
EASTCONN operates 2 regional, NEASC-accredited magnet high schools and 1 alternative high school for grades 9-12 in collaboration with member public school districts in our region. As a result of COVID-19-related school closings, staff turned to new, secure, online learning platforms to provide virtual classes, while our technology experts delivered EASTCONN laptops, WiFi “hot spots” and technical help. Supports for students’ and families’ social-emotional well-being were also provided, to ensure that students could continue their educational journey, despite COVID-19 challenges, schooling from home, and stresses associated with increased isolation. Of note this year:
• Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) Magnet High School: ACT enrolled 150
full-time students from 32 sending districts in its interdisciplinary and arts-infused academic program. ACT graduated its 10th class this year, with 33 seniors representing 15 school districts; 60% of seniors have applied to college. Among student awards and recognitions in 2019-2020: 9 students were inducted into the ACT chapter of the National Honor Society; Creative Writing
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students won 1 Gold and 2 Honorable Mention awards in the New England Regional contest for the 2020 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a prestigious national program. A/V teams produced new training videos for the Connecticut DMV. One ACT video entry won Second-Place overall in the annual Connecticut DMV Teen Safe Driving Video contest; student videos have won multiple awards since that contest began in 2007.
• Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) Magnet High School: 179 students from 18 towns
enrolled in QMC’s humanities-rich and STEMintegrated program on the campus of QVCC. Designed for non-traditional students, QMC students can earn free, transferable college credits at QVCC and UConn, while attending high school. In 2019-2020, 75 students took 102 classes at QVCC with a passing rate of 95%. QMC students outperformed QVCC students with a cumulative GPA average of 3.14. Fifty-two (52) students enrolled in our UConn Early College Experience (ECE) courses, earning a total of 156 credits. And 89% of QMC’s seniors applied to post-secondary colleges and programs. Five (5) QMC students won awards in QVCC’s annual Julius Sokenu Poetry Contest.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 • The LEAP School: The LEAP School enrolled
13 students from 2 districts in its first year. LEAP (Learners Empowered to Achieve their Potential) is an alternative high school for non-traditional learners who are over-age and under-credited, relative to their graduation requirements. Intended for students who have completed at least one year of high school, and who demonstrate a commitment to earning their diploma, LEAP offers a personalized, studentcentered learning environment that focuses on academics, skills-building, community service, paid internships and career readiness.
Transportation Services
Prior to school closures, we transported on a daily basis 524 special needs students and 770 regular education students from 40 districts, using our cost-saving, outplacement destinations database. We helped districts and other public agencies reduce barriers for special needs individuals who attended their programs, using a fleet of 130 vehicles, among them wheelchair-accessible buses and vans. Note: We transported 187 students daily to the region’s 3 public magnet schools, including EASTCONN’s ACT and QMC, and Windham’s STEM middle school. Also provided transportation to Head Start children in Putnam, Killingly and Plainfield. Over the course of a year, our 130-vehicle fleet traveled to 118 different sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
EASTCONN Foundation EASTCONN’s fledgling Foundation obtained its 501(c)(3) designation this year, as it began the process of establishing itself as the agency’s new fund-raising arm. The Foundation was created to support students and educational initiatives in EASTCONN’s magnets and special education programs.
120
Students from 28 sending districts attended our 2 Clinical Day Treatment programs
AGENCY GOAL 1
Regional Programs for Students with Special Education Needs Even in the face of COVID-19 school closures in March, which necessitated turning to new, online platforms to deliver virtual classes and other key supports to students, our K-12 Special Education group continued to offer a continuum of regional programs and services for students with a wide range of challenging academic, behavioral and socialemotional needs. Staff also continued working to build district capacity toward the ultimate shared goal of least-restrictive environments and returning students to their hometown schools. Of note:
• Clinical Day Treatment (CDT): 2 regional
programs served 120 students, ages 5-19, from 28 different sending districts, with significant social, emotional and behavioral challenges, providing highly individualized and structured academic instruction and clinical support. This year, nearly 15% of our students returned to less restrictive settings in their home districts. A total of 54 CDT students participated in our 2019 summer, extended-school-year program. Six seniors graduated, virtually, in June 2020.
• Regional Autism Programming: Our inclusion-
driven Autism Program provided comprehensive, center-based educational and behavioral services to 17 students from 11 districts, pre-COVID-19. The enrollment age-range also expanded to include high school students who have aged-up since enrolling. The multidisciplinary, wrap-around model followed best practices. Staff continued to develop new community-based experiences that support students’ individual needs and goals; they will be available again when schools reopen, postCOVID-19. Pre-pandemic, our Autism Program and Psychological and Behavioral Consultation (PBC) staff provided in-person, in-district coaching.
“From knowing no English, I can now write and speak in English. While I still have a lot to learn, I am learning new things every day thanks to EASTCONN and the wonderful teachers.” – Raquel Estrada, Adult ESL Student www.eastconn.org 12.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY 2019-2020 GOAL 1
Our Technology and Assistive Technology teams are partnering to develop new communication solutions for special needs students.
• Related Services Group (RSG): Both
in-person, pre-COVID-19, and virtually, using a variety of communication options and platforms, Related Services staff worked with 46 districts and with 7 EASTCONN programs to support students, preschool to age 21. Related Services includes professionals in occupational therapy (providing services to 197 students), physical therapy (providing services to 188 students) and speech-language therapy (providing services to 194 students).
• Assistive Technology (AT): AT provided
services to 138 students from 17 districts, as well as 6 adult clients through the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services (BRS) Home-to-Work Program and 20 students from 3 school districts, 3 educators and 2 family members through BRS’s Level-Up program for transition-age students.
• Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services (PBC): Our neuropsychological
assessment, behavioral consultation and professional development services were accessed by 21 districts, benefiting 3,000+ students. Neuropsychological assessment and consultation services have continued to develop in response to requests from LEAs across our region with more than 50 assessments completed for each of the last 3 years. Staff also provided comprehensive in-district supports for students with autism spectrum disorders, and delivered 40+ PD sessions in 15 districts for a variety of special education staff. PBC professionals presented outcomes from technical assistance,
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coaching and training at regional and national conferences as invited speakers. Members of PBC continued to publish findings in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. During the initial months of the pandemic, PBC professionals offered free, virtual coaching for paraeducators, accessed by thousands of professionals across the region and state.
• Regional Transition Services (RTS) for Young Adults: Located on the campus of QMC/QVCC, the RTS program served 10 young adults, ages 18-21, with a broad range of disabilities, from 7 districts. RTS services offered socially appropriate settings, college supports and hands-on work experience with age-related peers. Four (4) students exited this year to seek independent employment and other options.
• Woodstock Academy Cooperative: The
collaborative program between Woodstock Academy and EASTCONN provided services to facilitate student growth in education, as well as transition planning for 4 districts’ 14 highschool-age students with intellectual, and other significant developmental disabilities.
Regional After-School & Enrichment Programs Community Arts Connection After-School Program
Our professional staff led this after-school literacy, tutoring and arts program for more than 50 students in a small-city public housing complex, where they
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 enjoyed weekly arts-themed programming; read books written by visiting authors; participated in a wide variety of arts projects; received academic support; and took field trips with their families.
Interdistrict Grant Program • Among just a total of 15 CSDE Interdistrict Grants awarded statewide, EASTCONN won 4 grants, which funded enriching, interactive student programs, such as “America’s Mosaic,” “Forensic Detectives,” “Farming Our Land and Sea” and “Mindful Transformations.” A total of 1,217 students participated, representing grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8, from Brooklyn, Hartford, Plainfield, Putnam, Andover, Killingly, Griswold, Ashford, Hebron and Windham. Interdistrict programs are intended to improve students’ understanding and appreciation of diversity and increase their academic success.
Regional Education, Employment & Training Programs for In-School & Out-Of-School Youth COOL Directions Program for In-School Youth
EASTCONN collaborated with New London Youth Affairs and Norwich Human Services to provide 50 youth from 9 high schools, throughout their junior and senior years, with a continuum of services, including assistance with post-high-school education and finding employment. Funded by the Eastern Connecticut
2019-2020 AGENCY GOAL 1 Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), the program also offered services to youths for 1 year following graduation. As a result, 45 graduated from high school or received their GED; and 1 year after high school, 84% of exited youth were employed, enrolled in the military, or attending a post-secondary school.
2019 Summer Youth Employment Program
Our EWIB-funded regional employment and training programs for 475 youth, ages 14-21, involved numerous partners, including New London Youth Affairs and Norwich Human Services. Additional funding came from local foundations, as well as state and federal grants. Of note: 94% of in-school youth returned to high school, obtained jobs or enrolled in post-secondary school after completing the program.
Adult Learners & Their Families
Pre-COVID-19, Adult and Community Programs served 2,651 adults, including 652 who attended free classes in high school credentialing, Englishas-a-Second-Language (ESL), American Citizenship, life/basic skills instruction and employment/college transition support. Our adult Community Education classes and worksites served 69 adults. [Note: Please see COVID-19 Supplement for data updates from our work during March-June 2020 program closures.]
American Citizenship Preparation
Among participants who aren’t yet U.S. citizens, English Learners (ELs) benefited from classes that included preparation for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service test.
Collaborating with area school districts, our CSDE-funded Interdistrict Grant programs are designed to boost students’ academic skills, help them build new, cross-region relationships with peers, and increase their understanding and appreciation of diversity.
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AGENCY GOAL 1
Our English-as-a-Second-Language program helps older students gain valuable communication skills that can lead to better job prospects.
High School Credential
Altogether, 404 adults sought their free high school diploma through one of EASTCONN’s 3 high school credentialing options, which are designed to match students’ unique needs, life experiences and educational goals. Across all 3 programs and prior to COVID-19, 88 adults were on track to graduate. However, COVID-19 closures changed plans and created travel, health-concerns and technology roadblocks for many students; just 49 students graduated in June 2020.
English Learners (EL)
The English Learner population continued to increase across our region; 248 students took our English-asa-Second-Language (ESL) in-person classes, and 75% of EL students improved their English reading and listening skills; during the pandemic, 81 adults attended online ESL classes.
Multi-Generational Learning Initiative
Pre-COVID-19, this family-centered model enabled dozens of parents and their children to access essential educational services, while parents also developed work-readiness skills. Essentials like in-person child care, transportation and high school credentialing classes were offered, as well as English Learner classes and Spanish-language GED courses. Child care and other resources were managed by Head Start, Early Head Start, Family Resource Centers, Windham Public Schools, member districts and UConn.
Windham Parent Partnership
Pre-COVID-19, a multi-generational, evening ESL program, funded by a Program Enhancement Project (PEP) grant and Windham Head Start, enabled us to offer in-person instruction to 16 English Learner
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adult students in need of child care. While parents increased their English skills, their children received high-quality care, supervised by Head Start staff and ECSU volunteers.
Employment & Vocational Training EASTCONN continued to be the largest provider of employment and training programs for economically disadvantaged adults in northeastern Connecticut through the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB). Pre-COVID-19, EASTCONN’s American Job Center (AJC) services enabled 205 unemployed and under-employed, economically disadvantaged adults to obtain the educational and vocational skills and credentials needed to access further training and/or get betterpaying jobs. Through AJC services, 330 individuals were able to find jobs. By June 30th, the EWIBfunded AJCs in Willimantic and Danielson had provided 3,264 individual services to job-seekers in 42 towns, in our region and beyond.
Program Enhancement Project (PEP) Grants
The CSDE awarded EASTCONN 7 competitive PEP grants, totaling $253,000. Through partnerships with EWIB, QVCC, school districts, Family Resource Centers, libraries, and other non-profit and social services agencies, these funds provided specialized services to 160+ adults. Pre-COVID highlights:
• Transition to Post-Secondary Opportunities: 5 students enrolled in a Credit Diploma Program (CDP) class held on the ECSU campus, which smoothed their transition from Adult Education to community college.
AGENCY GOAL 1
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 • Integrated Education & Training: 7 students received vocational training and were earning their GEDs, as well as a nationally recognized manufacturing certificate, through this manufacturing academy.
Workforce Development Basic Skills Education
With federal funding through EWIB, EASTCONN provided basic skills education to help adult job-seekers develop new work skills and find new career paths. Highlights:
• Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG): Pre-pandemic, 134 adults received
person-centered case management, support services and job development through HPOG. Also offered was access to a Health Career Pipeline that provided a soft-career-skills workshop.
• Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (MPI):
Pre-pandemic, 19 adults attended basic skills boot camps in preparation for the Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative.
EASTCONN Customer Service Academy
Walmart awarded EASTCONN Adult & Community Education programs a $477,595 grant to serve 150 adults who needed short-term career training and basic reading skills. By mid-March 2020, the Academy had completed 8 basic classes, 1 reading boot camp, and 1 advanced class. Thirty-nine (39) clients had earned their Customer Service credential, 2 had earned the advanced credential. Before COVID-19 site closures, Customer Service classes ran at 3 high schools for seniors without plans for college or military; 17 clients had paid internships and 4 were hired full-time; 9 received work clothing; 11 got free transportation; and 3 received free child care. PostCOVID-19, the Academy offered online classes, the first of which successfully enrolled 9 participants.
AGENCY GOAL 1: 2020-2021 Initiatives • EASTCONN schools will focus on a blended learning model, allowing our students to pivot between in-person, remote and distancelearning classes. We will coach our educators in the implementation of best virtual practices to effectively engage students in learning. • We will continue to implement personalized, competency-based teaching and learning, and pursue our work on the integration of SEL as a foundation for developing self-regulated and resilient learners. • Adult Programs will expand their efforts to grow more collaborative relationships with area businesses that enhance skills-building and employment opportunities for participants. • Adult education programs will implement a dynamic, new program design that extends their reach by using synchronous and asynchronous distance-learning platforms in addition to on-site, in-person services. We will continue to expand our program offerings and support services to increase access and equity for our diverse region. • Early Childhood staff will introduce parents to the research-based “Mind in the Making” parenting
and learning approach, and document child outcomes.
• Our Autism program will continue to utilize a personalized, in-person or online learning framework to focus on the central tenets of the program: promoting functional independence and communication; capitalizing on opportunities to apply new life skills in students’ home settings. • Psychological/Behavioral staff will collaborate with districts on pandemic-related, traumasensitive practices and student engagement across in-person, hybrid and virtual learning frameworks; and build sustainable, individualized programs for learners in their home districts. • Technology Solutions will enhance mechanisms that provide technical support and virtual access to learning; we’ll improve a student device loanand-tracking system to support K-12 distance learning and Special Education’s 1:1 programs. • Transportation will continue to increase the number of districts and customers in regionally coordinated, cost-effective, health-and-safetyconscious runs for special-needs children. www.eastconn.org 16.
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Collaboration and cooperation are key elements in any successful classroom situation, and the same applies for educators, who strive to improve their practice and provide the best possible learning environments for students.
AGENCY GOAL 2
To engage in strategic collaborations that result in positive outcomes for learners.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN’s many regional partnerships with schools and communities result in amplified learning options for students of all ages.
2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Member District Partnerships & Collaborations Advocacy for Equitable State Funding
As it has done for decades, EASTCONN continued to host URSA/NASA, a council of superintendents, who represent EASTCONN-region school districts. Superintendents meet monthly at the agency’s Hampton offices to collaborate, share resources and plan for the future. With EASTCONN’s assistance, an ongoing council goal is working to advocate in Hartford for more equitable state funding for northeastern Connecticut schools, and to demonstrate the many long-standing, cross-district collaborations and partnerships that already exist to save money. An EASTCONN-hosted, annual Legislative Breakfast brings state legislators to URSA/NASA meetings, where they share updates about education-funding and legislation, and superintendents share their school districts’ successes, challenges and concerns.
Cooperative Purchasing
While all 36 of our EASTCONN-member districts have access to EASTCONN’s regional cooperative purchasing program, it is a partnership that’s also open to other non-profit organizations and municipalities statewide. This year, more than 120 schools and non-profits collectively spent millions of dollars on a range of discounted products, including copiers, fuel, technology equipment, food, custodial, cafeteria and office supplies. The cooperative’s use of reverse auctioning has also continued to grow. Districts use the savings they’ve realized to support classrooms and other education needs.
Eastern Connecticut Health Insurance Program (ECHIP)
This regional health insurance collaborative of 4 municipalities, 4 school districts and EASTCONN is entering its 8th year of partnership, producing an average savings of 5% for members each year. Working together, and with a common insurance carrier, ECHIP’s 9 northeastern Connecticut members have been able to cost-effectively navigate the healthcare and pharmaceutical rating systems, to save resources.
“Thank you for working with Windham Public Schools to establish a credit recovery program for [our] high school students. The partnership significantly [improved our] student achievement.” – Randall D. Conway, Director of School Counseling, Windham Public Schools www.eastconn.org 18.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 COVID-19 & Emergency Student Meals
In collaboration with state officials and local school districts, EASTCONN Food Services group responded quickly to COVID-19 school closures by distributing over 140,000 free emergency meals to hundreds of northeastern Connecticut’s low-income children and families, from March through June. Without these free meals, many children would otherwise have gone hungry. Food Services staff also provided no-questions-asked meals to siblings and families, and safely delivered meals to children who were quarantined or whose families lacked transportation. Prior to the pandemic, Food Services managed the breakfast and lunch programs in 8 districts, in addition to EASTCONN schools and programs.
Regional Fingerprinting
Prior to the pandemic, Human Resources’ fingerprinting staff served more than 1,000 job-seekers this year, including applicants for district jobs, candidates in university-based teacher preparation programs and those seeking private employment.
Back Office Support
The agency’s Business Office continued to offer business-office staffing and support for school districts. This year, staff provided 4 member districts with budget management, accounts payable and payroll functions, resulting in improved fiscal oversight and savings for districts.
Shared Staffing & Consulting Services
Human Resources provided specialized consulting services to 3 districts in the areas of training and related technical assistance. Also provided 40 alternative staffing solutions for 2 member districts.
Information Technology (IT) Support for Member Districts & Municipalities
Pre-COVID-19, regular, on-site technology support was provided to 7 school districts and municipalities, offering a range of expertise that would be difficult to find in a single, full-time IT person. We delivered added value for member districts whose IT staff needed additional, specialized skills.
Truancy & Residency Services
Prior to COVID-19, we provided 11 districts and EASTCONN’s 2 magnet schools with truancy and residency services.
Adult Education Consortium
EASTCONN’s 21-town, northeastern Connecticut Adult Education Consortium continued to offer residents a wide range of free, basic, adult education services, ensuring that Consortium members could collectively afford to provide mandated education programs that would otherwise be too costly. This year, EASTCONN served 2,651 individuals in programs throughout the region, including 404 in our high school credential programs and 248 in our ESL classes, 45 of whom participated in our community-partnership classes. Across our region, and in collaboration with 200 local businesses, we also served 80 In-School Youth, and 90 Out-of-School Youth with educational and work opportunities, as well as jobskills training. Locations for all Adult Programs ranged from high schools, community centers and online platforms to our regional Community Learning Centers, which are co-located in partnership with EWIB’s American Job Centers in Danielson and Willimantic.
School Readiness
Early Childhood staff acted as School Readiness liaisons and monitors in a dozen northeastern Connecticut towns this year, working with School Readiness Councils to help communities meet Connecticut’s School Readiness Grant requirements, standards and deadlines. Virtual meetings continued throughout COVID-19 closures.
Collaborative Clinical Day Treatment (CDT)
In partnership with member districts across the EASTCONN region, we continued to build our district-based, regional Clinical Day Treatment programs to accommodate the needs of 120 K-12 students with significant social, emotional and behavioral issues from 28 sending districts. By locating our CDT programs in the western (Danielson) and eastern (Columbia) tiers of the EASTCONN region, we made it easier for students to join their non-disabled hometown peers in activities and community events.
“ECHIP is one of the few programs of its kind statewide and is an excellent example of successful, regional cooperation that reduces costs and maintains appropriate levels of health benefits for its members.” – ECHIP Chairman Walter Willett; Tolland Superintendent of Schools 19. www.eastconn.org
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN’s Food Services group provides nutritious, often free and reduced-cost meals for hundreds of students across the region.
Google Classrooms, tailored curricula and responsive, social-emotional approaches and support were deployed to continue students’ educational progress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woodstock Academy Cooperative
EASTCONN collaborated with Woodstock Academy to provide services that facilitated student growth in educational areas and transition planning for 14 high-school-age students from 4 districts who have intellectual and other significant developmental disabilities. Students participated in regular education and unified courses, intended to increase their independent living skills and provide career and vocational experience.
Regional Consortia
EASTCONN’s Leading & Learning group continued to facilitate regional consortia, providing member districts with access to funding and resources that they would not otherwise be eligible to receive. Among them:
• Perkins Consortium: 6 districts gained access to $72,000 in federal funds, as we helped educators define goals for their Continuous Improvement Plans to strengthen their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Title III Consortium for English Learners:
24 districts participated in our regional Consortium, providing $42,000 in extra resources and PD to teachers of English Learners.
Regional Community Collaborations Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB)
Collaborated with EWIB in the design and delivery of programs for both youth and adults who were economically disadvantaged and in need of vocational training and/or employment. Regionally, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program (Adult/Dislocated Worker, In-School Youth, and Out-of-School Youth) served 1,241 people; 330 found jobs. EASTCONN also served Jobs First Employment Services (JFES) customers, referred from the Department of Social Services, and helped 156 JFES-program adults build valuable employability skills. Specialized Human Services Navigators referred 450 adult job-seekers to community programs, 34 of them through Ticket to Work, a provision of the Social Security Administration. Services for participants continued across various modes of remote communication throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Summer Youth Employment Program
During summer 2019, our EWIB-funded, regional employment and training program for 475 youth involved numerous partners, including New London Youth Affairs and Norwich Human Services. Of note: 90% of the participants achieved an attendance rate of 80% or better; and 94% of youth participants returned to high school.
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A unique partnership with Woodstock Academy enables EASTCONN students with intellectual and other disabilities to attend regular education and unified classes and to increase their independent living and vocational skills.
Community-Based Clinical Day Treatment Work-Readiness Partnerships
Clinical Day Treatment (CDT) students, ages 14 and older, participated in in-person internships and vocational opportunities that built their work skills, and earned them high school credit; 50 students engaged in paid, community-based internships, prior to the COVID-19 closures; dozens continued internships remotely, during the closures. We maintained relationships with more than 40 local and national employers, including Subway, Walmart, Carelot Children’s Center, Petco, Bousquet’s Appliances, WAIM, Windham Senior Center, Dunkin’ Donuts and Bowes Tires, where students can continue their in-person internships, in a post-pandemic world.
Advocating for Regional Mental Health Services
In order to advocate for resources and raise awareness about the shortage of mental health providers and services in northeastern Connecticut, EASTCONN staff continued to participate in North East Connecticut Advocating for Resources (N.E.A.R.), a regional collaboration of families, schools, municipalities, state agencies and health and human services providers.
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Funding for Regional Non-Profits
EASTCONN’s Adult Programs continued its collaboration with the Non-profit Alliance of Northeastern Connecticut (NANC), advocating for funding from state legislators and regional organizations, to support Willimantic-based social services, non-profits and public agencies, including EASTCONN.
Community Education Programs
Adult Programs enrolled 69 EASTCONN-region adult residents who participated in our Adult Community Education certificate classes and work-site education and training programs.
Family Support & Education Social-Emotional Health
The Connecticut Head Start Collaboration Office funded our State Head Start grant proposal to offer “Mind in the Making” trainings to Head Start staff, as well as Head Start families. Trainings focused on the Seven Essential Life Skills connected with Executive Function, so that children and families can realize better outcomes.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 Windham Multi-Generational Learning Initiative
Partnerships through this family-centered model enabled parents of young children to develop work-readiness skills, while accessing essential services like education credentialing classes and transportation. Working together with Head Start, Early Head Start, Family Resource Centers, Windham Public Schools, other member districts and UConn, our Adult Programs group provided pre-COVID, in-person, multi-generational, regional programming with GED, Spanish GED, and/or ESL instruction for parents, as well as critical access to free child care. During the pandemic, Adult Programs offered online classes and phone-based learning.
Community Arts Connection After-School Program
This popular EASTCONN after-school program provided literacy and arts programming to 50 students in grades K-8, at Windham Heights, a public housing complex. In collaboration with VESTA, EASTCONN partnered with UConn and ECSU student-volunteer tutors, who helped youngsters do homework and improve their academic skills. Families joined their children for field trips to enriching arts destinations, while an ongoing partnership with Willimantic Public Library ensured that a Windham Heights satellite library continued to serve the program’s students and their families. During the pandemic, remote access and links to arts and learning activities were offered, along with other engaging resources.
Early Childhood Roundtable
Early Childhood staff continued to facilitate Roundtable meetings for EASTCONN-region administrators of public-school preschools to keep them informed, both pre- and post-COVID-19, about state and national policies, best practices and professional learning options for program staff.
AGENCY GOAL 2
140K+
Emergency meals were prepared & served during COVID-19 to children & families who would otherwise have gone hungry Regional Early Childhood Planning
In collaboration with 6 member districts, our Early Childhood staff served on the Northeast Early Childhood Council Leadership Team, supported the Regional School Readiness Council and met regularly with Family Resource Centers, providing a regional approach to setting goals for improving transition to kindergarten; improving overall preschool experiences in our communities; closing the preparation gap for birth to age three; continuing to provide opportunities to attend the Mental Health Task Force meetings; advocating for equitable access to preschool; and providing professional development for faculty, staff and families.
Study with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC)
EASTCONN Early Head Start (EHS) continued its participation in CCMC’s Bridging the Gap project, providing autism screenings for EHS preschoolers, which will likely lead to earlier referrals for Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT) evaluations. A growing number of children on the autism spectrum are entering Head Start programs, and early screenings and referrals have become a necessity.
Regional Magnet School Transportation
EASTCONN’s Transportation group collaborated with 36 district partners to transport 187 students daily to the region’s 3 public magnet schools, including EASTCONN’s Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT), Quinebaug Middle College (QMC), and Windham’s middle school STEM Academy.
“In my 23 years operating a local business, I feel that the kids in EASTCONN’s program are much better prepared to start a new first job experience than other kids we have hired.” – Ann Monteiro, Summer Youth Employment Program Partner, Putnam www.eastconn.org 22.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN provides year-round opportunities for meaningful professional learning and collaboration across multiple disciplines.
RESC & RESC Alliance Partnerships COVID-19 Response to Support District Professionals
In partnership with the state’s RESC Alliance, EASTCONN brought its strong case for more equitable education funding and increased state-wide RESC/CSDE collaboration to discussions with the governor’s office and the CSDE. As a result, following the COVID-19 outbreak and school closings, the RESC Alliance was invited by the CSDE to partner in the design and delivery of virtual professional learning for educators across the state. RESC Alliance education specialists designed and delivered free, virtual, professional learning across a range of fields, including early childhood, teaching and learning, special education, and more. Access to these state-sanctioned and supported, high-quality RESC Alliance webinars was delivered on the RESC Alliance website at rescalliance.org. EASTCONN and its Alliance partners were also asked by the CSDE, on behalf of the governor, to facilitate weekly meetings with regional education leaders to gather recommendations for safely reopening the state after COVID-19. Reports from these regional meetings were shared with the CSDE and the governor’s office.
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Connecticut Documentation & Observations Teaching System (CT DOTS)
EASTCONN’s Early Childhood Initiatives staff and their RESC Alliance colleagues worked with the state Office of Early Childhood to provide training and technical assistance to participants statewide, using the CT DOTS framework. The CT DOTS framework provides tools that help early-care providers and teachers monitor and document children’s progress across criteria defined by the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CTELDS).
Early Childhood Quality Improvement Grants
EASTCONN will use the funding from Quality Improvement Grants to collaborate with RESC Alliance early childhood partners in the following areas:
• Connecticut Core Knowledge & Competency (CKC ) Framework Support • Fiscal Management Training • National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Support • Quality Assurance & Technical Provider Support • Standards, Curriculum & Assessment Support
AGENCY GOAL 2
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 Nutrition & Physical Activity Initiative
RESC Alliance early childhood partners are collaborating on Go NAPSACC (Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care) and PALS (Physical Activity Learning Session), funded through a contract with the state Department of Health (DOH) to emphasize nutrition and increase physical activity in early childhood programs. Alliance early childhood staff also provided the DOH with technical assistance on nutrition and exercise, for up to 45 programs statewide.
Special Education Professional Learning
On behalf of the CSDE, the RESC Alliance continued partnering to provide professional learning for early childhood special education programs, statewide.
Accreditation Quality Improvement System (AQIS)
EASTCONN’s Early Childhood Initiatives holds the RESC Alliance grant for providing “intensive supports” to 23 programs seeking accreditation or re-accreditation through AQIS. Each RESC provided training, self-study, portfolio supports and on-site supports to programs pursuing accreditation from NAEYC. In addition, facilitators developed a series for study-group discussions, based on the NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards and Assessment Items; 159 participants took part.
Teacher Education And Mentoring (TEAM) Collaborative
We continued to manage the EASTCONN-designed online platform for the TEAM Collaborative, used this year by 2,761 beginning teachers, 2,500 Mentors, 2,240 Reviewers and District Facilitators across Connecticut. After state funding for TEAM activities was eliminated in fall 2018, EASTCONN led a statewide initiative with the RESC Alliance that allowed nearly 200 districts/schools to enroll in TEAM’s interactive induction, support and retention program for new teachers.
Virtual High School (VHS)
Foundational Skills for Evaluators of Teachers
EASTCONN collaborated with RESC Alliance partners to deliver focused PD to school administrators, and continued to use and refine our online platform. This year, it accommodated more than 115 registrants statewide, providing scoring and feedback for participants. All components of the teacher evaluation guidelines were addressed and more than 90% of participants demonstrated proficiency in conducting observations.
Minority Teacher Recruitment (MTR)
Through a partnership with the CSDE and the RESC Alliance, EASTCONN joined its sister RESCs in their efforts to improve their knowledge and application of equity practices. An annual minority teacher recruitment fair and mini-grants helped recruit minority candidates and promote interest.
State-Level Partnerships & Statewide Services Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF)
Throughout the year, and throughout the pandemic, EASTCONN staff from Early Childhood Initiatives and Birth to Three worked closely with DCF to coordinate support for our region’s most vulnerable families, and to establish joint goals for children under our mutual care. Staff attended quarterly DCF, state-level Head Start meetings and collaborated with the liaison for DCF Birth to Five.
Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitative Services (BRS)
Our Assistive Technology team provided BRS adult programs with assessment services and support for 6 adult clients with disabilities, who were seeking to obtain or maintain employment. Services were also provided to 20 students from 3 school districts, 3 educators and 2 family members through BRS’s Level-Up program for transition-age students.
Coordinated the delivery of online VHS courses to 2 participating districts, providing their students with access to more than 200 semester-long and full-year online courses, in addition to AP courses and labs, of particular value during the COVID-19 end-of-school-year closures.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 Connecticut Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS)
Student Information System (SIS) Support
Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Teacher of the Year (TOY) Application
Statewide Data Systems Support
Kindergarten Inventory
This successful, ongoing collaboration with DMHAS provided educational support and oversight for more than 150 students, who were admitted to 5 mental health facilities in the EASTCONN region. Remote learning was offered during COVID-19. We helped DMHAS offer a continuum of educational services, while addressing students’ mental health needs.
In close coordination with DDS, our Regional Transition Services (RTS) group addressed the needs of RTS students who were transitioning to adult services. RTS serves young adults with a broad range of disabilities.
eObserve Observation Management
Technology Solutions staff developed this universal platform for observation-based assessments of child development milestones. This system is primarily used to support the Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS) and the Connecticut Preschool Assessment Framework (CTPAF), by improving data collection and reporting. A parent observation portal was added to record children’s progress at home during COVID-19.
Magnet School Lottery Management Tool
EASTCONN programmers custom-designed a process and related enrollment lottery software portal to support online applications for a member district’s magnet school and dual-language program. The EASTCONN process and software assured accurate data-collection and complete equity and fairness in the lottery process, used by 692 students and their families.
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The agency provided 8 districts with on-site consultation and PD for PowerSchool and Tyler SIS, serving as the primary SIS support for 4 districts. We also became Connecticut’s only authorized Infinite Campus service center, acquiring 1 client district. Continued to provide local and regional trainings and provided input on information systems to the CSDE and PowerSchool. In collaboration with the Connecticut TOY Council and the CSDE, Technology Solutions continued to provide a statewide, online system for submitting and scoring Connecticut’s TOY applications. In 2020, the system handled 86 applications and 537 scoring sessions. Provided data management and system support for the CSDE annual online Kindergarten Inventory, in use in all Connecticut school districts. The Kindergarten Inventory provides the CSDE with critical developmental progress data for nearly 37,000 kindergarten students.
Data Collection & Research Services
Technology Solutions provided technical and logistical support for collection of School Climate surveys of students, parents and staff for 6 districts, including survey delivery, results analyses and comprehensive reporting of summative data. Custom survey work, statistical analysis and reporting services are available.
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Non-profits & schools realized savings by using our Cooperative Purchasing program
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
Higher Education Partnerships & Collaborations UConn Collaborations • Early Childhood: Head Start staff continued to
measure the achievement of family-defined goals through its collaboration with UConn’s School of Human Development and Family Studies. This partnership relates to Head Start’s Community Engagement Framework. Results helped guide referrals, program improvements and staff professional development.
• Psychological & Behavioral Support:
In collaboration with UConn’s NEAG School of Education, our Psychological and Behavioral Consultation group continued to support doctoral students, enabling them, with supervision, to provide academic and behavioral consultation and coaching to school-based staff to improve outcomes for students. A partnership with UConn’s Collaboratory on School and Child Health focused on trauma-informed service delivery in schools, and fostering trauma-sensitive practices for students, families and staff.
• College Opportunities for EASTCONN Students Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) Magnet High School: In 2019-2020,
75 students enrolled in free college courses; 75 students took 102 classes at Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) and achieved a passing rate of 95%. After the first semester, QMC students outperformed QVCC students with a cumulative GPA average of 3.14. Enrollment in our UConn Early College Experience courses averaged 22 students, with 52 students earning 156 transferable credits.
• Regional Transition Services (RTS): Located
on QVCC’s Danielson campus, our RTS program enabled 5th-year students with developmental disabilities to take a college class each semester that helped them develop the self-advocacy skills needed to take college classes and secure special learning accommodations.
AGENCY GOAL 2: 2020-2021 Initiatives • Applying our learning from our partnership with KnowledgeWorks we will support districts with the implementation of personalized competencybased teaching and learning, allowing educators to see that learning is the constant and time and place are the variables. • Along with district partners in our Regional Transition Services and Woodstock Academy Cooperative, we will focus on improving post-school outcomes in employment, postsecondary education and independent living for our students with disabilities, and expand their vocational and work-site options. • Our Food Services group will increase the number of districts we support and collaborate with, while continuing to increase positive impacts on student wellness through the provision of well-planned, nutritious, high-quality meals.
models of instruction allowing them to pivot between in person, remote and distance learning. A partnership with the SDE will provide districts with the opportunity to take advantage of personalized coaching days to support teachers.
• Our Early Childhood, Adult Education and job-training groups are partnering through a Two-Generational (2Gen) initiative to support a range of adults in Danielson, including Head Start parents. Identifying families early in their introduction to Head Start will create better outcomes for children and families, resulting in enhanced employability. • Our Early Childhood group plans to develop a collaborative community directors’ group that’s open to member districts, community programs and family child care providers.
• Leading & Learning will support districts returning to school with a focus on blended learning www.eastconn.org 26.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 3
A LEAP alternative high school student beams while pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher, thanks to a personalized, career-focused curriculum, made possible by LEAP’s innovative approach to teaching and learning.
AGENCY GOAL 3
To enhance the knowledge and skills of educators and the whole community, so they can effect change and facilitate positive outcomes for learners.
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
Partnering with KnowledgeWorks, EASTCONN workshops help educators advance their use of personalized, competency-based learning.
2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS Professional Learning Support In-District Support & Training
Pre-COVID-19, EASTCONN staff provided a total of 205 days of on-site, embedded professional development and support in 20 districts, for more than 750 educators. Staff also implemented customized, local professional learning plans for a variety of education reform initiatives, including performance task development, differentiated instruction, applications of Connecticut Core Standards, social studies and science standards.
Mathematics Learning
Modeling, coaching and district-embedded professional learning was provided to math educators in 4 districts, addressing Connecticut Core Standards for mathematics and readiness for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) assessment. Two 4-day Math Recovery courses in summer 2019 provided an overview of that model for 20 math educators from 17 districts.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) EASTCONN science staff supported 5 districts and 60 educators through a range of services as they continued to adopt NGSS. Activities included sessions on NGSS curriculum alignment, rubric
development, assessments and administrator support. Collaborative professional development opportunities online continued during the pandemic.
Jason Learning Science PD
Together with Jason Learning, we offered a late-2019 PD series called Resources and Tools for an NGSS Classroom; it included workshops called “JASON for Elementary (Grades 3-5)” and “Climate (Grades 6-8).” The partnership enabled EASTCONN-area educators to attend additional professional learning and to obtain “takeaway” resources. Nearly 40 teachers attended.
KnowledgeWorks
During our second year of partnering with the innovative education organization, KnowledgeWorks, EASTCONN magnet and alternative high schools and 3 area districts engaged in professional learning and coaching to advance a personalized, competency-based model for learning. Based on the review of a needs-assessment in the 10 areas of conditions for readiness, a series of collaborative learning sessions and individual school coaching deepened participants’ understanding of the competency-based approach.
www.eastconn.org 28.
AGENCY GOAL 3
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN’s Early Childhood Initiatives team regularly collaborates with state leaders and university practitioners to offer research-based conferences like this year’s 7th Annual Infant/Toddler Conference. Cutting-edge thinkers and guest speakers, group panels and interactive break-out sessions prompt important peer discussions about theory and engaging practices – catalysts for creating positive child outcomes.
Minority Teacher Recruitment (MTR)
EASTCONN continued its work on its MTR program in collaboration with the RESC Alliance, whose collective goals are to recruit, hire, develop, support and retain a racially, ethnically and culturally diverse teaching and administrative workforce for Connecticut schools.
EASTCONN’S Center for Educational Leadership (CEL)
Both before and during COVID-19, CEL staff offered educators an ongoing series of deeply reflective professional learning experiences, as they examined the characteristics of leadership in today’s world. Through research-based professional learning approaches and experiential activities dedicated to evidence-based practices and personal reflection, the CEL supported administrators and district leaders as they considered and analyzed a range of leadership options, actions and instructional methods. Of note:
• Leadership Coaching: CEL educators used the Connecticut Leadership Framework to guide discussion and provide customized coaching to more than 50 school and district leaders as they addressed the unique needs and challenges in their school systems. 29. www.eastconn.org
• Strategic Advancement Planning: Staff facilitated strategic planning support in 2 districts, resulting in customized plans for district advancement.
CCSU/EASTCONN Sixth-Year Cohort Collaboration
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) continued its collaboration with EASTCONN Education Services to offer a second, 2-year cohort of CCSU’s Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership. This year, 11 Sixth-Year cohort members worked both online and in-person with CCSU faculty and EASTCONN professional staff to prepare for their Intermediate Administrator 092 certificate. Program content is customized to meet the needs of administrators in small, resource-strapped school districts. The cohort met at EASTCONN’s Hampton Conference Center, providing easier regional access to the highly regarded CCSU program.
21
Districts used our Psych & Behavioral Services
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 3
“The EASTCONN team has created conditions to engage deeply to advance the field of SEL in service of students, adults and the greater school community.” – Dr. Ellen Connors, Facilitator, The Leader’s Guide to Systemic SEL Implementation
Educator Evaluation Support & Training Professional Development & Evaluation Committee (PDEC)
EASTCONN’s Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) continued to support PDEC in 2 districts, contributing to increased coherence between teacher evaluation, student performance data and professional development. In turn, this led to better alignment of strategic initiatives across both districts.
Teacher Education And Mentoring (TEAM) Collaborative
We continued to manage the EASTCONN-built-andmaintained online platform for the TEAM Collaborative, used this year by 2,761 beginning teachers, 2,500 Mentors, 2,240 Reviewers and District Facilitators statewide. After state funding ended in 2018, EASTCONN led a statewide initiative involving the RESC Alliance that has enabled 196 districts and schools to enroll their beginning teachers in this important induction, support and retention program for new teachers.
Statewide Early Childhood Professional Development Early Childhood Initiatives staff supported numerous regional and statewide early childhood initiatives this year, delivering workshops and coaching on a broad range of topics, including instructional strategies; Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS); Connecticut Documentation and Observations Teaching System (CT DOTS) framework; social-emotional competence; collaboration and team-building; Executive Function; standards-based IEPs, and more. Highlights:
Statewide Coaching Coordination
Early Childhood Initiatives staff began coordinating a significant number of state-funded professional learning opportunities, including trainings, coaching related to content, and technical assistance. With the
proper supports in place, research has shown that coaching and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) work best for increasing the likelihood that a positive change in practice will occur, over time.
7th Annual Infant/Toddler Conference
Just prior to COVID-19 closures in March, we coordinated this popular, regional, annual conference, attended by 120 early childhood educators from across the state. “Connecting with Families: Building Partnerships to Support Children’s Learning” focused on understanding and applying effective ways that early childhood professionals can engage families and children in learning together. This year, presenters combined theory and engaging practices as participants considered how to listen, respond to and respect family cultures, norms and differing realities.
Professional Learning for Community-Based Early-Care Providers
Provided 30 different workshops, both in person and online, for hundreds of community-based, early-care providers, on a wide variety of content and pedagogical topics. Attendees included pre-K and kindergarten teachers, paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, curriculum coordinators, early childhood administrators, infant/toddler teachers and paraprofessionals, Birth to Three providers, program administrators and related services staff, as well as social workers, DMHAS and DCF workers.
2,761
New teachers, 2,500 Mentors and 2,240 Reviewers used the TEAM Collaborative Program www.eastconn.org 30.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 3
The Teacher Education And Mentoring (TEAM) program provides new teachers statewide with invaluable mentoring and classroom support.
Also of note this year, EASTCONN Early Childhood Initiatives staff: • Continued to support and collaborate on the development of the Connecticut Core Knowledge & Competency (CT CKCs) Framework, an online self-assessment tool for professionals working with young children and their families. The framework provides a foundation for PD and quality improvement efforts. Continued to roll out the EASTCONN-developed, preschool-student assessment system, CT DOTS Online web-based tool, which gives early childhood providers and teachers an improved, common format to monitor, analyze and report child observations.
Other Regional Professional Learning Initiatives EASTCONN Mobile STEM Lab
This unusual mobile laboratory is intended to get K-12 students and teachers out of the traditional classroom and into the great outdoors, where they can experience a range of opportunities for authentic scientific inquiry. This year, prior to COVID-19 school closures, the mobile lab traveled to different sites to provide 5 districts and 180+ students with an opportunity to use the laboratory’s on-board assets, which include state-of-the-art scientific tools
31. www.eastconn.org
like microscopes, an electron microscope, computer screens, iPads, and more. Teachers learned about key NGSS phenomena and students engaged in inquiry-based lessons that helped them think like scientists.
Psychological & Behavioral Consultation (PBC) Services
In 21 districts across the EASTCONN region, educators and school specialists used our neuropsychological assessment, behavioral consultation and professional development services to support and enhance learning outcomes for thousands of students. Staff provided comprehensive in-district support to their school colleagues throughout the year. Strategies changed with the introduction of COVID-19 in March, when staff turned to virtual platforms to deliver free, high-quality and direct student/family services and professional learning to thousands of colleagues, both regionally and statewide. Of note:
• PBC staff facilitated Communities of Practice for school-based BCBAs in the EASTCONN region and statewide, and offered the option of obtaining CEUs. • Staff conceptualized, wrote and delivered content for free, interactive webinars, seen by thousands of paraeducators statewide, after the COVID-19 crisis closed schools, and forced professional
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY GOAL 3
Professional learning workshops present new approaches and ideas to build educators’ understanding across a range of demanding topics.
learning online. Graduate students collaborated with PBC professionals to quickly build a new, temporary website to deliver educational content for paraeducators and other peers in the field. Webinars were delivered throughout spring and early-summer.
• Through RESC Alliance projects, staff expanded in-person and online supports to districts in the areas of chronic absenteeism and traumasensitive practices. • Staff presented more than 40 PD sessions in 24 districts, prior to COVID-19. As invited speakers at regional and national conferences, PBC staff presented outcomes from technical assistance, coaching and training, and continued to publish their research in highly regarded professional journals.
Student Information System (SIS) Support
Technology Solutions staff provided on-site consultation and professional development for 8 districts for 2 SIS products (PowerSchool; Tyler SIS), serving as the primary SIS support for 4 of them. Staff also formalized an agreement with a 3rd SIS manufacturer (Infinite Campus) to become Connecticut’s only authorized service center, and acquired 1 client district, as a result. Continued to provide training locally, regionally, in-person and virtually through workshops and user-group meetings.
180+
Students gained hands-on experience conducting science experiments in the field, thanks to EASTCONN’s Mobile STEM Lab
“[Your] ‘Day of Interventions 2.0’ is by far one of the best workshops I have been to in a while. I walked away from this workshop with material to use with my students the very next day.” – Deidriene Knowlton, Reading Interventionist, Stafford Public Schools www.eastconn.org 32.
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
AGENCY 2019-2020 GOAL 3
Assistive technologies provide exciting options for students with disabilities, who can use innovative text-to-speech devices to communicate.
In-District Technology Support for Professional Learning
Technology Solutions provided in-district PD for 22 districts and staff from 2 private schools, on topics like Student Information Systems (SIS), the Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS), STEM Robotics Instruction and Google Classroom. Technology staff also provided online technical training and support to participants in the TEAM Program, including 402 Mentors who completed the TEAM Online Mentor Update and 336 Reviewers who completed the TEAM Online Reviewer Update. Also provided 14 CT DOTS Online onboarding and training; 2 Digital Accessibility Trainings to state agencies; consultation PD to QMC, ACT and LEAP on digital accessibility and software compliance; and presented at the Universal Design in Higher Education Conference on digital accessibility.
Assistive Technology (AT) & Related Services
Working in-person throughout most of the year, but shifting to effective, virtual platforms during the COVID-19 crisis, our AT and Related Services staff provided professional learning for educators, as well as direct services to disabled students, maintaining their progress, improving their access to general curricula, and helping them reach their potential.
• Assistive Technology (AT) staff supported 13 districts with Consortium packages, providing them with priority scheduling, access to our AT Lending Library and Consortium trainings. AT provided 19 AT and/or AAC Assessments in Consortium districts. Services impacted 134 students, 211 educators and 62 family members.
“The learning cycle [that EASTCONN presented] was truly effective in deepening our collective understanding of how to increase student connections through restorative practices.” – Kenneth W. Craig, Principal, Hall Memorial School, Willington Public Schools
33. www.eastconn.org
AGENCY GOAL 3 2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020 • Related Services staff worked with 46 districts to support more than 600 students, preschool to age 21. Related Services include OT, PT and speech-language therapy.
Regional Groups & Councils
Educators representing nearly all 36 of EASTCONN’s member districts attended one or more of our 14 professional learning councils this year, all of which are led by our education and technology specialists. EASTCONN’s free councils offer EASTCONN-region district staff with opportunities to explore a wide variety of content areas, such as technology, English language arts, science, mathematics, and more. Educators can connect with job-alike peers, share resources, learn about state mandates, hear from guest speakers and expand their professional learning.
750+
Educators in 20 districts received 205 days of on-site, embedded PD and support, provided by Leading & Learning, pre-pandemic
“As a result of EASTCONN leadership in guiding our implementation of learning walks, teachers are seeing the value in learning from each other.” – Ashley Harrington, Teacher, Woodstock Elementary School
AGENCY GOAL 3: 2020-2021 Initiatives • In collaboration with the state OEC, we will support a statewide effort to plan meaningful professional learning through the lens of a trainer, technical assistance provider and coach. The development and revisions of training series for Early Childhood trainers with OEC specialists will gain momentum as Connecticut focuses on building a comprehensive system of care to support early childhood providers. • We will continue our professional learning support for teachers and leaders as we work to integrate SEL as a foundation for developing selfregulated and resilient learners. • We will expand our work across the region and state on leading educators through the process of identifying and using essential standards to accelerate student learning -- a process needed now more than ever, given the effects of COVID-19 on learning.
professional dialogues, share best practices and learn from one another, along with developing systems and structures for transformational change.
• Technology Solutions will continue working on a new system to support short-engagement online training, which will be brought into full production to support the state’s TEAM beginning-teacher support program and any other EASTCONN community need for this type of training infrastructure. • Technology Solutions will continue to develop custom, education-related software for in-region and statewide use, including online professional development with internally developed content.
• We will implement cross-school collaboration for educators and leadership to engage in www.eastconn.org 34.
2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
EASTCONN’S SIX DIVISIONS 19
80 ~ 2020
Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS EASTCONN promotes and supports lifelong learning for parents, workers and residents of northeastern Connecticut. Whether it’s high school completion, job training, English-as-a-Second-Language or parenting support, our Adult & Community Programs are designed to help all adult residents develop new, lifelong skills, expand options, and reach new goals. Adult & Community Programs: • Adult Education & High School Completion Programs • Employment & Training Programs • English Learner Services & Citizenship • Parent & Family Programs
EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES EASTCONN works with parents, communities and schools to ensure that all children enter school ready to succeed. EASTCONN can design and implement high-quality, early-childhood education programs and services. We can also assist with data collection, planning and policy development, facilitation and community engagement, workshops for parents and professionals, facilities consultation, and program design and evaluation. Early Childhood Initiatives: • Birth to Three General Program • Head Start / Early Head Start • Early Childhood Coaching, Consultation & Support • Early Childhood Materials & Products • Professional Learning & Support for Early Childhood Educators • Programs for Young Children & Families • School Readiness Support • Development & Coordination of Statewide Professional Learning
K-12 STUDENT SERVICES EASTCONN works with local K-12 schools and districts to ensure that all children in our region, from kindergarten through high school and beyond, have access to a rich variety of learning opportunities. K-12 Student Services: • Academic Enrichment Programs • Autism Program • Clinical Day Treatment Programs • Magnet & Alternative High Schools • Programs for Students with Developmental Disabilities • Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services • Related Services (OT, PT, Speech-Language, Assistive Technology) • School-to-Career, Summer, Vacation & After-School Programs • Transportation Services for K-12
35. www.eastconn.org
LEADING & LEARNING EASTCONN partners with educators from across northeastern Connecticut to continuously improve instruction, with the goal of increased learning outcomes for all children. From curriculum design, leadership development and professional learning to data-driven school improvement, we offer a broad range of expertise. Leading & Learning Opportunities: • Center for Educational Leadership • Curriculum Instruction & Assessment • Professional Learning • Regional EASTCONN Groups & Councils • School Improvement Strategies
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT EASTCONN facilitates collaborative, regional approaches to school operations. From cooperative purchasing to back-office support and regional staff recruitment, we work to find cost-effective solutions. Organizational Support Services: • Business Office & Employer Services • Conference & Hospitality Services • Cooperative Purchasing / Procurement • Facilities Assistance & Training • Human Resources / Staffing Solutions • Marketing & Communications • Research, Development & Innovation • Security & Investigations • Student Food Services • Transportation Services
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS EASTCONN helps schools envision, acquire and maintain technology systems that enhance student learning. From on-site technology integration and training to customized database development, we are committed to ensuring that schools keep pace with the accelerating demand for the effective use of technology. Technology Solutions: • Data Solutions, Support & Training • Educational Technology Integration • PowerSchool Support & Training • Technology Infrastructure Support • Technology Products & Services • Technology Professional Development • Video Production Services • Web Application Development
2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
Programs & Services
ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON TOLLAND UNION VOLUNTOWN WILLINGTON WINDHAM WOODSTOCK
EASTCONN DISTRICT PARTICIPATION 2019-2020
ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
TOLLAND UNION VOLUNTOWN WILLINGTON WINDHAM WOODSTOCK
Programs & Services
ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON
EASTCONN DISTRICT PARTICIPATION 2019-2020
EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES AQIS (Accreditation Quality Improvement System) Birth-to-Three Program
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2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
TOLLAND UNION VOLUNTOWN WILLINGTON WINDHAM WOODSTOCK
Programs & Services
ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON
EASTCONN DISTRICT PARTICIPATION 2019-2020
K-12 STUDENT SERVICES ACT Magnet H.S.
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2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
TOLLAND UNION VOLUNTOWN WILLINGTON WINDHAM WOODSTOCK
Programs & Services
ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON
EASTCONN DISTRICT PARTICIPATION 2019-2020
LEADING & LEARNING SERVICES
Ctr. for Educational Leadership (CEL) Competency-Based Instruct. & Assess. Conference & Meeting Support Curriculum Development District & School Improvement Planning Diversity Educator Consortium
English Learners Professional Support English Learners Title III Consortium Interdistrict Grant Design & Mgmt. Lang. Arts Council Leadership Develop. Library Council Literacy Professional Learning Math Council Mathematics PD Student-Centered Learning Reading, Writing Workshop Services Regional Staff Development Council Restorative Practices Science Council SEAD Coaching, Support Social Studies Council STEM/NGSS PD & Curriculum
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
TOLLAND UNION VOLUNTOWN WILLINGTON WINDHAM WOODSTOCK
Programs & Services
ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON
EASTCONN DISTRICT PARTICIPATION 2019-2020
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
Cooperative Purchasing CT REAP ECHIP Employee Health Insurance Collaborative Fingerprinting Hazardous Materials, Support & Training Shared Staffing
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Back-Office Support
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ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON
Asbestos Inspection, Radon Measurement & Consultation
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Classroom Tech. Implementation & Assessment CT DOTS Support & Training
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ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
2019-2020 EASTCONN PROGRAM ADDRESSES Administrative Offices Central Administration and Conference Center 376 Hartford Turnpike Hampton, CT 06247 860-455-0707; Fax: 860-455-8026
Adult Programs
K-12 Student Services
Assistive Technology
Leading & Learning Services
Conference & Food Services
Organizational Support Services
Early Childhood Initiatives
Technology Solutions
Human Resources
Adult and Community Programs Community Learning Center Tyler Square, 1320 Main St., Willimantic, CT 06226 860-423-2591; Fax: 860-450-0853
Hampton, Central Administration 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247 860-455-0707; Fax: 860-455-8026
Northeast Learning Center 562 Westcott Rd., Danielson, CT 06239 860-779-3770; Fax: 860-779-3384
Early Childhood Initiatives Hampton, Central Administration, 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247, 860-455-0707; Fax: 860-455-8026 Killingly Head Start at Northeast Learning Center 562 Westcott Rd., Danielson, CT 06239 860-779-0410, Fax: 860-779-1377
Plainfield Head Start Early Childhood Center 651 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374 860-564-7787, Fax: 860-564-6409
Head Start at Killingly High School 226 Putnam Pike, Danielson, CT 06241 860-779-6709, Fax: 860-774-0846
Putnam Head Start 33 Wicker St., Putnam, CT 06260 860-928-0004, Fax: 860-963-5357
Plainfield Head Start — Moosup Gardens 10B Gorman St., Moosup, CT 06354 860-564-7199, Fax: 860-564-2630
K-12 Student Services Schools and Programs Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) 896 Main St., Willimantic, CT 06226 860-465-5636; Fax: 860-465-8115 Autism Program, Related Services 10 Commerce Dr., Columbia, CT 06237 860-228-3240; Fax: 860-228-3206 Clinical Day Treatment Programs Director, 860-786-2253 •Educational & Vocational Center (EVC) 14 Route 66, Columbia, CT 06237 860-228-4317; Fax: 860-228-1147 •Northeast Regional Program (NRP) 79 Westfield Ave., Danielson, CT 06239 860-779-6794 Driver Education (temporarily suspended) Danielson & Willimantic, 860-455-1542
4. www.eastconn.org 41. www.eastconn.org
EASTCONN Educational Services (Autism Program, Psych. & Behavioral, Related Services) 10 Commerce Drive, Columbia, CT 06237 860-228-3240; Fax: 860-228-3206 Learners Empowered to Achieve their Potential (LEAP) 729 Main St., Willimantic, CT 06226 860-931-0250; Fax: 860-786-7844 Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson, CT 06239 860-932-4100; Fax: 860-932-4950 Transportation 109 Route 6, Columbia, CT 06237 860-228-6751; Fax: 860-228-6756 Woodstock Academy Cooperative Services 57 Academy Rd., Woodstock, CT 06281 860-928-1132; Fax: 860-963-4931
2019-2020
ANNUAL REPORT | 2019-2020
FUNDING DETAIL
Member Dues 0.1% State Contracts & Competitive Grants 5.3% Private Contracts & Competitive Grants 6.5% Federal Contracts & Competitive Grants 6.7% ECHIP (EASTERN CT HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM) 43.5% Local Funds (Operating Budget) 37.9%
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET (Excluding Grants and ECHIP)
$31,153,261
600 500 400 300 200 100
670 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS Administration 5.3%
Services Benefiting
Local Communities 18.5%
Services Benefiting
Local Schools 76.2% As of 9/20
www.eastconn.org 42.
Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
“During our mid-year evaluation meetings with our teaching staff, one question asked was, ‘What has made the biggest impact on your teaching practice this year?’ Almost every teacher responded that their time with [EASTCONN Leading & Learning’s] Gary Petersen has been extremely valuable and lifted the level of their teaching more than any other professional development they have ever had. Our staff has learned how to conduct effective mini-lessons, confer and provide feedback to their students and target individual areas of need. We are already seeing the benefits of this work with all our students, who are more excited about reading and writing than they have ever been. Meaningful and impactful professional development such as this is helping to move our students and staff to the next level.” - Paula Graef, Principal Brooklyn Elementary School
www.eastconn.org 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247 860-455-0707 inforequest@eastconn.org /wherelearningcomestolife
