Annual Report 2014-2015
Contents EASTCONN At-A-Glance & Organizational Chart
District Participation Chart
Our Members
Member Needs Assessment
Agency Goals
Finance Facts
Interagency Collaborations
Program Locations
I believe you created an all-encompassing experience that will change the way participating students view the world (whether they realize it yet or not) — and you have thus opened the door to new possibilities, new opportunities and new creative outlets for all of these students — which is the greatest gift an educator can give to their students. – Rebecca Steiner, Average Joe Photo Show, a community partner in EASTCONN’s Interdistrict Grant Program
From the Executive Director Each year, we collect data to assess our progress toward the achievement of our agency goals. In the process, we ask ourselves three questions:
1. How much did we do? 2. How well did we do it? 3. What difference did it make?
Progress is measured in many ways, as in … MILLIONS … like the $1.4 million to $2.1 million in estimated savings that member districts realized through our regional purchasing cooperative … and in THOUSANDS … like the 4,900 students, grades 2-12, who came together to learn about diversity, bullying, and core disciplinary subjects in one of our 25 CSDE-funded Interdistrict Grant programs … and in HUNDREDS … like the more than 250 days of on-site technical assistance provided to 19 districts aligning instructional strategies to Connecticut Core Standards … or the
Paula M. Colen, Executive Director
ONE student who, with support from our Related Services Team, now gets on and off the van independently, rather than being lifted. I am once again pleased to report that the value and impact of the work we provided this year continues to be of high quality. Highlights from this year, along with our challenges and plans, are detailed in this report. Enjoy your reading.
Paula M. Colen, Executive Director
EASTCONN-At-A-Glance
Created in 1980 under Connecticut General Statute 10-66a, EASTCONN is a public, non-profit, Regional Educational Service Center (RESC). EASTCONN exists to provide high-quality, competitively priced educational and related services to 36 member Boards of Education and the 33 communities they serve in northeastern Connecticut. We are governed by a Board of Directors who are members of locally elected Boards of Education. Our funding comes from the fees we charge for our services, supplemented by competitively awarded grants and contracts. • Programs and Services: 160+
• EASTCONN Facilities’ Square Footage: 173,296
• EASTCONN Employees: 550+
• Transportation Vehicles: 120
• Total Fiscal Year Revenue: $76 million
• Grants Managed:120, bringing $18.2 million additional dollars in programs and services to the region
• Program Locations: 21
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Organizational Chart
CUSTOMERS
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
EASTCONN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICE of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FACILITIES & IT
FINANCE HUMAN RESOURCES MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
K-12 STUDENT SERVICES • Academic Enrichment • Assistive Technology • Clinical Day Treatment Programs • Magnet Schools & Other Options for Students • Programs for Students with Developmental Disabilities • School-to-Career • Schools for Non-Traditional Learners • Services for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders & Other Developmental Disabilities • Summer, Vacation, After-School Programs • Other Student Services
EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES • Early Childhood Consultation • Early Childhood Materials & Products • Programs for Young Children & Families TEACHING & LEARNING SERVICES • Center for Educational Leadership • Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment • Professional Learning • Regional Groups & Councils • School Improvement Strategies TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS • Data Solutions Support & Training • Educational Technology Integration • Technology Infrastructure Support • Technology Products ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES • Administrative Support for Schools • Business & Employer Services • Facilities Services • Human Resources Management • Marketing/Communications Services • Personnel & Staffing Solutions • Program Design & Development • Technology Services • Transportation Services
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CUSTOMERS
ADULT PROGRAMS • Adult Education & High School Completion • Community Education • Employment & Training Programs • English Language Learner Services • Parent & Family Programs
EASTCONN Board & Member Districts EASTCONN truly values and appreciates the commitment of its board of directors. Each EASTCONN director also belongs to the board of education in his or her respective hometown, which chooses a representative to serve on the EASTCONN board. Our board guides and approves all programs and services, enabling the agency to best serve the learning needs of northeastern Connecticut’s schools and communities.
EASTCONN’s 33-Town Region in Northeastern Connecticut
EASTCONN Board Members
Depicted are EASTCONN board members at a recent meeting. Seated, left to right: Joan Fox (Hampton); Vice-Chair Doug Smith (Plainfield); Secretary/Treasurer Katherine Paulhus (Mansfield); Donna Smith (Pomfret). Standing: Sharon Kozey (Eastford); Sheila Johnson (Brooklyn); Judy Benson-Clarke (Region 8); Anne Stearns (Scotland); Mary Kortmann (Coventry); David Marcotte (Killingly). Among members missing from photo: Chairman Herb Arico (Willington).
EASTCONN’s Northeastern Connecticut Region 33 2 36 94 251 3,166 40,993 268,675
Communities School Systems Schools Administrators Teachers Students Residents
Northeastern Connecticut, often called “The Quiet Corner” and so named for its bucolic, rural character, is home to 33 towns, among them some of the state’s smallest and most economically challenged. These are the towns that EASTCONN serves. Amidst the farms and forests of this area lie pockets of affluence and poverty, including towns that are not only among the state’s poorest, but are also home to students scoring among the state’s lowest on standardized tests. Attributes 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 long-standing, high unemployment rates, inadequate public transportation, limited access to local educational enrichment, as well as social and recreational resources, and other impoverishing conditions.
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EASTCONN Board & Member Districts 2014-2015 Andover Jay Linddy, Chair Sally Doyen, Superintendent
Hebron Mark Allaban, Chair Timothy Van Tasel, Superintendent
Sterling Jon Turban, Chair Brenda Needham, Superintendent
Ashford James Rupert, Chair James Longo, Superintendent
Killingly Alexis Rich, Chair g David Marcotte Kevin Farr, Superintendent
Thompson Donna Lynch, Chair Michael Jolin, Superintendent
Bozrah Deb Smith, Chair Paul Gagliarducci, Superintendent Brooklyn Mae Lyons, Chair g Sheila Johnson Louise S. Berry, Superintendent Canterbury Walt Petruniw, Chair g Walt Petruniw Lois Knapton, Superintendent Chaplin Rachel O’Neill, Chair c Alycia Sanders Ken Henrici, Superintendent Colchester Ronald Goldstein, Chair Jeffry Mathieu, Superintendent
Lebanon Stephen Nelson, Chair Robert Angeli, Superintendent Lisbon Randall Baah, Chair c Joseph Lewerk Sally Keating, Superintendent Mansfield Mark LaPlaca, Chair g Katherine Paulhus, EASTCONN Secretary/Treasurer Kelly Lyman, Superintendent Marlborough Betty O’Brien, Chair David Sklarz, Superintendent
Columbia Kerry Hoffman, Chair Laurence Fearon, Superintendent
Plainfield Doug Smith, Chair g Doug Smith, EASTCONN Vice-Chair Kenneth DiPietro, Superintendent
Coventry Jennifer Beausoleil, Chair g Mary Kortmann David Petrone, Superintendent
Pomfret Richard Schad, Chair g Donna Smith Stephen Cullinan, Superintendent
Eastford Garry Carabeau, Chair c Sharon Kozey Linda Loretz, Principal/Superintendent
Putnam Michael Morrill, Chair William Hull, Superintendent
Franklin Jill Bourbeau, Chair c Aimee Crawford Lawrence Fenn, Superintendent
Scotland Sherry Smardon, Chair g Anne Stearns Richard Packman, Superintendent
Griswold Elizabeth Dorff, Chair Paul Smith, Superintendent
Sprague Cheryl Blanchard, Chair Judy Benson-Clarke, Superintendent
Hampton John Burnham, Chair c Joan Fox Corinne Berglund, Superintendent
Stafford Tracy Rummel, Chair g Tracy Rummel Patricia Collin, Superintendent
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Tolland Sam Alderstein, Chair Walter Willett, Superintendent Union Andrea Estell, Chair Joseph Reardon, Superintendent Voluntown Diana Ingraham, Chair c Diana Ingraham Adam Burrows, Superintendent Willington Mark Makach, Chair g Herbert Arico, EASTCONN Chair David Harding, Superintendent Windham Tracey Lambert, Chair c Murphy Sewall Patricia Garcia, Superintendent Woodstock Michael Bernardi Chair Viktor Toth, Superintendent Regional District #8 Michael Turner, Chair c Judy Benson-Clarke Robert Siminski, Superintendent Regional District #11 George Askew, Chair g Jennifer Nelson Ken Henrici, Superintendent Regional District #19 Francis Archambault, Chair Bruce Silva, Superintendent g EASTCONN c
Executive Board Members EASTCONN Board Member
Member Needs Assessment Member District Visits
Each year, we visit a representative group of our member districts. Our cross-functional teams meet with local district administrative teams to assess how well we are meeting their needs and to identify areas where we can provide additional support. Analysis of the data from these visits yields regional trends, in addition to revealing individual district needs.
Regional Forums
Regional forums are another critical source of data. We host and facilitate the regional “job-alike” meetings of Superintendents, Regional Staff Development Council, PreK-8 Principals’ Consortium, Facilities Directors Forum, Grant Development Council, ConnCASE, Technology Council, Math Council, Science Council and Language Arts Council, as well as many other sub-regional and topic-specific groups; they explore such regional challenges as transportation, calendars and health benefits. The success of these groups is predicated upon their ability to meet the individual and collective needs of the educational professionals they exist to serve. The agendas are designed both to identify and address the needs of the members. Data obtained at all regional meetings helps EASTCONN expand its regional needs profile.
Individual District Needs
Each request for service reveals a district need. Program staff is trained to work in collaboration with EASTCONN customers to define and articulate the need that underlies each request for service. These data are then tracked and analyzed further to refine our understanding of regional needs. When additional data are needed, focused needs assessments are conducted using a variety of methods, including focus groups, regional forums, surveys, structured interviews, benchmarking and best practice research.
Planning & Development Team
Our Planning & Development Team is charged with developing new products and services and recommending the phase-out of those that are no longer needed. Led by the Director of Planning & Development, the team includes our Executive Director, and Director of Marketing & Communications, and two revolving members who are selected from our Leadership Team. Others, including the Chief Financial Officer, serve on an ad hoc basis. The team meets on a monthly basis to collect and analyze customer data, identify new service needs, allocate resources, lead program development activity with key staff and content experts, develop marketing and communication strategies, and ensure the open flow of information with stakeholders.
Leadership Team
Our Leadership Team is responsible for overseeing the strategic interests of EASTCONN and the customers we exist to serve. The team includes the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Adult Programs, the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, the Director of K-12 Student Services, the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Director of Planning & Development, the Director of Teaching & Learning and the Director of Technology Solutions. Each team member is expected to develop annual program goals that respond to an assessment of our customers’ needs, as well as to federal, state and regional mandates, best practice and research in their respective fields. Collectively, the Leadership Team monitors progress toward the accomplishment of both agency and program goals and ensures that we are collaboratively meeting our district member needs.
EASTCONN Directors Paula M. Colen, Executive Director Michael Akana, Facilities John Baskowski, Finance
EASTCONN is one of six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) in Connecticut. The RESC Alliance works collaboratively to develop new programs and services and share specialized resources and expertise. This collaboration results in both expanded options and cost-efficiencies to local districts, regionally and statewide. Among the statewide RESC Alliance initiatives: • Support regional solutions that address the Connecticut and global achievement gaps • Support efforts to ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective special education programs • Support early childhood initiatives • Enhance regional infrastructures to improve services and realize fiscal efficiencies • Securing appropriate services for students’ mental health
Dotty Budnick, Marketing & Communications Thomas F. Cronin, K-12 Education Services Maureen Crowley, Planning & Development Andrew DePalma, Technology Solutions Diane Gozemba, Early Childhood Initiatives Scott Nierendorf, Teaching & Learning Services Rich Tariff, Adult Programs John Vitale, Transportation Services Steven Wapen, Human Resources
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AGENCY GOAL #1 To provide exemplary programs and services for learners, especially those with significant barriers, so each can achieve individual success. “A year ago I couldn’t see [my son] with a promising future. Now, he’s happy, confident and loves going to school.” infants and toddlers, and 8 children who have a combined center-based/home visit experience. Child outcome analysis continues to show growth in school readiness indicators.
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES
Schools of Choice: EASTCONN operates 2 regional magnet high schools in collaboration with member public school districts in our region.
Early Head Start youngsters share a favorite book, developing social skills and supporting language and literacy growth.
2014-2015 Highlights & Accomplishments YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES • Birth-to-Three: EASTCONN’s Birth-to-Three Program for children with developmental delays or disabilities has served 25 of our 33 member towns. Referrals averaged 16 per month in 2014-15, up 31% from last year and 88% of children exiting from Birth-to-Three met their Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals. • Head Start: Served 471 low-income children and their families with comprehensive services, including health, nutrition education, disabilities, dental, mental health and family support at a total of 15 sites in Tolland and Windham counties through our federally funded Head Start child development programs. Provided center-based Early Head Start services for 40 infants and toddlers, 102 home-based
• Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT): 141 students from 20 towns were enrolled at ACT in a rigorous, arts-infused program with a 95% graduation rate. Among student awards and recognitions: 15 regional finalists in the national 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, with 2 students going on to win at the national level, including 1 earning a Gold Key, the contest’s highest honor; 3 students selected to attend the prestigious New England Young Writers Conference in Vermont; and another award-winning video in Connecticut’s annual, statewide DMV Teen Safe Driving Video contest, the only high school in the state to have placed in the Top 10 each year since the contest began in 2007.
Fiction and poetry works by ACT Creative Writing students continue to earn impressive accolades from prestigious national and statewide contests and competitions.
“Birth-to-3 services have been very helpful with PT [physical therapy] and teacher services … E. has made progress in leaps and bounds due to Birth-to-3 services.” – S.B., Birth-to-Three foster mother “I can never put into words what the program has done for my family but without it, we would never be where we are today. I am Vice-Chair person on our Policy Council and by serving on our council I can give back. It is a life-changing program.” – Jessica Ostalski, past Head Start parent and Policy Council Vice-Chair “What I enjoy about most of the workshops I have attended through EASTCONN is that there is always something tangible that I can bring back to my classroom – something that helps me to create better learning experiences for the children or to create an even better learning environment for my students.” – Jessica Logee, Head Start teacher
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AGENCY GOAL #1
What difference did it make?
“ACT’s supportive environment made me want to work harder. My whole life has changed in a huge way, and for that, I’m thankful.”
Regional Programs for Students with Special Education Needs Student Services offers a continuum of services throughout the region for students with a wide spectrum of challenging academic, behavioral and social/emotional needs. From on-site professional development, training and consultations for district professionals, to our regional clinical day-treatment programs, we build district capacity toward the ultimate shared goal of leastrestrictive environments. Some examples include: • Clinical Day Treatment: Our 3 regional programs served 100 students, ages 5-20, from 30 different sending districts, with significant social, emotional and behavioral challenges providing highly individualized and structured academic instruction and clinical support. Implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) produced 30% fewer restraints and seclusions. Of note, 8 seniors in our CDT programs graduated in June 2015, up 20% from 2014, and approximately 15% of our students returned to less restrictive settings in their home districts. • Regional Autism Programming: Our inclusion-driven autism programming provided direct services to students,
A Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) student, seated, prepares to be filmed by an ACT Audio/Video student for a QMC student-recruitment video, which aired across a variety of local TV stations; QMC currently has a waiting list for 2015-2016. • Quinebaug Middle College (QMC): Located on a college campus, QMC enrolled 167 students from 17 different towns in a rigorous, humanities-rich and STEM-integrated program, with another 68 on a waiting list. 125 QMC students accessed 36 college-level classes at no cost through our partnership with Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) as part of their high school program. A $1.4-million federal grant significantly expanded STEM content across the curriculum, as well as funding a new, 40-foot-long mobile STEM lab that will be available to schools across the region.
Using an iPad, this occupational therapy session increases a student’s ability to isolate finger and visual perceptual skills.
“ACT [Arts at the Capitol Theater] was the best high school choice for my son ... I appreciate that ACT is a small school and has class sizes which allow for individualization of instruction, teachers who encourage the students to fulfill their artistic potential and students who accept each other for who they are, and help each other out.” – Florence C., mother of ACT senior “QMC has given me chances to keep my dreams of engineering, design, and manufacturing up, and motivated. It is quite a welcoming and positive school. This school is also giving teenagers chances to take free college courses. They will stay after school to help you with your grades, and won’t let you give up on your course. I am thankful to be in this program...” – J., QMC student “A year ago, I couldn’t see R. with a promising future. Now, he’s happy, confident and loves going to school. I love the teachers and the staff there and I feel he’s in a very safe environment. He is now the happiest I have ever seen him. With this program, I can see him graduating high school and being a fine young man with a job. I couldn’t see that a year ago. I am very pleased with this school.” – E.S., parent of 6th-grade student in a EASTCONN Clinical Day Treatment Program “We have happily seen our daughter grow and become much more involved with our family since she started the [EASTCONN Autism] program ... The program administration and support staff have been excellent to work with and truly care about the development of the students ... they have a solid plan to bring out the best in each individual student.” – Stephen & Carrie, parents of Autism student
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AGENCY GOAL #1 • Transition Services for Young Adults: EASTCONN’s Regional Transition Services program, newly located on the campus of QMC/QVCC, served 8 students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-21, providing a more socially appropriate setting and authentic work experiences on the QVCC campus among their age-related peers. How well did we do it?
Fifth-graders in an Interdistrict Grant program get to know one another, as they explore literary concepts of character, develop a greater appreciation for diversity and, ultimately, create service-learning projects for their school communities. both in-district and at our center-based program, and indistrict educator support. This year, enrollment increased by 40% with 7 students from 5 districts receiving comprehensive educational and behavioral services; an additional 2 students received extended school-year programming. • Related Services Group (RSG): 519 students, from preschool to age 21, from 21 of our districts, benefitted from direct and/or classroom-based therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech-language services. Among the many positive outcomes was the improved mobility that now allows one of our students to get on and off the van independently, rather than being lifted.
“Please pass on my thank-you to your wonderful Birth-to-Three providers, who have helped S. progress. He is a beautiful boy, and is chatting up a storm!” REGIONAL AFTER-SCHOOL & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
• Interdistrict Grants: Our 25 Interdistrict Grants benefitted more than 4,900 students, grades 2-12, from 35 different districts with multi-cultural education integrated with core disciplinary studies. Upon completion, 92% increased their acceptance/respect of others and 80% demonstrated an increase in academic content knowledge.
• Assistive Technology (AT): 28 districts received services impacting hundreds of students, preschool to age 21, with communication and other challenges that impede their ability to access, participate in and progress in the general education curriculum. • Psychological and Behavioral Consultation Services (PBCS): Supported school-based teams in 22 area districts through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), benefitting an estimated 3,000 students.
New Images, an Interdistrict Grant program, engages high school students in an enriching study of art and photography, with field trips to regional art galleries and museums.
“[Your PBCS] team was absolutely outstanding. After they did all their evaluations, they were always available ... they are just a fabulous group. They have coached staff and they have sat with parents and staff together, for continuity between home and school. They write excellent reports. They are simply first-class. Their reports are some of the best, most detailed reports I’ve ever seen. But the most impressive part for me was bringing the families into it, too. We can apply whatever behavior systems we want, but if it’s not supported by the family, it’s not going to work …” – Dr. Elaine Lee, Director of Special Education, Voluntown Public Schools “As a Director of Special Education, it is imperative that our students who are found to need more clinical support are getting the best education and care. That is a guarantee when working with EASTCONN … The evaluative data presented is thorough and indicative of the many wonderful things happening in your programs. EASTCONN is hands-down my first choice for Griswold students. I continue to be fascinated by the speed of response to referrals, constant communication to District, academically rigorous expectations, clinical expertise and support for behavioral growth, and persistent feedback to parents. The parents of our students have provided nothing but positive feedback in regards to experiences for their children. I cannot thank you enough … your work with very challenging situations and the significant improvements made is to be commended immensely.” – Erin Palonen, Director of Special Education, Griswold Public Schools
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AGENCY GOAL #1 • Community Arts Connection: 75 elementary and middleschool-aged youth and their families participated in this Windham-based after-school program, providing tutoring, arts, family engagement and wellness activities.
REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR IN- & OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH • COOL (Careers of Our Lives) Program for In-School Youth: 111 economically disadvantaged high school juniors and seniors, and recent graduates, participated in this Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB)-funded program, which is designed to keep youth in school: 97% of in-school participants went on to graduate from high school and 87% of other participants entered employment, postHow much did we do? secondary education or the 2,200+ Northeastern military upon completion.
Aquarium and local foundations supported 115 additional youth; 87% completed the program and 95% either returned to school, enrolled in post-secondary education, or entered employment.
ADULT LEARNERS & THEIR FAMILIES
Served a total of 1,377 adult learners, including 636 who attended free classes offered in high school credentialing, English-asa-Second Language (ESL), American citizenship preparation, life/basic skills instruction, and employment/college transition support, 287 who enrolled in employment and training workshops and another 543 who participated in our community education programs. Adult Basic Education
• American Citizenship Preparation: Foreign-born residents, 17 and older, most of Connecticut adult whom have limited English skills, learners were served by Adult Education benefit from U.S. citizenship • Summer Youth classes in GED, ESL, employment and preparation classes that also Employment: 422 training, Community Education, and more. instruct them in English reading economically disadvantaged and communication, so they can youth participated in the 2014 better understand the rights and EWIB-funded summer program. Additional funding from responsibilities of citizens, prepare for the rigorous American Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Mystic Citizenship test, and successfully navigate the naturalization process. Our classes drew students from 5 member towns, up from 3 last year. • High School Credential Students: Offered 3 high school credential program options to best match the unique needs and educational goals of our adult students: the GED, the Adult High School Credit Diploma and the National External Diploma Program (NEDP). Across all 3 programs, 396 students were enrolled and 55 graduated in June 2015.
I-BEST students earn a GED and software credentials that boost both their earning power and employability skills.
• English Language Learners: The English language learner (ELL) population continues to increase across our region; 240 students were enrolled in our ESL classes this year, an increase of 20% over last year. In Willimantic, where most
“Adult education has helped me a lot. Before I was attending classes, I didn’t know what to do or realize how important education is. When I decided to take classes at EASTCONN for my GED, it made me think about my future and about what I would want to do to make my life better.” – Brenda Lee Pedraza, GED student “The collaboration that Plainfield Public Schools has with EASTCONN Adult Education is strong and effective.” – Rena Cadro, Director of Curriculum and Grants, Plainfield Public Schools “I moved from Puerto Rico to Connecticut in search of a better life for my three kids and I. I started with the JFES [Jobs First Employment Program] in 2011 ... This allowed me to look for employment, using the American Job Center services, and not worry about childcare. [They] kept me motivated. I successfully completed the Customer Service Program at EASTCONN Adult Education. This program has given me a greater sense of self and more confidence. I returned to college to finish my degree, and in May 2015 I graduated with my bachelor’s in Business Administration. I love my job and all the people I work with.” – Jeanisse Morales, former EASTCONN Adult Education student, and now an EASTCONN employee at American Job Centers
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AGENCY GOAL #1
Initiatives for 2015-2016 • Utilize the most recent comprehensive community assessment data, such as the increase in part-day preschool, to better match early childhood programming with the needs of families in northeastern Connecticut. • Assess the need in the region for more clinical day treatment slots and determine whether expanding existing programs or developing a fourth regional program would better meet student needs. Computer classes help Adult Education students sharpen important Internet, technology, keyboarding and language skills. of our ELL students speak Spanish as their first language, we have increased the number of Spanish GED classes so these students can also earn a high school diploma, while simultaneously working on their English language skills; 75% of students improved their English reading and listening skills. Employment & Vocational Training Continued to be the largest provider of employment and training programs for economically disadvantaged adults in the northeastern Connecticut region through the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB), this year administering $1.7 million in contracts.
• Develop and implement a marketing and promotion plan to address declines in enrollment associated with online GED testing. • Continue schools-of-choice outreach to the region’s students, whose unique learning needs and interests may best be met by our specialized magnet school programs. • Expand I-BEST programming, including the addition of a customer service program in Norwich and a culinary program at Quinebaug Valley Community College. • Continue our agency-wide focus on better addressing the needs of our region’s growing population of dual-language learners, preK through adult.
• Vocational Skills Training: 576 unemployed and underemployed adults enrolled in educational and vocational skills training; 369 entered employment and 78 enrolled in advanced skills training. • Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST): Increased our I-BEST class offerings from 3 to 13 at 4 different sites, enrolling a total of 67 students. Workforce investment funding from 2 different regional Workforce Boards enabled us to serve individuals who have their high school diplomas, but who lack the basic skills needed to find and retain employment, a population of learners who are ineligible for Adult Basic Education but at high risk for under-employment or unemployment; 17 earned a nationally recognized credential; 18 are pursuing their high school diplomas.
It’s never too late to improve your reading skills, as these determined students discovered during their Adult Basic Education reading classes.
“So many good things have happened in my life in only one year! Unemployed, I answered an ad for free I-BEST training and attended technology classes at EASTCONN’s Northeast Learning Center in Danielson. I job-shadowed in EASTCONN’s Information Technology (IT) department. With my new skills and experience, I was hired by EASTCONN! I love my job and truly believe that I’m on the road to success.” – Bethany Newton, former I-BEST student “I want to let you know that [your speech therapist] was an absolute blessing to work with and she is excellent at doing her job and she worked wonderfully with both kids and also with T. during his many challenging moments.” – T. A., Birth-to-Three parent
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AGENCY GOAL #2 To engage in strategic collaborations that result in positive outcomes for learners. “Your [staff] … meets with our students and their families ... and regularly does home visits and truly gets to know our entire school community. Over the past year we have seen an increase in attendance and a decrease in truancy.” 2014-2015 Highlights & Accomplishments MEMBER DISTRICT PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS Eastern Connecticut Health Insurance Program (ECHIP) Our regional health insurance collaborative of 4 municipalities, 4 school districts and EASTCONN provided an average savings of 6% to all ECHIP members with a projected 7% savings for next year.
Small School Districts Initiative Facilitated an informal group of 15 small-district superintendents that met regularly to identify opportunities for voluntary regionalism, effect greater efficiencies and advocate for the benefit of small schools at local, regional and state levels. Back Office Support Functioned as the fiscal office for 2 member districts, including all their budget management, accounts payable and payroll. Regional Fingerprinting 1,300 people were fingerprinted, including applicants for district jobs and candidates in university-based teacher preparation programs, both in our offices as well as on-site at the UCONN Storrs campus. Information Technology (IT) Support Provided on-site IT support to 5 member districts, an increase of 20% over last year. Offering a diverse range of technology expertise is especially beneficial to our smaller districts that do not have IT departments and have great difficulty finding highly qualified and affordable IT staff or consultants.
ECHIP Executive Board members manage the state’s first regional health insurance collaborative, which saved its members an average of 6% on health insurance costs this year. Cooperative Purchasing All 36 school districts receive free membership in our cooperative; members made purchases in excess of $19 million this past year while realizing an estimated average savings of 10-15%, or between $1.4 million and $2.1 million.
Truancy & Residency Services Partnered with member districts, the judicial system, students and their parents in the implementation of strategies to address attendance and truancy issues. Provided truancy, residency and investigative services in 11 districts and supervised 2 full-time truancy professionals; investigated 250+ cases thus far, this year. Adult Education Consortium As a result of long-standing voluntary collaboration, our regional
“ECHIP has proven its value to Plainfield! Through collaboration across districts to monitor utilization costs, reduce administrative fees and explore other cost savings, the efforts resulted in sufficient reserve funds in Plainfield schools’ ECHIP account to lower the premium rates for the 2015/2016 fiscal year.” – Kenneth DiPietro, Superintendent, Plainfield Public Schools “[EASTCONN’s Residency and Truancy Officer] strategizes with school staff and educates families about the importance of regular school attendance and helps the latter to identify and overcome perceived obstacles, which negatively impact the overall success of their children. His firm but non-threatening and collaborative demeanor builds positive relationships between school and home.” – Dr. Patricia A. Collin, Superintendent, Stafford Public Schools “We have been grateful for the fingerprinting service that EASTCONN has provided for the past three years ... Without this level of support and follow-through, our clinical program would not be able to function.” – Robin E. Hands, Ed.D., Director of School-University Partnerships, Neag School of Education, UCONN
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AGENCY GOAL #2 consortium of 21 districts continued offering a wide range of Regional Consortia basic adult education services at a variety of locations across Facilitated numerous regional consortia providing our member the region, a depth and breadth of service that districts would districts with access to funding they would otherwise not be be unable to provide on their own. This year, 636 students were eligible to receive and/or resources that would otherwise not be enrolled in all programs across the consortium, including: 396 in affordable. Among them: our high school credential programs and • Perkins Consortium: 6 districts re240 in our ESL and citizenship programs. ceived professional development for 34 How much did we do? Locations ranged from our regional of their teachers on the implementation Our EWIB-funded employment community learning centers to local high of Connecticut Core Standards (CCS), and training programs served schools and community storefronts to ultimately benefitting 400+ of their 576 unemployed adults and 500+ online, anytime learning. students.
summertime and out-of-school youth.
School Readiness Early Childhood staff served in the School Readiness Liaison role for 8 communities, responsible for overseeing School Readiness Grant submissions and for developing a consistent process and tools for monitoring grant activities.
Collaborative Clinical Day Treatment The Southeast Regional Program (SRP), a regional clinical day treatment program managed in partnership with Plainfield Public Schools, was at full capacity all year with 21 students in grades 3 to 8. This less restrictive site enabled students who live in and around Plainfield to be educated closer to home, increasing their opportunities to participate with their non-disabled peers in both district activities and community events.
• Renaissance Learning/STAR Assessments: 67 participants from 32 districts in our regional consortium accessed online early literacy, reading and mathematics assessments at a discounted price.
• My Learning Plan: 14 districts in our regional consortium accessed discounted access to OASYS, an online observation and evaluation management system. • ELL Title III Consortium: 115 districts participated in our regional Title III Consortium, providing resources and professional development to teachers of English language learners (ELL).
REGIONAL COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Employment & Training • Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB): Worked in close collaboration with EWIB in the design and delivery of programs for both youth and adults who are economically disadvantaged and in need of vocational training and/or employment. In addition to providing direct services to 576 unemployed and under-employed adults, we also served 83 out-of-school youth. • Regional Collaborations:
Our Clinical Day Treatment programs use yoga and meditation to transition students from one class to the next. The program emphasizes relationships, clinical support, academics and social responsibility, as well as engaging students in self-regulation strategies.
– Southeast Connecticut Partners: Partnered with Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) and New London Adult Education in the delivery of programs for out-of-school youth in both New London and Norwich. TVCCA also subcontracted with EASTCONN to provide case management services at both the Danielson and Willimantic American Job Centers (formerly CTWorks).
“The EASTCONN back office has been supporting Sprague Public Schools since January 2014. The level of service is of the highest quality. They [Finance Office staff] handle even the most difficult situations with grace and professionalism. I cannot recommend them highly enough.” – Dr. Judy Benson Clarke, Superintendent, Sprague Public Schools “As superintendent of the one of the smallest preK-8 Districts in the EASTCONN region, I really appreciate EASTCONN’s Adult Education Collaborative. Adult Education services are invaluable for a school district, yet so difficult for a district without a high school to manage. [Your director] ensures that he and his staff pursue all possible grants on behalf of the collaborative districts and he also oversees the completion all necessary paperwork. It is one of the few programs where districts are relieved of paperwork and yet reap all the benefits.” – Linda Loretz, Superintendent, Eastford Public Schools
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AGENCY GOAL #2 – New Haven: Provided programs for 30 economically disadvantaged adults from the southern area of the state who received vocational training and English language instruction under a contract with the New Haven Workforce Alliance. – Norwich: Provided summer services for youth aging out of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). – Youth Summer Program: Served additional eastern Connecticut high school students and recent graduates through supplemental funding. Of the 422 participating youth in our largely EWIB-funded summer youth employment and training program, 68 were funded by DCF, 12 by the Mystic Aquarium and 35 through local foundation funding. Parenting Support & Training • Parent Leadership Training: Head Start and the Northeast Early Childhood Council collaborated on a parent leadership initiative offering two 10-week series for parents in the region; 20 parent participants are now actively engaged in their school communities as a result.
A successful Math Night in Plainfield involved Adult Programs staff, who helped organize the evening for more than 100 students and family members. All got math refreshers and gained important strategies for managing students’ math homework.
Regional Early Childhood Support • Collaborative Planning: Early Childhood staff served on • Family Nights at Elementary Schools: Recognizing the role of the Northeast Early Childhood Council parents as first teachers, Adult ProHow much did we do? Steering Committee, coordinated the Regrams partnered with local elementary gional School Readiness Council and met schools to provide family educational Worked with the Department regularly with Birth-to-Three directors in opportunities allowing parents to learn of Mental Health & Addiction northeastern Connecticut. A regional apwhat today’s schools are like and to exServices (DMHAS) to provide proach to setting goals for health, safety, plore continuing education opportunia continuum of education and mental health and school readiness has ties for themselves. Four (4) programs mental health services to 131 resulted in several regional events related were offered: 3 in Plainfield and 1 in to healthy eating and safer environments Putnam. More than 100 people atstudents in 5 facilities. for children. tended each of the Plainfield programs, while several hundred attended the program in Putnam. • Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP): 100% of the 6 early • Windham Community Collaborative: Strengthened our partnership with Windham Public Schools and its Department of Family and Community Partnerships to bring EASTCONN’s Continuing Education, ESL and high school diploma programs together with Windham’s Family Advocates, Head Start and the After-School Collaborative. By leveraging the resources and expertise from these partners, parents and their children will have access to higher-quality programming, designed to promote stability and opportunity.
childhood programs in the region that we assisted received National Accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Regional Cable TV Public Awareness Campaign Co-produced 8 dual-language shows on key education topics in collaboration with Charter Cable. Topics included: Technology in the Classroom; Smarter Balanced Assessments; Personalized Learning and Competency-Based Learning and Assessment; Head Start Literacy Initiative with CT Storytellers; EASTCONN’s
“EASTCONN’s leadership on the innovative CTcurriculum.org Web site is an initiative that offers the potential for national, as well as statewide impact. The fourth generation of this site … provides a unique platform to facilitate the development, benchmarking, and calibration of individual and collaborative units with embedded performance assessments based on state and national standards. EASTCONN is already partnering with national arts education organizations to test the features and power of the site through nationwide Model Cornerstone Assessment piloting and meeting with departments of education in other states to discuss whether and how they might use the site to facilitate statewide PLC work.” – Scott C. Shular, Ph.D., Education Consultant, CSDE (retired) “We found your [Interdistrict Grant program] and the children/teens involved to be wonderfully inspiring, and were just delighted this experience seemed to be such an incredibly positive one for all involved ... you have opened the door to new possibilities, new opportunities and new creative outlets for all of these students - which is the greatest gift an educator can give to their students.” – Rebecca Steiner, Old Lyme’s Average Joe Photo Show, a community partner in the Interdistrict Grant program, New Images
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AGENCY GOAL #2 RESC AND/OR RESC ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIPS Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) Coordinated by EASTCONN, the RESC Alliance delivered 2 days of training for teams of 300+ administrators and teachers on integrating the CT ELDS.
“Miss Peg,” a CT Storyteller, brings stories to life for Head Start students and parents, happily promoting literacy and family engagement. Psychological and Behavioral/ Clinical Day Treatment Programs; Adult Programs’ and QVCC’s New Adult Education Remediation Program.
Minority Teacher Recruitment (MTR) Collaborated with the RESC Alliance and the CSDE on the statewide MTR program. Coordinated the Praxis test preparation program at several locations throughout Connecticut and administered 7 Praxis test preparation courses statewide for 275 participants, who sought Connecticut teacher certification. Assessment Reduction Grant On behalf of the RESC Alliance, coordinated the grant application and reviewing process that led to 52 districts being awarded more than $450,000 statewide. In our region, 11 districts received $100,500 in awards, leading to improved district assessment practices and alignment across all schools.
Regional Collaborative Learning Opportunities Continued our collaboration with local community-based groups, such as the How well did we do it? WindhamARTS Collaborative, Thread Thanks to the support of City Development, Inc., the Windham Chamber of Commerce and others, to EASTCONN staff and the promote authentic and enriched learnAccreditation Facilitation Project, ing opportunities for educators and all 6 early childhood programs students alike.
TEAM (Teacher Education And Mentoring) Collaborated with the CSDE and our RESC Alliance partners in the statewide implementation of TEAM, Connecticut’s beginning-teacher support and retention program. • Statewide Coordination: As the that applied, achieved their goal statewide manager, we coordinated and earned NAEYC accreditation. Health Quest Collaborative the design and delivery of training and This Northeast Health District working follow-up technical assistance by Congroup, which includes representatives necticut’s 6 RESCs. More than 3,300 mentor-teachers statewide from EASTCONN, QVCC, Day Kimball Hospital, Generations currently support 4,700 beginning teachers. We hosted 12 and the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, sessions providing TEAM mentor and teacher training to 150+ among others, met monthly to develop strategies and plans to people. Managed the TEAM Web site, providing technical aspromote healthy lifestyles and health-related opportunities for sistance that resolved nearly 1,400 help desk requests. the region’s community members, most recently focusing on the • TEAM Online Training: Designed an online reviewer-traincreation of community gardens, no-smoking policies and welling update system that offered an interactive online training ness programs. “I heard a lot of happy feedback on your training. We learned a few new ways to interact with our families from chatting with the people from other centers in our small groups. Being able to talk to teachers from other centers was wonderful! We are becoming more familiar with the ELDS’s [CT Early Learning and Development Standards] and I will revisit some of our ideas from yesterday and have staff share how these ideas relate to ‘the guiding principles’ of the new ELD’s.” – Roberta Matryniak, Director of New Heights “ … In addition, we have expanded the parent-child groups we offer at Moosup Gardens to a new site in Stafford. Feedback from those groups continues to be very positive with parents and staff describing an improved ability to reflect on parenting decisions and to engage with young children in more positive ways. Mental health concerns are a documented need throughout the Head Start Programs and the collaboration between Head Start staff and the University, which EASTCONN has supported, has provided valuable mental health services to families and consultation to staff.” – Dr. Marianne Barton, UCONN Clinical Psychology Program “It is because of the insights from the professionals at EASTCONN that our show [Charter Cable TV’s Education Matters] has become a success and a reliable source for important topics on local education.” – Steph Lippmann, Producer, Charter Communications
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AGENCY GOAL #2 module for TEAM reviewers, replacing a classroom-based training session, which, in turn, freed resources and allowed reviewers to complete trainings in settings of their own choosing.
How much did we do?
As statewide manager of TEAM and its Web site, we hosted 12 sessions for 150 mentors and teachers and resolved 1,400 help-desk requests.
Virtual High School (VHS) The RESC Alliance supported a statewide VHS partnership, managed by CREC, that offers online instructional opportunities to districts statewide, enabling their motivated students to explore subject areas that would otherwise be unavailable in local districts due to low enrollment, high costs or instructor shortages.
districts, so they could acquire the skills necessary to conduct administrator evaluations.
STEM Collaboration Through an EASTCONN and LEARN collaboration, Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) received a 3-year, $1.5 million grant from the Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP), funded by the U.S. Department of Education, along with LEARN, Goodwin College, Windham’s Barrows STEM Academy, and both New London and Norwich public schools. The grant is designed to enhance educational opportunities for students in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. • QMC STEM Expansion: Added 7 new courses with STEMenhanced curriculum and increased access to QVCC-aligned courses. A new mobile STEM lab will be in operation starting in fall 2015, and will allow students from QMC and surrounding districts to expand their learning in science, technology, engineering and math through field experiences, using technologies like an electron microscope, 3-D printers, microscopes, a weather station and a robotic arm.
Beginning teachers and teacher-mentors benefit from TEAM trainings that support and help retain new teachers statewide.
STATE-LEVEL PARTNERSHIPS & STATEWIDE SERVICES
Connecticut Core Standards (CCS) Supported statewide implementation of Connecticut Core Standards (CCS) through the System of Professional Learning grant, funded by the CSDE, managed by ACES and coordinated through the RESC Alliance. Over 250 days of embedded, classroom-based professional development was provided in 19 districts.
Connecticut State Department of Education • Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT): On behalf of the CSDE, managed the implementation of the CAT performance assessment program, a requirement for obtaining administrator certification in Connecticut. In 2014-2015, 1,608 CAT candidates registered to take the test and EASTCONN supervised the scoring of 3,166 modules. Also designed and piloted eCAT, a new, digital version of the test.
Educator Evaluation Continued collaborating with the CSDE, the RESC Alliance and Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) in the delivery of professional development, designed to support the implementation of educator evaluation plans. Through a partnership with CAS and CSDE, hosted sessions for 15 administrators from 11
• Teacher of the Year: Selected to develop a statewide system for the submission and scoring of Teacher of the Year applications. In close partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, we developed a system that provides self-registration, data entry, supporting documents upload and scoring, saving both postage and hours of paper handling.
“We like it when the RESCs assist the small school districts ... The coaching days have inspired leadership in some of our teachers as they have been presenting new information to their peers. This is often challenging, but with the coaching model we set up, the teachers had time to plan with the coaches and then presented … it has been very successful as teachers teach teachers. [They are] becoming more confident with the concepts of embedding CC strategies in their everyday teaching. Job-embedded PD has saved time and allowed teachers to learn new concepts in their own environment, allowing for more flexibility and creativity and application on the spot.” – Lois Knapton, Ed.D., Superintendent, Canterbury Public Schools “For the past three years, EASTCONN Technology Services has played an important role in helping Scotland Elementary School (SES) identify its technology needs. With the assistance of EASTCONN technology personnel, we have been able to develop a solid plan for the future and provide ongoing support in improving technology instruction at SES.” – Richard Packman, Superintendent, Scotland Public Schools
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AGENCY GOAL #2 Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF) Continued our close coordination with DCF to support children in the EASTCONN Birth-to-Three Program. Collaborated in the development of resources and training for 12 DCF workers from the Willimantic office and 16 Head Start family service staff in strategies for keeping children safe and healthy. Collaborated with DCF and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) in the provision of supports for young adults transitioning out of the K-12 education system. Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Collaborated with OEC on the development and delivery of statewide training for 132 education consultants and those working with family child care providers on the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).
Connecticut Department of Mental Health Services (DMHS) EASTCONN provided teachers, educational support and oversight for 131 students who have been admitted to one of 5 mental health facilities under a contract with DMHS.
Student-Centered Learning Continued our collaboration with the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Great Schools Partnership, ACES, as well as numerous Connecticut public school districts in an effort to foster more How much did we do? student-centered approaches to learning through a variety of professional learnAs manager of CAT (Connecticut ing opportunities. Administrator Test) for the CSDE,
EASTCONN supervised the scoring of 3,166 modules for 1,608 aspiring administrators across the state.
Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitative Services (BRS) Our Assistive Technology team partnered with BRS in the delivery of assistive technology services for BRS adult clients with disabilities. Referrals from BRS doubled last year, with 12 receiving services.
Statewide Data Systems Support Continued our development of customized online database solutions designed to streamline data collection and analysis, with user ease as a driver. Among them: • CTPAF (Connecticut Pre-School Assessment Framework): Maintained and supported the EASTCONN-designed system of reporting tools used in 700 pre-school classrooms, providing detailed, student-level and school-level reports on 14,000 preschoolers in numerous communities across the state. • Kindergarten Inventory: Continued to manage the annual online Kindergarten Inventory in use in all Connecticut public schools, providing the CSDE with essential data on the developmental progress of kindergarten students statewide. • Early Childhood Literacy Rubric Data Collection: Designed an online data collection system, providing a simpler method of data collection and more accurate and timely reporting.
A fruitful collaboration with educational partners drew administrators from Pittsfield, NH, to EASTCONN, where they presented the results of their district’s success with student-centered learning strategies.
• TEAM (Teacher Education And Mentoring Program) Database: Managed the EASTCONN-developed, Web-based accountability and data management system for TEAM, used by 4,700 active beginning teachers, 3,300 mentors and other educators, statewide. Provided a real-time communication and data system that enhanced communication between mentors and new teachers, as well as a real-time record of their progress, as required by CSDE certification regulations.
“Thank you so much for your willingness to include our staff in the executive function project! It is so exciting to see the implementation of the techniques in the classroom. Executive Functioning has brought the classrooms to life. Children have been challenged to plan their play, problem-solve and attend to tasks for longer periods of time. Teaching staff have learned to extend children’s learning through developing play themes. Using background knowledge, field trips and speakers, the teachers create centers where children can take on roles. These roles foster mature play and increase vocabulary.” – Karen Edelson, Executive Director, Town of Enfield Child Development Center “I must tell you that yesterday’s presentation on ELO’s [Extended Learning Opportunities] rocked my world … You have done an invaluable service by bringing Pittsfield [NH educators] to EASTCONN.” – Suzanne Loude, Educational Consultant, CSDE
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AGENCY GOAL #2 • Teacher of the Year: Developed a statewide system for the submission and scoring of Teacher of the Year applications in close partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council; the system provided self-registration data entry, supporting documents uploads and scoring saving postage and hours of paper handling. • CTCurriculum.org: Designed and launched an enhanced version, allowing the uploading of scored student work and assessments and enabling users to collaboratively review and comment on lessons and tasks.
EASTCONN and Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) partnered to provide this free pilot program to 9 adults who wanted to enroll in college, but needed basic math and English skills remediation. Each of the students earned 3 college credits, while improving their basic skills. Early Childhood & UCONN Collaborations Continued collaborating with UCONN on the Early Head Start Home Visitors project. From fall 2014 to winter 2015, the number of set goals increased by 29%, and there was a 69% increase in the number of goals with documented progress. The UCONN Department of Clinical Psychology provided assessment support and 3 UCONN doctoral students conducted mental health focus groups for families and provided consultation on classroom strategies, as well as case management for family service staff.
EASTCONN staff prepare computers for a field test of the state’s new eCAT, which aspiring administrators will soon take online. • Electronic Connecticut Administrator Test (eCAT): In partnership with the CSDE and CAT Support Team, designed the eCAT, a proctored online assessment that will eventually replace the paper-and-pencil version currently in use. In this first year, 450 eCATs were completed with plans to increase to 1,800 tests next year.
HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATION College Remediation With the state’s recent adoption of PA12-40, a new statute limiting how much PELL funding those with diplomas can use for remedial courses,
Students from Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT), which is located in downtown Willimantic, may now take free, for-credit, on-campus college courses at Eastern Connecticut State University, thanks to a new academic partnership between EASTCONN and the university.
College Opportunities for EASTCONN Students • Arts at the Capitol Theater How well did we do it? (ACT) Arts Magnet High School: Established a formal agreement with “I must tell you that yesterday’s Eastern Connecticut State University presentation on [Extended (ECSU), resulting in 6 ACT students Learning Opportunities] rocked my enrolling in a variety of free college world. You have done an invaluable courses on the ECSU campus. All students in this pilot earned service by bringing Pittsfield [NH transferable college credits and an educators] to EASTCONN.” average final grade of A-.
“The CAT [Connecticut Administrators Test], which has now reached its 15th year, has been nationally recognized as one of the most innovative licensure tests in the country ... We are pleased to report that as a result of special funding through the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), EASTCONN and CSDE have partnered to create a testing environment that ensures candidate fairness, reliability and validity, as the CAT fully phases in a ‘keyboarded’ version the CAT (eCAT) ... With few existing national and state testing examples to draw from, EASTCONN’s IT team has had to build a computer-based testing process from the ground up ... Candidate feedback [from pilot test] ... has been very positive and the positive effects are also being felt by CAT scorers who are finding reading typed responses far easier. Full implementation is expected to take place over the next 12 months.” – Larry Jabocson, Ph.D., Education Consultant, Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification, CSDE “[Taking] classes at ECSU at no cost, has been a delightful opportunity for me. I now feel very prepared for the college environment and its expectations. The credits I am earning will give me an advantage when I am applying to colleges next year as well.” – A., ACT junior
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AGENCY GOAL #2
Initiatives for 2015-2016 • Expand cost-saving Cooperative Purchasing options for regional members to include kitchen equipment and supplies, in direct response to member district requests. • Work with our smaller, resource-limited member districts to launch regional delivery of the National School Lunch program, ensuring high-quality, nutritious lunches for all students.
A Quinebaug Middle College math teacher leans in to help one of her students with a particularly challenging problem. Small classes enable QMC teachers to work one-to-one with their students. • Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) Magnet High School: As part of their high school program, 125 QMC students accessed 36 college-level classes at no cost through our partnership with QVCC. In addition, UCONN provided expert mentors and instructors for our QMC students and faculty in the area of engineering and robotics. • Regional Transition Services (RTS): Now located on the QVCC campus, our 5th-year RTS students can take a college class each semester that enables them to develop the necessary self-advocacy skills required to navigate college classes and request appropriate accommodations. In addition, student exposure to culinary arts was expanded through internships at the QVCC cafeteria.
• Continue our collaboration with Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) to increase the number of ACT magnet school students who enroll in ECSU creditbearing classes at no cost. • Take advantage of the regional common calendar to offer joint professional development and expand regional transportation options for students. • Continue partnering with the CSDE on a wide variety of state education initiatives, including the development of a Connecticut-specific approach to professional learning for educators and the continued development of, and transition to, the new, electronic Connecticut Administrator Test (eCAT). • Going forward, continue facilitating partnerships among our member districts to promote voluntary resourcesharing and joint problem-solving, including the smalldistricts initiative and district-based special education programming.
“I looked into QMC, knowing that I could get college credits while being in high school, [which] was a big push toward going here. Another thing that helped make my decision final was the fact that I would get one-on-one help ... The teachers and staff are a big help in my success here. Coming to QMC was the best decision I have ever made. It has pushed me in the right direction and has put me on the pathway to college and having a successful future.” – H., QMC freshman “I am a strong supporter of the EASTCONN [Food] Co-op. The major advantage to being a member is that the volume ... results in assured bid receipts. Better pricing, with less paperwork, is what members receive. If there are any problems, the Co-op secretary is prompt to pass on the complaint and get resolution. Working together with other school food service directors also provides great networking opportunities to share food use and purchasing tips. There is no down side!” – Heidi Buchholtz, Nutrition Program Director, Montville Public Schools “EASTCONN’s IT services have always been reliable and available at any time. The staff … has consistently arrived on site with a friendly and professional attitude. They have also been consistently available via phone or e-mail when the need has arisen. Without a doubt, we couldn’t do without them. They are great! Thank you!” – Steven J. Jackopsic, Principal and Special Education Director, Union Public Schools “I can’t say enough about the program! [Your Regional Transition Services staff] does a fabulous job and is truly dedicated to students. I highly recommend this program to all students tansitioning out of high school and I have personally spoken to other parents about this fabulous program. I wish my daughter had started this program earlier. I am extremely pleased.” – Parent of a Regional Transition Services student
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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 “There is always something tangible that I can bring back to my classroom—something that helps me to create better learning experiences for the children …” 2014-2015 Highlights & Accomplishments We continue to expand our delivery options for professional learning, moving away from periodic events to ongoing and integrated learning. Our Conference Services Office remained busy last year, however, planning and managing 1,400+ events, workshops and meetings.
TEACHING & LEARNING INITIATIVES Content-Based Technical Assistance Provided more than 390 days of professional development, consultation and support to 32 districts in the areas of STEAM/ STEM, Connecticut Core Standards (CCS), assessment literacy and Smarter Balanced Assessment readiness, data teams, teacher evaluation and administrator calibration. System of Professional Learning Provided in-district, embedded coaching to almost 200 teachers and administrators from 20 districts through the CSDE-funded System of Professional Learning. Smarter Balanced Assessment 76 educators attended 2 Assessment Literacy workshops that provided an in-depth look at the Smarter Balanced Assessment for English language arts and mathematics. Statewide Coherence Conference Contributed to a statewide initiative to increase coherence between the various state education initiatives, including evaluation, CCS and professional learning; delivered workshops at a statewide conference with more than 260 school administrators in attendance.
Educator evaluation trainings for 132 administrators from 39 districts statewide supported the implementation of SEED. Minority Teacher Recruitment (MTR) Supported 64 minority teacher candidates from 27 districts who took Praxis I Prep Sessions and Praxis I Math Course Sessions, designed to help prepare minority candidates for the Praxis I and II examinations that are required for teacher certification.
EASTCONN CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP Leadership Advisory Committee Meetings 15 administrators from 10 districts participated in meetings that
“Being a member of the [Connecticut Core Standards] Leadership PLC has been wonderful! I have enjoyed the opportunity of collaborating with my administrative colleagues to better meet the needs of my students, staff, and community. I would recommend this group to any administrator working on [CSS] implementation.” – Alycia M. Trakas, Principal, Voluntown Elementary School, Voluntown Public Schools “EASTCONN’s education specialists have worked with our district to tailor the professional development to the Speaking and Listening Standards in a way that was global to the Common Core Standards, while at the same time practical, with strategies to take away and implement, which every teacher loves. Teams of teachers have been able to incorporate the standards into their units and lessons in a meaningful way.” – Mark Westkott, Principal, Fields Memorial School, Bozrah Public Schools
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AGENCY GOAL #3 Instructional Leadership PLC This year-long administrator PLC focused on the instructional shifts in Connecticut Core Standards (CCS) for both ELA and math; 14 participants from 7 districts studied CCS expectations for grade-level proficiency, leading to college and career readiness. Student Entrepreneurship & Global Approaches to Education Brought national leadership perspective to the region with a day-long session for 100+ participants that included educators and their students, with Dr. Yong Zhao, who focused on student entrepreneurship, creativity and global-mindedness.
EASTCONN provided individual and cohort assistance to 23 districts around Educator Evaluation Plan implementation.
EDUCATOR EVALUATION
System for Educator Evaluation & Development (SEED) Provided training and technical assistance to 132 administrators analyzed issues around the leader performance expectations, from 39 districts from across the state on the implementation of “habits of mind” and data-driven protocols. Connecticut’s System for Educator Evaluation and Development (SEED), resulting in more than 98% of participants meeting the PreK-8 Principals’ Consortium Connecticut proficiency standards in the use of the new model A consortium of 8 principals from 8 for evaluation. Provided individualized districts in the EASTCONN region met How much did we do? assistance to 23 district administrators 5 times to address the unique needs and and offered a series of work sessions on challenges of preK-8 school leaders. Provided embedded coaching to Evaluation Plan revisions, attended by Specific areas for collaboration and re200 teachers and administrators 114 participants from 33 districts. source sharing were addressed throughfrom 20 districts through the out the year, including educator evaluaAdministrator Evaluation tion, CCS implementation and Smarter System of Professional Learning. 15 administrators from 11 EASTCONN Balanced Assessment readiness. districts participated in training, delivered in partnership with the Connecticut Association of Schools New Administrator Professional Learning Community (CAS) and the CSDE, designed to build skills in conducting (PLC) administrator evaluations, with a concentration on causal factors 10 administrators from 7 districts with 2 years’ or less experience impacting student achievement. engaged in this PLC, focused on the multiple roles and expectations of educational leadership as aligned to the Connecticut Educator Evaluation Planning for Adult Educators Common Core of Leading, evaluated by the leadership evalua72 participants, including directors, lead instructors, facilitators/ tion rubric. coordinators and potential complimentary observers joined our Adult Education and Teaching & Learning staff for a session on “My participation in [the PreK-8 Principals’ Consortium] has given me an opportunity to connect with other principals in Eastern CT who have experiences very similar to my own. We learn from each other’s successes and challenges in real time.” – Patricia D. King, Principal, Chaplin Elementary School, Chaplin Public Schools “Being a part of the New Administrator PLC has helped me build important connections and relationships with other new administrators in the region. Through these relationships and the PLC, I’m able to share experiences and obtain valuable feedback from [your staff] and the new administrators. This group acts as a support system and valuable resource for any new administrator. [Your staff member] shares practical strategies and approaches to leadership, which helps to continue my own growth and development as a school leader. She does this through the resources she shares, the opportunities to interact with peers and the experienced educational leaders she invites to our meetings.” – Larry Barlow, Assistant Principal, Mansfield Middle School, Mansfield Public Schools
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AGENCY GOAL #3 the educator evaluation plan, including the essential components of the plan and the distinct features of the proposal for adult educators.
TEACHER EDUCATION AND MENTORING (TEAM) PROGRAM
How well did we do it?
“Being part of the New Administrator PLC has helped me build important connections and relationships with other new administrators in the region ... The group acts as a support system and valuable resource.”
Workshops & Other Professional Learning Provided workshops and facilitated meetings for beginning teachers, mentors and reviewers in the northeastern Connecticut region, including: – 4 mentor update workshops for 42 participants – 3 initial support trainings for 45 participants – 4 additional training sessions for 78 district facilitators/ reviewers – Ongoing support for educators using the TEAM online professional learning resources
Infant/Toddler Conference Our Early Head Start and Birth-toThree programs co-sponsored the second annual, statewide Infant/Toddler Conference, held at EASTCONN’s Conference Center; participation increased by 37% over last year, with 85 early childhood educators and administrators in attendance. Presenters included our Birth-to-Three Program coordinator.
Early Learning & Development Standards Developed and coordinated statewide training on the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) for more than 500 participants, including early childhood program administrators and teachers.
TEAM Online Training Designed an online reviewer training update system, including an interactive online training module for TEAM reviewers that replaces a classroom-based training session, thus both freeing resources and allowing reviewers to complete the training in settings of their own choosing; under development are 3 additional modules that expand online access for teacher-mentors and new educators.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
We support many regional and statewide early childhood initiatives. In total, we delivered 55 workshops for more than 762 participants, focusing on instructional strategies, Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), promoting social and emotional competence, collaboration and team-building, home-school connections, and more. Among the highlights this year:
EASTCONN led a series of workshops to train hundreds of early childhood educators from across the state in the use of Connecticut’s new Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).
“I have found the New Administrator PLC very helpful. It is nice to have another outlet to share experiences and brainstorm alternate strategies and action plans.” – Michael Kenyon, Vice Principal, Horace Porter School, Columbia Public Schools “As TEAM Program Manager at the CSDE, I work closely with EASTCONN staff to manage and enhance the program. The utility of the program’s website and the accessibility of resources, via customized dashboards for all participants, has continuously improved in response to ‘customer’ feedback. Response time for districts needing technical assistance, whether virtual or in-person, is timely and differentiated to accommodate varied levels of understanding and educational contexts. As the primary facilitator of training development and delivery, EASTCONN continuously pursues a variety of training and resource designs to accommodate the needs of all who are enrolled. This collaborative partnership has led to continuous improvement of Connecticut’s induction program but, more importantly, has led to valuable professional learning opportunities for Connecticut’s teachers.” – Kim Wachtelhausen, Education Consultant, TEAM Program Manager, CSDE Talent Office, Bureau of Educator Effectiveness and Professional Learning
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AGENCY GOAL #3 provide feedback on the CCT Pre-K-to-2 Evidence Guides, providing support to administrators from 12 districts in the teacher evaluation program who did not have expertise in kindergarten and primary grades for the CCT Rubric. Participation in this project provided feedback to the CSDE to fulfill the requirements of a grant from the National Governors Association. Professional Learning for Community-Based EarlyCare Providers Provided 6 workshops for 275 community-based early-care providers, focused on coaching through powerful interactions, supporting programs learning to integrate new standards, building home-school connections and executive function. The CSDE’s Technology Bureau Chief shared insights and information with 44 district leaders on their technology planning.
OTHER REGIONAL INITIATIVES
Student-Centered Learning Continued collaborating with ACES, CAPSS and other New England state representatives, as well as Connecticut educators, in an effort to build our knowledge and capacity to support a more student-centered, mastery-based approach to instructional practice. 71 participants 5 districts, CAPSS and the CSDE learned about strategies What difference did it make? and resources through sessions with “What I enjoy most [about early state, regional and national experts.
Early Childhood Accreditation Facilitation Conducted training for 40 consultants through the Connecticut Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP), as well as for 40 consultants who work directly with home-care providers. Social-Emotional Competence Provided professional learning on developing social and emotional competencies in young children for 125 infant and toddler teachers of infants and toddlers from 11 communities.
childhood workshops]... is that there is always something tangible to bring back to my classroom ... that helps me to create an even better learning environment for my students.”
Improving Executive Function, Language, Literacy & Math Skills Provided training and on-site coaching in 9 communities to 62 preschool and kindergarten teachers, an increase of 9% over last year. Increases in executive function, social skills, literacy and math are evident in our collaborative programs, where integrated curricular approaches and strategies continue to support positive child outcomes. PreK-2 Evidence Guides In collaboration with the CSDE, held a session to review and
Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services (PBCS) Consulted with 20+ districts to enhance their capacity to implement Tier 1, 2, and 3 supports for all their students. Provided on-site support to cross-functional, school-based teams of paraprofessionals, regular/special education teachers, counselors, school psychologists, social workers and administrators. Among the documented student outcomes was a reduction in office discipline referrals and action plans that resulted in increased rates of active engagement among students/ systems targeted for intervention.
“My students are highly engaged when I have used any of the strategies with the Executive Function project; they performed very well on the PSF assessment from all of the practice using Elkonin jumping game; oral language has improved. There is more positive interaction among the students, there are fewer behavior problems while the students are in their learning scenario roles; background knowledge has greatly increased for specific informational topics. Students who have much trauma and other issues are more regulated using these strategies.” – Kindergarten teacher “Your [Psychological Behavioral Consultation Services] team has been instrumental in building capacity within our district to deal with students who have behavioral challenges and/or students with autism spectrum disorders … We have avoided two outplacements because of the skills staff have developed after working with [the PBCS] team.” – Lynda Joly, Director of Pupil Services, Pomfret Public Schools
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AGENCY GOAL #3 Technology Planning Plus REGIONAL COUNCILS Offered a free, 4-session program to our member districts, Nearly all 36 member districts participated in one or more designed to assist them in their technology planning, with 33 regional councils across a wide variety of content and job-related districts participating and 44 total atareas, all designed to provide our tendees who were introduced to the members with opportunities to access How well did we do it? concept of technology convergence. and share resources, information and “The PBCS team has been professional learning. Among them Safety & Security are: University Region Superintendent instrumental in building capacity Our Coordinator of Security, a former Association/Northeast Area Superinwith our district to deal with police officer and certified instructor, tendent Association (URSA/NASA); students who have behavioral trained 100+ educators on child abuse Regional Staff Development Council challenges and/or students with protocols. Another 75 staff were trained (RSDC); Language Arts Council; Math autism spectrum disorders ...” on lockdown procedures. Council; Science Council; Technology Council; and more. Facilities & Maintenance Provided mandated asbestos awareness workshops to facilities personnel from 3 member districts. Also provided on-site radon, asbestos and hazardous materials inspections and technical support to 12 member districts. Assistive Technology (AT) Provided a variety of professional learning opportunities, both on-site as well as in our regional resource library, giving school personnel the opportunity to try the latest technologies for their students before making buying decisions; 147 educators attended professional learning events; a total of 303 educators received specific AT professional learning through online resources delivered by our AT team, supplemented with on-site consultation by both AT staff and staff from our Related Services Group (RSG). • Site-Based Support: Delivered 65 site-based trainings for 331 participants on a range of AT topics, with a focus on the latest technological developments. • Regional Workshops: 4 region-wide AT sessions were attended by 36 educational professionals from 17 districts, exploring the use of technology in classrooms, including iPads and Chromebooks for academics, communications and special education support.
Initiatives for 2015-2016
• Continue offering professional learning around the critically important development of executive function in young children. • Refine and expand the professional learning community offerings through our Center for Educational Leadership for superintendents, principals, program directors and teacher leaders. • Continue moving away from event models of professional development to more integrated, embedded and sustained approaches to professional learning. • Assist districts as they implement the new Connecticut Standards for Professional Learning. • Continue helping our districts to establish coherence among educational initiatives like educator evaluation, Connecticut Core Standards and professional learning.
“Thank you for providing this workshop [Tech Plan Plus] and all the others you do. They help. Especially when you are one person doing everything in a small district.” – Blair Donahue, Educational Technology Specialist, Sterling Community School, Sterling Public Schools “Not only will this training help me keep myself healthy, it will help me keep students and teachers healthy at my school. I think everyone should go through this training, not just people in school systems. It was very, very informative.” – Brooklyn School Custodian Heidi Blackmar, following Asbestos Awareness Training at EASTCONN “We have been very pleased with the work [your staff member has] done with our Math teachers. She has supported both our elementary and middle schools, and was universally accepted ... She can model lessons, and then debrief with them, providing focused, customized coaching on the job! We have been very impressed with the style, approach, communication skills and the level of professionalism demonstrated by the coach. Our teachers truly appreciate the job-embedded, individualized support, as it guides them to improve their practice.” – Susan Rourke Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Griswold Public Schools
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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 2014-2015
Adult Programs American Citizenship Preparation Community Education Embedded Employment & Training Employment & Training ESL Instruction/Family Literacy High School Completion I-BEST JET(Out-of School Youth Programs) JFES Case Management & Training Life Skills & Basic Skills Instruction Regional Management of Mandated Adult Services Transitions to PostSecondary Education
Early Childhood Initiatives Birth-to-Three Program CT Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) CTPAF Web-Based Software Early Childhood Council Facil. & Strategic Planning Early Childhood Training, Coaching & Consultation Early Childhood Parent Education/Parenting Wksps Executive Function Skills Head Start/Early Head Start NAEYC Consultation Preschool Curriculum, Assessment & Learning Transition Planning: B-to-3, Preschool-to-Kindergarten
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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 2014-2015
K-12 Student Services ACT Magnet High School Assistive Technology & AAC Services Autism Programs Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) Clinical Day Treatment Programs Cool Directions Driver Education EASTCONN Adventure Program for Students Interdistrict Programs Psychological/Behavioral Services Quinebaug Middle College Regional Transition Services Related Services Summer/Vacation Prgms. Truancy & Residency Woodstock Academy: Cooperative Program
Organizational Support Services Asbestos, Radon, Haz. Comm. Trng. & Consultation Back-Office Support Cooperative Purchasing Eastern Connecticut Health Insurance Program Fingerprinting Services Grants Dev. & Mgt. Shared Staffing Transportation Services
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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 2014-2015
Teaching & Learning Services Assessment Strategies / Smarter Balanced Center for Ed. Leadership/ Leadership Development Collaborative Initiatives Across Districts Connecticut Core Standards Curriculum Development & Design District & School Improvement Planning EASTCONN Councils Educator Evaluation Plans Consultation & Support ELL Title III Consortium/ Support & PD Literacy & Math Professional Learning PreK-8 Principals’ Consortium TEAM
Technology Solutions Classroom Technology Implementation & Assess. Computer Support Services PowerSchool Surveys for Educator Eval. & School Climate Teacher of the Year Online Application Technology Council Virtual High School
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EASTCONN Finance Facts 2014-2015 Employees Employees: 550
Annual Finances Revenue: $75,997,208 80 70
500 DOLLARS IN MILLIONS
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
600
400 300 200
60 50 40 30 20
100
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20
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10 -03
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Funding Overview
Funding Detail
State, Federal & Private Funds, 25.7%
Direct State Entitlement Funding, 1.7% State Contracts & Competitive Grants, 16.4%
Local Funds, 74.3% ECHIP, 37.2%
Member Dues, 0.1%
Federal Contracts & Competitive Grants, 7.1% Private Contracts & Competitive Grants, 0.5%
Local Funds, 37.0%
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EASTCONN Interagency Collaborations A Abington Social Library; ACCESS Agency; ACES; Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers; American Antiquarian Society; American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE); American Cancer Society; American Job Centers (CTWorks); Ampersand Consulting; Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) B Backus Hospital, Norwich; Benton Museum C C.E.S.; Center for Latino Progress; Choices Program/ Brown University; Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE); Community Conversations; Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education (CAACE); Connecticut Associations of: Boards of Education(CABE), Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), School Nurses, School Personnel Administrators, Schools (CAS), Secondary Schools, Supervision and Curriculum & Development; Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology; Connecticut Audubon; Connecticut Business and Industry Association, (CBIA); Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies, Inc.; Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism; Connecticut Council of Administrators of Special Education (ConnCASE); Connecticut Department of Higher Education; Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium; Connecticut Educators Computer Association (CECA); Connecticut Educators Network; Connecticut General Assembly; Connecticut Historical Society; Connecticut Principals’ Academy; Connecticut Quality Council; Connecticut Reading
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Association; Connecticut School Public Relations Association (ConnSPRA); Connecticut State collaborations: Alternative Sanctions, Board of Education Services for the Blind, Bureau of Rehabilitation, Children and Families, Corrections, Dept. of Education (CSDE), Environmental Protection, Health, Office of Early Childhood, Income Maintenance, Justice, Labor; Developmental Services; Mental Health, Policy and Management, Public Health & Addiction Services, Social Services, Teaching & Learning, Workers’ Compensation & Rehabilitation; Connecticut State Library; Connecticut Virtual Learning Center; Connecticut Vocational Technical Schools: Windham Regional, H.H. Ellis; Covenant Soup Kitchen; CREC
I-J Infoline; Institute for Community Research; Interdistrict Grant Partner Schools: East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New London, Norwich Free Academy, Vernon, Wethersfield, A.I. Prince Technical School, Cheney Technical School, Norwich Technical School; International Center for Creativity & Imagination
D Day Kimball Hospital; Dempsey Center; Discovery Education
F Family Center for Natural Wellness; Family Resource Centers; Family Service Coordination Centers; Food, Resources, Education Security & Health (FRESH) of New London; 4-H LIFT (Learning, Interaction, Friends Talents) After-School Program
N Natchaug Hospital, Joshua Program; National Association for Music Education; National and Connecticut Associations for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC/CAEYC); National Math & Science Initiative (NMSI); Neag School of Education/University of Connecticut; NECCOG Regional Animal Shelter; Nellie Mae Education Foundation; New England Office of the College Board; New Haven Chamber of Commerce; New London Adult Education; New London County 4-H Program; New London Youth Affairs; Northeast Alliance for Economic Development; Northeast Area Superintendents’ Association (NASA); NE Connecticut Chamber of Commerce; Norwich Adult Education; Norwich Youth & Family Services
G Generations Family Health Center; Goodwin Conservation Center
O OSA (Optical Society of America) Foundation; Office for Workforce Competitiveness
H Head Start; Head Start State Collaboration Office; Historic New England; Holy Family Shelter
P Park Church, Norwich; Plainfield First Selectman Paul E. Sweet; Prevent Child Abuse CT; Prudence Crandall Museum
E East Bay Educational Collaborative; Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC); Eastern Connecticut Health Network; Eastern Connecticut Libraries; Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic; Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board; EDUCATION CONNECTION; Even Start
K Knowledge Works L The Last Green Valley; LEARN; Learning Resources Network (LERN); Liberty Bank; Literacy Volunteers M Mansfield Discovery Depot; Mitchell College; Museums of Northeast Connecticut; My Learning Plan
Q Quiet Corner Grooming & Doggie Daycare; Quinebaug Valley Community College R Renaissance Learning; Research for Better Teaching; Retired Seniors Volunteer Program S Special Education Resource Center (SERC); Statewide Birth-to-Three; St. Joseph Living Center; Sturbridge Village; Studio #5 T TEEG, Thompson; Thames Science Center; Thread City Development; Three Rivers Community College; Tri-County Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) U United Connection Action for Neighborhoods, Inc. (UCAN); United Labor Agency (ULA); United Social and Mental Health Services; U.S. Departments: Education, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Labor; University Region Superintendents’ Association (URSA); University of Connecticut V Life Long Learning; Visiting Nurses Association W-Z WAIM (Windham Area Interfaith Ministry); Walgreen’s; The Wheeler Clinic, Inc.; William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund; Willimantic Public Library; Willimantic River Alliance; Willimantic Spanish American Merchants’ Association; Willimantic Weed & Seed; Windham Arts; Windham Chamber of Commerce; Windham Family & Community Partnership; Department; Windham Recreation Department; Windham Region Arts Council; Windham Region Community Council; Windham School Readiness Council; Windham Textile and History Museum; Town of Windham Mayor Ernie Eldridge; Work Force Alliance; Write Source, Diane Gedeon-Martin
EASTCONN Program Locations
Administrative Offices & Conference Center 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247 T: 860-455-0707; F: 860-455-8026
• Plainfield Head Start — Moosup Gardens 10B Gorman St., Moosup, CT 06354 T: 860-564-7199; F: 860-564-2630
Capitol Theater 896 Main St., Willimantic, CT 06226 T: 860-465-5636; F: 860-465-8115
• Putnam Head Start 33 Wicker St., Putnam, CT 06260 T: 860-928-0004; F: 860-963-5357
Clinical Day Treatment Programs
Northeast Learning Center 111 Connecticut Mills Ave., Danielson, CT 06239 T: 860-779-3770; F: 860-779-3384
• Educational & Vocational Center P.O. Box 498, 14 Route 66, Columbia, CT 06237 T: 860-228-4317; F: 860-228-1147
• Northeast Regional Program P. O. Box 249, 508A Pomfret St., Putnam, CT 06260 T: 860-963-3328; F: 860-963-3332
• Southeast Regional Program P.O. Box 123, 651 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374 T: 860-317-1022; F: 860-317-1047
Commerce Drive 10 Commerce Drive , Columbia, CT 06237 T: 860-228-3240; F: 860-228-3206
Quinebaug Middle College 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson, CT 06239 T: 860-932-4100; F: 860-932-4950 Transportation 109 Route 6, Columbia, CT 06237 T: 860-228-6751; F: 860-228-6756 Woodstock Academy: Cooperative Resources 57 Academy Rd., Woodstock, CT 06281 T: 860-928-1132; F: 860-963-4931
Community Learning Center Windham Mills, Building 1, 322 Main St. Willimantic, CT 06226 T: 860-423-2591; F: 860-450-0853
EASTCONN/Vernon Public Schools Head Start Partnership
Head Start Programs:
• Lake Street School, 201 Lake St. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6085
• Killingly Head Start 1620 Upper Maple St., Dayville, CT 06241 T: 860-779-0410; F: 860-779-1377
• Killingly Head Start at Killingly High School 226 Putnam Pike, Danielson, CT 06241 T: 860-779-6709; F: 860-774-0846
• Plainfield Head Start — Early Childhood Center 651 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374 T: 860-564-7787; F: 860-564-6409
• Center Road School, 20 Center Rd. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6300
• Maple Street School, 20 Maple St. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6175 • Northeast School, 69 East St. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6080 • Skinner Road School, 90 Skinner Rd. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6180
EASTCONN will provide equal employment opportunities to all persons without discrimination because of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other classification protected by state or federal law. Further, It is the policy of EASTCONN that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be discriminated against under any program because of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other classification protected by state or federal law. EASTCONN will neither knowingly use the services of, nor otherwise deal with, any business, contractor, subcontractor, or agency that engages in unlawful discrimination.
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MISSION: 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.
www.eastconn.org
376 Hartford Turnpike Hampton, Connecticut 06247 Phone: 860-455-0707