Lawmakers are seeking a way to increase school vaccination rates without expelling kids whose parents resist the medical consensus about the efficacy of vaccines.
After the outcry, a search for accommodation on vaccines
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Teachers in training need more personalized support and fewer barriers
On Friday, March 6, 2020 members of the Education Committee of the CT General Assembly held a public hearing on a number of agenda items. Among them is HB5376, a bill that will hopefully eliminate the edTPA requirement for students in teacher training.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
The General Assembly and Charter Oak State College; a partnership with positive ROI
Two years ago, Charter Oak State College was facing a very difficult financial future. At that time, the General Assembly increased our state allotment to give us some room to address our issues. I write this to thank them and share the progress we made with that “breathing room.”
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Cash donations better than canned in assisting with a disaster
Giving is a good thing and in no way should you be persuaded not to give, but first research those charities that have direct and local ties to the affected area to make it clear where the money will go.
Posted inHealth
Wilton resident is state’s first confirmed coronavirus patient
A Wilton resident who travelled recently to California is the first Connecticut resident to be diagnosed with coronavirus.
Posted inHealth
During a pandemic, states’ patchwork of crisis strategies could mean uneven care
A possible coronavirus pandemic could overwhelm the nation’s hospitals and force doctors into difficult decisions about how to allocate limited resources. Yet, experts say, only a handful of states have done the work necessary to prepare for such worst-case scenarios. How would hospitals handle overflowing emergency rooms? What would doctors do if they ran out […]
Posted inEnergy & Environment
New Haven searching for a fix to its broken recycling program
Recycling is broken — and New Haven is struggling to find solutions to how to fix it.
Posted inHealth
Doctor who made rounds at Bridgeport Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19
A second New York state resident who works in a Connecticut hospital has tested positive for coronavirus.
Posted inHealth
Coronavirus brings logistical challenges for CT hospitals
Connecticut hospitals anticipate logistical challenges as they combat the coronavirus. But hospital and other health care leaders also told legislators Friday they’ve been preparing for months for the pandemic’s arrival in Connecticut, and efforts to mitigate its spread are well underway.
Posted inEducation
Hiring of PR firm by Dalio Philanthropies renews concerns about transparency and ‘blurred lines’
A PR-firm hired by Dalio Philanthropies to speak for Connecticut’s public-private education partnership prompted new complaints about the lack of transparency.
Posted inHealth
Cigna first insurer to say it will pick up the tab for coronavirus testing
Now that private labs will begin testing patients for coronavirus, Connecticut’s insurers are being pressured to pick up the tab.
Posted inMoney
Slots on your smartphone? Lamont says, ‘No.’
Is Connecticut ready to offer casino games on your phone or laptop? Gov. Ned Lamont is not.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Who’s afraid of socialism?
Who’s afraid of socialism? According to some pundits, everyone should be. Today’s adherents of democratic socialism have greatly increased over the past few years, and not just on college campuses.
Posted inCT Viewpoints
Mandated teaching is not improving student performance
This year, I have to subject my eighth-grade students to 6,600 minutes of district-mandated testing. That’s 110 hours. That’s the equivalent of 15 entire seven-hour school days. Eighth grade students in Hartford Public Schools are required to take 25 mandated district and state-wide assessments between late August and early June. Thirteen percent of the entire school year is dedicated to administering these “high stakes tests.”
Posted inCT Viewpoints
There are real risks associated with legalizing marijuana
On March 16th, a press conference opposing legalizing marijuana was held in Wallingford, with remarks by Mayor William Dickinson, North Haven’s First Selectman Michael Freda, State Sen. Minority Leader Len Fasano, Reps. Mary Mushinsky and Craig Fishbein, Rev. Todd Foster of New Haven, 19-year-old Jordan Davidson, and others. In my opinion, media coverage of its intent – opposing legalization of marijuana – generally was lacking, and it seemed to give more exposure to marijuana proponents than to those opposed.