The great work underway across CT to expand career pathways continues... The CSDE recently joined DOL Commissioner Bartolomeo, @LGSusanB, and partners from across education, workforce, government, and the military to highlight the #CTCareerPaths guide and the opportunities it creates for students to explore careers, understand the steps needed to reach their goals, and connect to opportunities that can lead to college, military service, the skilled trades, and high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. To learn more about the guide, go to: portal.ct.gov/dol/communicat…… Thank you to the Connecticut Department of Labor, the Connecticut National Guard, Newington Public Schools, and all our partners for their continued collaboration ensuring equitable access to the opportunities highlighted in the CT Career Paths guide so that every student has the support needed to unlock their lifelong potential.

This year's six Blue Ribbon Schools are more than individual success stories, they are examples of the incredible work and progress taking place every day across Connecticut's public education system.

Thank you to everyone who joined us today at Conard High School to celebrate Connecticut’s 2026 Blue Ribbon Schools and recognize six outstanding public schools for their excellence in academic achievement and student success: 🏅 Great Oak Elementary School, Oxford 🏅 Nathan Hale School, Meriden 🏅 New Lebanon School, Greenwich 🏅 Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield 🏅 Webster Hill School, West Hartford 🏅 Western CT Academy of International Studies Elementary Magnet School, Danbury A special thank you to @GovNedLamont, @LGSusanB, State Board of Education Vice Chair @benhamerin, state and local elected officials, school and district leaders, educators, and community members for joining Commissioner @CharleneRTedu and Team CSDE in celebrating these remarkable schools. Our Blue Ribbon Schools represent what is possible when school staff, families, and communities come together to ensure every student has the opportunity to unlock their lifelong potential. Congratulations to all six schools on this well-deserved recognition! To learn more about these remarkable schools, go to: portal.ct.gov/governor/news/…

Congratulations to the two student members of the State Board of Education – Samarth Basanth and Hansika Lenkala – for completing their year of service. Their voices have been an invaluable asset to the Board, and we wish them success on their continued academic endeavors!

Members of Connecticut's State Student Advisory Council on Education presented thoughtful, student-led research and recommendations to the State Board of Education today on mathematics education and artificial intelligence. From strengthening math confidence and career connections to promoting responsible AI use and digital literacy, these student leaders demonstrated the power of student voice in shaping the future of education.

More than 300 members of the Class of 2026, representing more than 50 schools across Connecticut and neighboring states, were celebrated last night at the 2026 Groton Signing Day after accepting job offers from Electric Boat and taking the next step toward meaningful careers in Connecticut's growing workforce. "We are incredibly proud that you are choosing to build a future in our small but mighty state," Commissioner @CharleneRTedu told the students as she joined Congressman @JoeCourtneyCT, Dr. Alice Pritchard, members of the United States military, and @GDElectricBoat leadership in recognizing this important milestone. These students are a powerful example of what is possible when schools, employers, and communities work together to expand career pathways and unlock lifelong potential. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as you begin this exciting new chapter, helping to build Connecticut's future workforce and strengthen our nation's defense.

As we near the end of the school year, @LGSusanB & Commissioner @CharleneRTedu are encouraging businesses to participate in the 5th Annual School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer portal.ct.gov/digitalbackpac…

Great news! This past April, CT recorded its lowest chronic absenteeism rate on record for this point in a school year. Rates also dropped from 17.2% in March to 16.7% in April, with gains across nearly all student groups. Let's finish the year strong, in school, every day.

Congratulations to the students in the BMHS Marine Science Academy! 🌊 Through hands-on learning in marine science, engineering, and ocean exploration, these students are building real-world skills and discovering career pathways that match their talents, passions, and dreams.

On May 26, Connecticut will once again observe Get Outside and Play for Children’s Mental Health Day, first proclaimed by Governor @NedLamont in 2022. The goal is to promote the benefits of outdoor classroom time on children’s mental health and wellness! 🌞 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Bipartisan education policy is not only possible, it is already happening! In a recent op-ed in @educationweek, Commissioner @CharleneRTedu joined national education and policy leaders to discuss how collaboration across differences can move education forward. Read more below!

In case you missed it... We recently published our May newsletter, featuring a message from the Commissioner, updates from around the agency, and more. Read here: tinyurl.com/85mmypyb Subscribe here: tinyurl.com/5bw6dc63

CT's Science of Reading Masterclass is strengthening how reading is taught in classrooms, helping educators apply evidence-based strategies that support student learning, according to a report conducted by the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration. CCERC found that educators who participated in the Masterclass reported significant gains in their understanding of how children learn to read and to put those strategies into practice. Launched in 2022 with a $4.5M in ARP ESSER funds, the Science of Reading Masterclass is a statewide professional learning initiative developed by the CSDE in partnership with @capssct to build local capacity in evidence-based literacy instruction. Read the full report here: portal.ct.gov/ccerc/-/media/…

📣ATTENTION CT BUSINESS OWNERS Commissioner @CharleneRTedu is encouraging CT businesses to participate in the 4th Annual School Staff Appreciation #DigitalBackpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer. Learn more at portal.ct.gov/digitalbackpac…

From @GovNedLamont and @LGSusanB to state legislators and Commissioner @CharleneRTedu, leaders from across CT have come together to share one message with our teachers: THANK YOU and Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

Yesterday, Commissioner @CharleneRTedu convened more than a dozen educators from across CT for the 2026 Commissioner's Teacher Roundtable in partnership with the Teacher of the Year Council. The conversation focused on supporting student learning, strengthening the teaching profession, and preparing for the future of teaching - including student engagement, school climate, educator leadership, mental health supports, and the evolving role of Al in education. Thank you to all the educators who shared thoughtful, solution-oriented perspectives and recommendations grounded in their experiences serving students across our state. Your partnership and leadership continue to help Connecticut strengthen teaching and learning for every learner.