Dear colleagues and friends,
When a particular event reminds our nation of the reality of racial injustice and violence, leaders and organizations issue statements of condemnation and a reaffirmation of our values. I am heartened by reading fervent messages of support for social justice from schools, districts, and other partners across our state and nation. As you navigate this already complicated time in our history, thank you for your continued leadership on behalf of our children, families, and communities that we all serve.
This statement affirms SERC’s role in this community. Not only that: Racial justice is central to who we are, and addressing structural racism hits to the heart of what we do. We have intentionally addressed race in our work for more than 15 years, creating a blueprint and reports on race-conscious educational equity, holding annual conferences on “Dismantling Systemic Racism,” and building the capacity of our staff to support educators in their own work on race as well as navigate a personal and often agonizing journey of self-discovery. But even beyond SERC, the killing of George Floyd is deeply and profoundly personal. I fear this. I live this. George Floyd could have been my husband, my son, my grandson, my brother, my neighbor.
In our virtual meeting with all SERC staff, I shared the range of emotions and pain I am going through in the wake of this distressingly familiar incident of hate and blatant racist actions that have exploded in demonstrations. I was reminded about the importance of harnessing the power of WE. WE need one another now more than ever to combat racism, injustice, bigotry, and hate. WE can never, as an anti-racist community, stand by as men of color gasp for air and call for their mothers until they are forever silenced. WE cannot stand by and witness our communities of color still held down by the legacy of systemic oppression. WE know that our children deserve better; WE know that our families deserve better; WE know that our communities deserve better.
As an organization, SERC will continue developing a culture of learning and growth around structural racism and its implications for student learning and success. This work embodies our vision of Equity, Excellence, and Education. You are a partner in that vision and will always be a part of our WE. Please join us as WE navigate difficult conversations and undertake courageous actions in your own communities. Together, WE will commit ourselves to real, lasting change so that our children can look back on this season of pain and remember us as heroes who did something about it.
Respectfully,
Ingrid M. Canady, Executive Director
State Education Resource Center
Our first collaborative Zoom chat session was attended by 100 engaged participants - please join us and share your thoughts!
Pandemic or no pandemic, SERC will always find ways to maintain a focus on racial equity.
On the following Thursdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m., participants in these facilitated online discussions will have the opportunity to share their perspectives around a specific topic.
All are welcome! Please register separately for each session.
June 4
Our Youth Speak: COVID-19 Virtual Learning
Register: ctserc.net/eqcovid0604
June 11
COVID-19 and Anti-Asian Racism: Supporting Asian Students, Families, and Educators
Register: ctserc.net/eqcovid0611
June 18
Distance Learning and Family Engagement: The Perspective of Communities of Color
Register: ctserc.net/eqcovid0618
June 25
Mental Health and Racial Equity
Register: ctserc.net/eqcovid0625
Interested in receiving the most up-to-date information about State and Federal guidelines, strengthening collaboration and feeling more confident leading PPT meetings both virtually and in-person?
The Connecticut Planning and Placement Team Leadership Institute (PPTLI) is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Special Education Bureau, and hosted in partnership with the Connecticut State Education Resource Center (SERC). The Institute is designed to equip special educational team leaders with tools to foster family and community engagement and improve student outcomes by facilitating team meetings that meet legal requirements, foster positive school/parent partnerships, and result in high quality special education programming.
During 2020-21, the Institute will provide up to 120 participants from districts across Connecticut with a year of courses and technical assistance that foster their ability to lead Individualized Education Plan (IEP) teams in the development of educational plans that reflect the individual needs of students.
Participants will learn to:
There are no required courses for teachers who are licensed in special education that explicitly address facilitation, mediation, understanding the law and compliance, or collaborative problem solving. This year-long, rich experience will build these competencies and increase the effectiveness of participants in this role.
This is a state-wide initiative and practices are designed to support compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
The PPTLI model will consist of multiple courses and activities, offering face-to-face sessions and online learning, a variety of assignments, coaching, and communities of practice, ending with a capstone project.
During the 2020-21 year, each cohort will participate in the following activities:
This Institute is designed for educators who serve as a PPT chair leading PPTs in the state of Connecticut. This includes but is not limited to: Special Education Teachers, Building Level Administrators, Related Service Personnel, Special Education Directors, or others filling the role of PPT Chairperson.