TRACK 4

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Track 4 Sessions

• Session A (Room 12) - Advancing English Language Arts Curriculum at CTECS
• Session B (Room 13) - Beyond the Basics: Reducing Chronic Absence
• Session C (Room 14) - One Percent Monitoring and Assessment Supports Updates
• Session D (Room 15) - From Grade 9 On-Track to Postsecondary Access
• Session E (Room 16) - Attendee Collaboration Space
• Session F (Room 17) - Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for High-Risk Students

Advancing English Language Arts Curriculum: Development, Implementation, and Future Directions at CTECS

This presentation offers a detailed overview of the CSDE Curriculum Design and Development Toolkit, a unified and comprehensive collection of resources that guides the curriculum renewal process through every stage, from initial planning to professional development. Participants will gain insights into how these materials can be effectively utilized to enhance teaching and learning.

The session will examine the specific need for an English language arts (ELA) curriculum within the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), supported by an analysis of student achievement data and emerging educational trends. An in-depth discussion of the curriculum development process within CTECS will follow, highlighting the use of elements of the CSDE Curriculum Design and Development Toolkit, collaborative team efforts, protocols, and strategies for curriculum integration. Attendees will explore CTEC's professional learning initiatives, implementation approaches, and methods for using the ELA curriculum to inform courses, lessons, and instructional practices. The presentation will conclude with a summary of the next steps for CTECS, providing a strategic framework for ongoing curriculum advancement and support.

Presenters: Dr. Darcy A. Fiano, CTECS and Dr. Joanne R. White, CSDE

Beyond the Basics: Innovative Strategies and Proven Structures to Reduce Chronic Absence

Reducing chronic absence requires more than isolated initiatives—it takes intentional structures, consistent monitoring, and creative strategies that inspire students and families to prioritize daily attendance. This session will explore key elements that support sustainable improvement in attendance, from establishing effective attendance teams and integrating multi-tiered systems of support to leveraging data dashboards and attendance reports to monitor and evaluate success.

Participants will gain practical tools for building strong systems, setting measurable goals, and aligning interventions to meet the needs of students most at risk for chronic absence. The session will also showcase innovative district-level strategies, including approaches like "gamifying" attendance to create fun, engaging, and rewarding school cultures that motivate students to come to class every day.

A featured Connecticut district will join the conversation to share how these strategies have been applied in real time, highlighting lessons learned, key challenges, and the impact on attendance rates. Participants will leave with a framework for action—grounded in research, supported by data, and enhanced by fresh ideas—that can be adapted to their own schools and districts.

Whether you are just beginning to focus on attendance or looking to accelerate your results, this session will offer practical insights, proven tools, and creative solutions to improve attendance and support student engagement.

Presenters: Caroline Calhoun, CSDE; Kari Sullivan Custer, CSDE and Dr. Latasha Easterling-Turnquest, Manchester

One Percent Monitoring and Assessment Supports Updates

This presentation will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the appropriate selection process for state assessments based on the student's learning profile. Educators will learn about the eligibility process for determining student participation in Connecticut Alternate Assessments (CTAA, CTAS, and CAAELP) and the accessibility features, including accommodations and Assistive Technology, that are available to promote student access to all state assessments.

Presenters: Ashley DiGangi, Deirdre Ducharme and Katie Seifert - CSDE

From Grade 9 On-Track to Postsecondary Access

Learn how Maloney High School and the RISE Network are using a coherent framework and continuous improvement approach — not separate Grade 9 and postsecondary efforts — to help all students experience success as they transition to, through, and beyond high school. This session will illustrate how early warning systems and coaching in Grade 9 flow into postsecondary access work through shared routines (e.g., improvement teams, data protocols), actionable data (e.g., RISE Data Hub, student-voice surveys), and relationship-centered support (e.g., on-track coaching, student conferences). We will share what this looks like in practice (e.g., intentional recruitment for Summer Bridge and Summer Academy programs, postsecondary nudge campaigns) at Maloney and demonstrate how this approach has supported double-digit gains across multiple measures, while also closing equity gaps. Attendees will leave with replicable structures and tools to braid on-track and postsecondary work so that every student graduates with a plan and the skills and confidence to achieve college and career success.

Presenters: James Donewald, Jennifer Straub, and Melane Thomas - Meriden School District; Emily Pallin and Sam Purdy - RISE Network

Attendee Collaboration Space

Attendees may use this room to connect, collaborate, or reflect during this hour.

Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for High-Risk High School Students

Session Canceled