Performance Matters Forum 2025

TRACK 2

9:40 - 10:40 a.m.

Track 2 Sessions

• Session A (Room 12) - Digging into Seal of Biliteracy Data
• Session B (Room 13) - A Fireside Chat on MTSS Implementation Strategies
• Session C (Room 14) - Supporting New Superintendents in Fostering Trust
• Session D (Room 15) - Instructional Coaching: Impacting Student Performance
• Session E (Room 16) - Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 Education
• Session F (Room 17) - Making Meaning of Metrics to Move Mountains

Digging into Seal of Biliteracy Data: How to use the EdSight Seal of Biliteracy Dashboard

The Connecticut State Seal of Biliteracy was established to recognize public high school graduates who have attained a level of proficiency in English and one or more other languages. The new public EdSight dashboard shows the number of high school graduates eligible to receive the Seal of Biliteracy at the state and district levels. It highlights the many languages of biliteracy as well as the number of students with proficiency in more than two languages! Users can investigate patterns of seal eligibility among different student groups including English learner/multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and race/ethnicity.

Join us for an interactive demonstration on how to access and engage with the report. We will also briefly discuss and answer questions on the companion report, available for authorized district and school EdSight Secure users. Bring your questions!

Presenters: Dr. Megan Alubicki, Briana Hennessy, Stephanie O'Day and Dr. Maribel Olivero - CSDE

A Fireside Chat on MTSS Implementation Strategies: Leadership, Resources, and Results from Connecticut Districts

This session will provide district leadership with strategic insights drawn from the collective knowledge and practical experiences of districts that have already implemented the CT-SEDS Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Module. Presented in a discussion-based format, MTSS district and school leaders will share lessons learned, effective practices, and practical tools for implementing tiered interventions. The conversation will also address key contextual factors—such as leadership alignment, resource allocation, and staff capacity—that influence successful system-wide implementation.

Presenters: Catherine Colavecchio, Windham; Dr. Diana DiIorio, Stratford; Dr. Erin K. Dunn, EASTCONN; Dr. Michael Harten, Woodstock; Karin Hughes, Woodstock; Jennifer Michalek, CSDE; Keith Murphy, Windham; Dr. Phil Piazza, Stratford; Annette Pietro, Watertown; Dr. Kimberly S. Traverso, CSDE; and Dr. Joanne R. White, CSDE

Supporting New Superintendents in Fostering Trust, High-Leverage Engagement Practices, and Improved School Culture and Climate in Their First Three Years via Systematic, Sustained, Non-Evaluative Classroom Drop-Ins

The purpose of this discussion will be to share the unique perspectives and insights of early career superintendents (from five diverse CT districts; Stonington, Griswold, Killingly, Suffield, Canterbury) who have uniquely and creatively adopted classroom drop-ins as a way of getting to know their new communities and cultures, build trust with their staff, and foster districtwide high leverage engagement practices. Following a brief overview of the classroom drop-in framework, as developed in partnership with educational consultants at EASTCONN Regional Education Service Center, administrators will share how they have utilized this non-evaluative, culture and climate centered practice, in their districts and with their boards to reflect upon and progress monitor school and district improvement efforts.

Presenters: Dr. Christopher Bitgood, Canterbury; Dr. Mary Anne Butler, Stonington; Matthew Dunbar, Suffield; Dr. Sean McKenna, Griswold; Dr. Susan Nash-Ditzel, Killingly; and Dr. Ravit Stein, EASTCONN

Instructional Coaching: Impacting Student Performance

In this presentation Thompson School District will share their journey toward improved student outcomes. The work has been guided by a clear vision: creating a sustainable, equitable system where every student thrives. This presentation highlights how we moved from isolated initiatives to a cohesive, data-informed approach that strengthens teaching, learning, and school culture.

Presenters: Lindsey Calarco, Patricia Chenail, Courtney Sobanski, Laura Stefanski and Lucinda Trudeau - Thompson School District

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 Education: Lessons Learned from the Connecticut AI in K-12 Education Pilot

Amid the hype and worry around AI in education, State agencies have been developing resources for schools to put powerful, emerging technologies to use in the classroom. In 2024, the Commission for Educational Technology released Guidance on the Use of AI. And over the past few months, the Department of Education has been leading a pilot program in selected representative districts to explore AI's promise to deepen and scale learning, critical thinking, and provide efficiencies. Following the call for an "AI pilot" in last year's legislative session, the program includes a small number of districts applying AI to teaching and learning, backed by powerful tools and context-driven professional development. Join CSDE leaders, district participants and the research team from the CCERC as they share the program design, evaluation process, and overall impact on students and teachers participants can consider for implementation in their own schools and classrooms.

Presenters: Dr. Alexandra Lamb, CCERC and Irene Parisi, CSDE

Making Meaning of Metrics to Move Mountains

Learn to access and analyze school accountability and assessment information to extrapolate meaningful information and utilize insights to accurately inform school improvement efforts.

When Canton Middle School received notice of having an area of focus on the state Accountability Index, they accepted the invitation to join the Commissioner's Network and embrace the work of school improvement. Join school staff as they share their learning journey and insights in to the Accountability Index and state assessments, how they cracked "the code" of the metrics and used that information to drive growth through strategic practices. Join them to learn necessary change processes to support any school in learning to serve each and every student even better.

Presenters: Jon Bishop, Kris Cimini, Anthony Geraci and Jeffrey Moore - Canton School District