The superintendent's digest collects recent communications from the State Department of Education to leaders in local school districts. Items from the Commissioner, deputy commissioners, division directors and others are posted here as they are sent.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guidance for K-12 Schools
Most Popular Items (last two weeks)
- Addendum 5: Interim Guidance for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios in Connecticut Schools
- Assessment and Accountability in 2020-21
- Updated School COVID Cases Reporting Guidance from DPH
- Flexible Staffing Strategies
- Remote Instruction Checklist
- Announcing New Attendance and Engagement District Supports
- New CDC/DPH Quarantine Guidance
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Reopening K-12 Public Schools
- Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 9O – Flexible Staffing
- Weather Related Closures as Remote Learning Days
January 25, 2021
- Coronavirus Relief Funds Timeline
- CT’s Colleges and Universities Teaming to Help Students Navigate FAFSA Process, Applications
January 21, 2021
- 6 Ways the CSDE is Working to Keep Schools Open Safely
- CSDE podcast: The Borrowed Classroom - Episode 1: Teaching Concurrent Learners
January 19, 2021
- DPH vaccination update
- Pandemic-Related Transitions: P-3 Contexts
- Information for Parents and Guardians of English Learners
- وزارة التعلیم بولایة كونیتیكت معلومات لآباء و أولیاء متعلمي اللغة الانجلیزیة
- Enfòmasyon pou paran ak gadyen elèv k ap aprann anglè
- Informacje dla rodziców i opiekunów dzieci uczących się języka angielskiego
- Informações para os pais e responsáveis de aprendizes de inglês
- 英语学习者家长及监护人信息
- Información para padres y tutores de estudiantes de inglés
- CT Learning Hub - High quality resources for ALL learners and families available anytime, anywhere
January 17, 2021
January 7, 2021
- Provide Comment on CSDE’s Accountability Flexibility Request
- Update – Professional Support Series – Parent to Parent Conversation
- Also available in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic
- Announcing New Attendance and Engagement District Supports
January 4, 2021
- Updates – Addendum 5: Interim Guidance for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios in Connecticut Schools and Addendum 9: Contact Tracing Scenarios in Schools
- Professional Support Series – Parent to Parent Conversation
December 21, 2020
- Moving Forward with Contact Tracing Support
- Expanding access to COVID Testing for Educators in CT
- BinaxNOW COVID Testing Survey - response requested
- Updated Travel Advisory
- Encourage Students to Have their Voices Heard through ThoughtExchange – Deadline extended to January 8, 2021
- Kajeet Hotspot Sharing
December 17, 2020
- New CDC/DPH Quarantine Guidance
- Using Federal and State Funds to Support SEL Programs
- English Learner Checklists (ZIP file)
- Connecticut Comprehensive School Counseling Framework
- Items Added to FAQ in Tracking Attendance on Remote Days for State Reporting
- CT FAFSA Completion Challenge
December 14, 2020
- Reimagining Employee Work to Support Students’ Educational Needs
- Updated School COVID Cases Reporting Guidance from DPH
- Cyber Security and the CT Intelligence Center
December 10, 2020
- Free Yale Course for School Staff – Managing Emotions in Times of Uncertainty and Stress
- Civics-Related Distance Learning Opportunity – Electoral College Ceremony
December 7, 2020
- Reminding Families to Take Advantage of Free Internet Access for Students
- Interdistrict Cooperative Grant Proposals
- Assessment and Accountability in 2020-21
- Encourage Students to Have their Voices Heard through ThoughtExchange
December 3, 2020
- Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 9O – Flexible Staffing
- NEW – Spanish Language Flyer for the Virtual Town Hall for Parents and Families: Supporting Children in Remote Learning during COVID-19
- Annual Report on the Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion for the 2018-19
- REMINDER: Administration of the Survey on Reading Instruction for K-3 Teachers
- CT Learning Hub and Wide Open School Parent Webinars (Bilingual) Wednesday, December 9, 2020
November 30, 2020
- Reminder Regarding FAQ 3, Question 12 – Face Coverings
- Virtual Town Hall for Parents and Families: Supporting Children in Remote Learning during COVID-19
- 2021-22 Connecticut SAT School Day
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2021
November 23, 2020
- Reminder: Report All COVID-19 School Cases to DPH
- Remote Instruction Checklist
- CSDE Celebrates Computer Science Week December 7-13
November 19, 2020
- College Upper-class Students Serving as Substitutes; Flexible Staffing Strategies
- Best Practices - Communicating for Understanding - Engaging Families and Communities
- CSDE Newsletter - November 2020 - Subscribe
- CSDE and RESC Alliance Offer Free Blended Learning Professional Learning Modules and Coaching
November 16, 2020
- Suicide Prevention Public Health Alert
- Firearm Safety Guide for Connecticut Schools
- CSDE Priority Standards for Essential Learning Handbook for SY21
November 13, 2020
November 9, 2020
- CSDE Priority Standards for Essential Learning
- State Contracted Testing Locations
- BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Test Kits
- Updated School Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Cases (11-6-2020)
- Additional Guidance – Equitable services provision for nonpublic schools eligible for ESSER funding
- Get Connected: Public Awareness Campaign
- DPH, DECD Update Comprehensive Sports Guidance, Recommendations and Sector Rules for Winter Season
November 5, 2020
- Updated Addendum 5: Interim Guidance for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios in Connecticut Schools
- Suspension of Portfolio Process to Apply for a Waiver of a Planned Program for the Superintendent of Schools Endorsement (#093)
- Reminder: NGSS Interim Block Assessments Available
- National Career Development Month
November 3, 2020
- Reimagining Employee Work to Support Students’ Educational Needs
- African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Curriculum and Course Update
- 2019-20 Education Financial System (EFS) Audit Process
- FAQ Added to Tracking Attendance on Remote Days for State Reporting (page 2)
October 29, 2020
- Public Reporting of COVID-19 School Cases
- Internet Safety Training for Spanish Speakers
- Agricultural Science and Technology Education (ASTE) Centers and Animal Care
- Rating Fully Remote Students on the Kindergarten Entrance Inventory (KEI)
- District Contacts Reported on New EdSight Report (select Overview --> Find Staff)
- Performance Matters 2020 Webinar Series Website
October 27, 2020
October 26, 2020
- COVID Relief Fund Reallocation Update
- Administration of the Survey on Reading Instruction for K-3 Teachers
- Information for Parents and Guardians of English Learners
- Complying with the Employees and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
October 22, 2020
Priority Updates:
Routine Updates:
- Child Care Support for School Families
- Nominations for the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar Program
- National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is October 25-31, 2020
- You're Invited: Onsite Tour of Phoenix Manufacturing - Understanding the Manufacturing Pathway
October 19, 2020
- Performance Matters 2020 Webinar Series
- COVID-19 Testing Locations
- Juvenile Justice Liaisons: Sent on behalf of the Connecticut Judicial Branch
- Providing Comfort to Students during These Stressful Times
October 15, 2020
- Corona Virus Relief Fund Reallocations
- Assessment and Accountability in 2020-21
- BinexNOW
- Working Papers Guidance - Identification of Designated Agent(s) for the Certificate of Age
- Educator Evaluation and Educator Support Plans (EESP)
- Eversource Hardship and Matching Payment Programs for Families
October 13, 2020
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 17
- Internet Safety for Parents/Caregivers and Students
- Youth Masks Distribution
October 8, 2020
October 5, 2020
- Extension to File School Security and Safety Plan with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP)
- Local Health Department Directory
October 1, 2020
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 16
- Launch of 5th Annual Fox 61 Student News Program
- K-12 Cybersecurity a Significant Issue Amidst Pandemic & Virtual Learning
- Letter from Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
- Everybody Learns: Cable Internet Updates
September 28, 2020
- General Guidance for Youth and Amateur Sport Activities during COVID-19 Pandemic
- CSDE, CAPSS, AFT CT and CEA Statement on Importance of Effective Communication and Collaboration for Best Outcomes
September 25, 2020
- SEL Survey Reminder
- College Readiness for High School Seniors
- Assessing Child Abuse/Neglect in a Remote Environment
- Unpaid Experiential Learning Program Continuation
- Certification of Mandated Reporter Training
September 21, 2020
- Mock Election Opportunity for 11th and 12th Grade Students
- Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
September 17, 2020
High-priority communications
Routine communications
September 16, 2020
September 11, 2020
- Cyberattacks on schools in Connecticut
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 15: Connecting with Community Mental Health Providers to Support Schools, Students, and Families
September 10, 2020
September 9, 2020
- Waivers to extend flexibilities for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) through December 31, 2020
- Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
- New Finance Reports on EdSight
September 4, 2020
- Update on Facial Coverings (see question 12) - Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Reopening Public Schools, Volume 3
- Updated Guidance Regarding IDEA Eligibility Until Age 22 (A.R. v. CT State Board of Education)
- Return to Learning Playlist
- Tracking Attendance on Remote Days for State Reporting
- Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
- New Data Collections to Support Student Engagement
- Hybrid and Remote Instruction
September 2, 2020
September 1, 2020
August 31, 2020
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
August 28, 2020
- 2020-21 Out-of-Town Magnet School Transportation Grant Application (ED021)
- Reimbursement of 2019-20 Health Services for Children in Nonprofit Private Schools (ED017)
August 27, 2020
Addendums to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
- Addendum 9: Contact Tracing Scenarios in Schools
- Addendum 10: Reframing and Reopening School Discipline Amidst COVID-19 Guidance
August 26, 2020
August 25, 2020
- Healthy Schools Start with Healthy Adults
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 14
- Hackers Eye Students Returning to Virtual Classes as Easy Targets
August 24, 2020
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
- Addendum 8: Fire and School Safety During COVID-19
August 21, 2020
August 20, 2020
- CT School Learning Model Indicators
- Free Yale University and CSDE Science of Well-Being Livestream Event for CT Students and Families
August 18, 2020
- Certification alerts: Emergency Educator Certification Endorsements for the 2020–21 School Year; Emergency Pathways to Temporary Special Education Authorizations for Para-Educators; ED2020 Form – Application for Temporary Emergency Authorizations
August 14, 2020
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
August 13, 2020
- Weekly update of indicators of COVID-19 community spread for schools
- Drinking Water Guidance for School and Childcare Facilities When Re-Opening After Extended Closures
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 12
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 13
August 12, 2020
- State Board of Education Actions
- FDA Warning – Hand Sanitizers
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
August 11, 2020
- Flexibilities for Implementing the CT Guidelines for Educator Evaluation 2017 for the 2020-2021 School Year
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Reopening Public Schools K-12, Volume 2
August 7, 2020
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
August 4, 2020
August 3, 2020
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
- Addendum 4: Interim Guidance for Decision-Making Regarding the Use of In-Person, Hybrid (Blended), or Remote Learning Models
- Flexible Staffing
- Domestic Violence Services and Resources for Students, Parents/Guardians and the School Community
July 31, 2020
- Educator Evaluation and Support Plan 2020-21 School Year
- OEC - Child Care Referral Assistance for Board of Education Employees
- OEC Provider Signage Health Screening Protocal
- Protocolo De Control De La Salud (Spanish)
- OEC Provider Signage Important COVID-19 Info
- Información Importante de Covid-19 (Spanish)
- OEC Provider Signage Keeping Us All Safe
- Cuidémonos Entre Todus (Spanish)
- OEC Provider Signage Must Wear Mask
- EL Personal Debe Usar Mascarillas (Spanish)
- OEC Provider Signage Stop Do You Feel Sick
- Residency Verification of Students Attending Interdistrict Choice Programs
July 30, 2020
Addendum to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
July 29, 2020
Addendums to Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together
- Addendum 1: Temporarily Opting into Voluntary Remote Learning Due to COVID-19 (Memo previously sent via COVID-19 Update on July 23)
- Addendum 2: COVID Guidance and Considerations for Preschool Located in Public Schools
- Addendum 3: Fall Reopening Resource Document for Students with High Needs
July 24, 2020
July 23, 2020
- Temporarily Opting Into Voluntary Remote Learning Due to COVID-19
- DPH Guidance for School Systems for the Operation of Central and non-Central Ventilation Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic
July 22, 2020
- Free K-12 Model Curriculum for Social Emotional Learning
- National Comprehensive Center Returning to School Toolkit for Principals
July 21, 2020
- Clarified Expectations for Connecticut School District Reopening Plans
- CSDE Reopen Schools Support Team 2020
July 17, 2020
July 16, 2020
- LAS Links Results Available on EdSight
- Promoting Financial Literacy in Middle School Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Webinar Series - Discussions on Equity and Anti-Racism
July 13, 2020
July 8, 2020
July 1, 2020
June 30, 2020
June 29, 2020
- Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together / Adaptar, Avanzar, Alcanzar: El Plan de Connecticut para Aprender y Crecer Juntos
June 26, 2020
June 25, 2020
June 19, 2020
- Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief (ESSER) Application for Funds
- IDEA Eligibility Extended Until Age 22
- Fall Immunization and Health Assessment Requirements: Fall 2020
June 18, 2020
June 15, 2020
June 12, 2020
June 10, 2020
- Bulk Purchasing of PPE for District
- Joint OEC/CSDE Memo: Transitioning to Kindergarten During a Public Health Emergency
- State Student Advisory Council on Education 2019-2020 Research Presentation on School Climate and Student Voice - CT State Board of Education Meeting - June 3, 2020
- Campaign for Grade Level Reading (CGLR) – Free Webinar
June 8, 2020
June 5, 2020
- Guidance Regarding Students Exiting Special Education Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Recommendations for a Supportive and Inclusive Registration System During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- CARES Act Funding: Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments
- 2021 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award nomination deadline extended to Friday, July 10, 2020
June 3, 2020
- CSDE and Office of Early Childhood Joint Letter – Staffed Family Child Care Networks
- Post-Retirement Reemployment for Educators
- CT Department of Transportation – Poster Contest for Keeping Buses Safe
June 2, 2020
- Rules for operating Summer School during COVID19
- Preparing for a Safe Return to Classroom Learning - Summer School Opening Plan
May 27, 2020
- Secure videoconferencing for schools from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Professional Support Series for Districts flier - Series 9
May 22, 2020
May 21, 2020
- Increased Access to Internet Coverage for Connecticut Residents
- Updates to Performance Office Data Collections Timely/Accurate Calendar
May 15, 2020
May 14, 2020
- Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Receives $111 Million in Coronavirus Relief Aid for Schools
- Learn from Home Task Force Update/Request
May 13, 2020
- Professional Support Series for Districts flier - Series 7
- Professional Support Series for Districts flier - Series 8
May 11, 2020
- Lt. Governor Bysiewicz launches COVID-19 coding computing challenge for 3-12 graders
- Resource for families: The Three Rs of Learning from Home: Routines, Relationships, Reassurance
May 6, 2020
- Professional Support Series for Districts flier - Series 6
- Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program: Student Address Data Collection
May 4, 2020
- A New Era in Educational Access and Advocacy – Position Statement
- State Level Priorities: Sustaining Local School District Capacity & Providing Equity and Access to a High Quality Education for All Children
May 1, 2020
- Today’s Students are Tomorrow’s Workforce
- Resources to Support Student Learning During School Closures Due to COVID-19 Vol. 4
- New “Talk It Out Line” helps with stress from caring for children during the COVID-19 crisis
April 29, 2020
- Completion of Teacher Negotiations Act Submission (formerly the ED003)
- Professional Support Series for Districts flier - Series 5
- Scholastic Education: Building Powerful Partnerships With Families Webinar Series
April 27, 2020
April 24, 2020
- Continued Educational Opportunities and Special Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic – Update #1
- Yale Child Study Center & Scholastic Collaborative's First Aid for Feelings free resource; Dav Pilkey's Dog Man book series & Scholastic Partnership
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 4
April 23, 2020
April 22, 2020
- Federal CARES Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund
- Professional Support Series for Districts - Series 3
April 21, 2020
April 17, 2020
April 15, 2020
- Learning at a Distance: Journeys of Connecticut Schools Three-part Live Webinar Series
- Temporary Flexibilities for Termination Processes - 45 Day Extension to Hearing Timeline
- Food Resources for Kids During COVID-19 Emergency
- Recursos Alimentarios Para Niños Durante
April 14, 2020
- CARES Act Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Executive Order 7R
- Pearson Remote Learning Resources for Teachers, Students & Parents: Math Resources; K-8 Math Resources; K-12 Literacy Resources;
- Volume 3: Resources to Support Distance Learning During School Closures Due to COVID-19
April 13, 2020
April 9, 2020
- Attendance Guidance and Ensuring Student Engagement during School Class Cancelations Due to COVID-19
April 8, 2020
April 7, 2020
- Grading, Graduation Requirements, and Prescribed Courses of Study
- Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other Student Privacy Considerations during the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 6, 2020
- Due Process Activities under IDEA during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year Information
- Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7R Regarding School Board Funding, Employees, and Contractors
- High-Quality Distance Learning Resources for English Learners
April 3, 2020
April 1, 2020
- COVID-19 Considerations for Distribution of Emergency Meals and Educational Materials/Supplies
- CSDE’s Partners in Education
- Continuidad de Oportunidades Educativas y Educación Especial durante la Pandemia de COVID-19
March 31, 2020
- Continued Educational Opportunities and Approved Private Special Education Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Volume 2: Resources to Support Distance Learning During School Closures Due to COVID-19
March 30, 2020
- CSDE launches Professional Learning Series for Districts and Professional Support Series for Families
March 27, 2020
March 26, 2020
- CSDE Financial FAQ
- SERC: SLD/Dyslexia Free Online Modules and Courses
- American School Counselor Association: Planning for Virtual/Distance School Counseling During an Emergency Shutdown; the School Counselor and Virtual School Counseling
- Temporary Extension of Educator Certificates and Coaching Permits
March 25, 2020
March 24, 2020
- Continued Educational Opportunities and Special Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Request for Personal Protective Equipment and Donation Form
March 23, 2020
- Urging States to Continue Educating Students with Disabilities, Secretary DeVos Publishes New Resource on Accessibility and Distance Learning Options
- Additional Resources:
- Mathematics Resources for Educators to Support Distance Learning
- Resources for Parents and Guardians to Support Distance Learning in Mathematics
- Tools and Resources for English Learners
- Temporary Flexibilities - Student Data Privacy Act (addresses contracting with technology vendors)
- Superintendent Q&A for the Commissioner
- Additional Resources:
- Connecticut Federal Assessment and Accountability Waiver
- Notice of Public Comment: If you would like to comment on CSDE’s waiver request as stated in the letter above, titled “Connecticut Federal Assessment and Accountability Waiver,” please email your comment to eseawaiver@ct.gov before Friday, April 10, 2020.
March 19, 2020
March 17, 2020
March 16, 2020
March 13, 2020
March 11, 2020
March 10, 2020
March 5, 2020
February 6, 2020
Resources for addressing trauma, violence, and grief
As educators, the safety and well-being of our students, colleagues, and school community is of paramount importance. Please share these resources with staff and families in your districts.
- Resources for addressing trauma, violence, and grief in the aftermath of a mass shooting
- Restoring a sense of well-being in children after a disaster (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress)
- After a loved on dies — how children grieve and how parents and other adults can support them (New York Life Foundation)
- Talking to children about violence (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Identifying seriously traumatized children (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Communication barriers and opportunities and related topics about death (Clinical Center, NIH)
- Guidelines for planning, suggestions, activities for memorials (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Guidelines on commemoration of students at time of graduation (National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement)
- Providing psychosocial support to children and families in the aftermath of disasters and crises (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Talking to children about terrorist attacks and school and community shootings (Coalition to Support Grieving Students)
- New York Life’s online resource for bereaved families