CEA President Phil Apruzzese, along with CEA Education Issues Specialist Linette Branham (left), testified before the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee on September 27.

It has been two decades since the state legislative spotlight has focused on Connecticut’s Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) program.  But BEST is sure to command the attention of lawmakers in the upcoming 2008 legislative session.

BEST was conceived back in 1986, as part of the state’s Education Enhancement Act.  While BEST had worthwhile goals, CEA has promoted changes to the program over the years.  In recent years, teacher concerns about the program have intensified.  In response, last winter, CEA submitted a request to the Legislative Program Review and Investigations Committee to conduct a review of the BEST program.

The CEA request fell on responsive ears and the committee currently is examining the BEST program.  At this writing, the committee had scheduled a public hearing in late September to help lawmakers ascertain the current condition of the beginning educator program.  When the full legislature convenes, additional hearings are expected, and CEA will be counting on members to participate and tell their personal stories about BEST.

CEA President Phil Apruzzese said, “Lawmakers are very interested in BEST, how it is implemented, and what teachers believe are the strengths and weaknesses of the program.  We have gathered information from our members, indicating a great need for a support and assessment program that aligns with the developmental stage of a new teacher.  Unfortunately, to date, these suggestions for change and improvement of the program have not been implemented.”

Teachers are urged to get additional information from Linette Branham at CEA (linetteb@cea.org).

September 2007 BEST report to Program Review Committee