April 13, 2021

State Rep. Carney Votes to Support Improved Learning Tools for Students

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HARTFORD – State Representative Devin Carney (R-35) voted in support of two bill proposals brought before the Education Committee to focus on students’ well-being through the use of social-emotional learning while also addressing minimum standards for remote/distance learning.

“If any positive has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, it has helped emphasize the importance of focusing on issues relating to mental health,” Rep. Carney said.

HB-6557, the social-emotional learning proposal, would seek to implement the recommendations by the Social Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative and to integrate the principles of social-emotional learning and restorative practices into the provision of public education in Connecticut while also addressing the needs for mental health counselors in schools.

The distance learning piece, SB-977, would require the Department of Education to develop uniform standards for virtual learning in public schools by July 1, 2021. The department would be also required to complete a comprehensive audit of the virtual learning provided by local and regional boards of education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2019 and 2020 school years, determine what are/are not excused absences, and approve virtual learning platforms being used in school districts.

“Given the social and emotional rollercoaster many students have been forced to endure as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we as policy makers identify and address the needs of our students by placing even greater emphasis on their mental health needs,” Rep. Carney said. “By providing more social-emotional and behavioral support, we are working to put more safeguards in place in order to help address their overall well-being.”

The American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) recommends a counselor to student ratio of 1:250. Currently, Connecticut ranks 37th in the United States with a ratio of 1:457. HB-6557 will bring the ratio within the state in line with the ASCA’s recommendations.

Both bills were overwhelming approved by the Education committee and now move forward for further debate by the General Assembly.