Governor Announces the State Department of Education’s New Model Curricula
Governor Ned Lamont’s Office:Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker today announced the release of phase one of Connecticut’s new model curricula for educators statewide. The first phase includes math curriculum for grades 6 to 8, and financial literacy curriculum for grades 6 to 12. These resources will be available to all Connecticut educators at no cost through GoOpenCT, Connecticut’s digital library.
Last year, Governor Lamont signed into law Public Act 21-2, which requires the Connecticut State Department of Education to develop, for the first time, age appropriate and rigorous model curricula to supplement existing local curricula. Model curricula development is done through collaboration with the State Education Resource Center, subject matter experts, district officials, educators, and additional stakeholders. With this implementation, Connecticut becomes one of 19 “open education resource” states in the nation.
“Connecticut continues to be a leader in public education, and the accessibility and evidence-based nature of these curricula are no exception,” Governor Lamont said. “These curricula will supplement the amazing work already happening in our school districts and promote student success.”
“Connecticut has a beautifully diverse student body of more than a half-a-million students,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “The monumental rollout of this model curriculum will strengthen our schools and improve outcomes for students. Whether in an urban, rural, or suburban district, all educators will have free access to high-quality curricula and instructional resources. Thank you to the department staff, educators, district officials, and stakeholders involved in this ongoing work.”
“This is a historic moment for the department and all Connecticut teachers and students,” Connecticut State Department of Education Chief Academic Officer Irene Parisi said. “We are designing an ecosystem created by teachers for teachers, where everyone will have access to high-quality academic content to match the diversity and need of their classroom anytime, anywhere. Students will have increased opportunity to engage in deeper learning that is focused, rigorous, and relevant.”
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 9; State Positivity Rate, Hospitalizations Up
The State Department of Public Health reported 9 more cases in Westport over the past day. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 7.68% while hospitalizations were up 15 patients, with 165 patients currently hospitalized for COVID-19 throughout the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 4,336 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 36 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 7.68% [up from 7.35%]
State Hospitalizations: 165 patients [+15]
Westport Man Arrested after Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards Stolen from Riverside Avenue
Westport Police Department: On November 11, 2021, at approximately 4:10 p.m., Westport Police officers responded to the office building at 274 Riverside Avenue on a report of a burglary. The complainant stated that the crime took place sometime between 7:30 p.m. on November 9 and 8:30 a.m. on November 10. Various items including cash, credit cards and checks were stolen. The suspect reportedly attempted to deposit one of the stolen checks but was not successful.
On November 13, 2021, at approximately 8:55 a.m., officers again responded to 274 Riverside Avenue on a report of a burglary. It was determined that this burglary also occurred between November 9 and November 10. Multiple credit/debit cards were stolen as well as over $2,000 in cash.
On January 27, 2022, Westport detectives were executing a search warrant on a motor home owned by Zachary Elson in connection with another case in which he was a suspect. During this search several items taken in the above two burglaries were found.
Based on the investigation, two warrants for the arrest of Zachary Elson were completed and signed by a Superior Court Judge.
On the morning of April 19, 2022, Mr. Elson was arrested by Westport detectives. Per the warrants, he was charged with two counts of Burglary in the Third Degree, Larceny in the Third Degree, Larceny in the Fourth Degree, two counts of Criminal Attempt at Larceny in the Fifth Degree and two counts of Forgery in the Third Degree. He was held on bonds totaling $200,000.00 and arraigned at Stamford Superior Court later that same day.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 40. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tomorrow
Partly sunny, with a high near 58. Light southeast wind becoming south 9 to 14 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. South wind 5 to 9 mph.