Connecticut: College and Career Policies

The State Board of Education approves educator preparation programs after commissioner presents program evaluated by the appointed review committee.

Connecticut House Bill No. 6292. An Act Concerning Teacher Education Programs — Under current law, the State Board of Education has established four professional teaching standards competency areas. The bill requires candidates to also complete training in how children learn and develop socially and emotionally. Programs should meet standards put forth by NCATE and be accredited. Connecticut state-approved educator programs may lead to a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree. All applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to meet educational requirements. If you completed an educator program in another state, you may still be eligible for a Connecticut teaching certificate.

Connecticut updated the Literacy/English Language Arts standards in 2010. The standards are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

Connecticut requires 4 credits of English to graduate.

A planned, sequential PK-12 comprehensive school health education addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of health and enables children and youth to become healthy and productive citizens and establish and practice health-enhancing behaviors over a lifetime. Curriculum is designed to motivate children and youth to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, reduce health-related risk behaviors and develop and demonstrate health-related knowledge, attitudes, skills and practices. Certified, highly qualified and effective teachers provide comprehensive school health education, which is one component of a coordinated approach to school health.

Connecticut updated the math standards in 2010. They are aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

Connecticut requires 4 credits of math to graduate.

Connecticut adopted the Smarter Balanced assessment, and also has the Connecticut Mastery test which is a standard assessment for grades 3-8 in reading, math, writing, and science; and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test for grade 10 in reading, math, writing, and science.

Planned, sequential PK-12 physical education provides psychomotor, cognitive and affective content and learning experiences that promote optimum personal development. Quality curriculum and instruction, provided in a safe, supportive environment, offer meaningful, challenging learning for all students, and result in lifetime learning outcomes of skills, literacy, and ability to understand concepts and develop plans for lifetime physical activity and wellness. Physical education is one component in a coordinated approach to school health. 

Connecticut follows The Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium standards which include five Professional Development Propositions.

Connecticut adopted Next Generation Science Standards in 2015.

Connecticut requires 3 credits of science to graduate.

Connecticut adopted the Smarter Balanced assessment, and also has the Connecticut Mastery test which is a standard assessment for grades 3-8 in reading, math, writing, and science; and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test for grade 10 in reading, math, writing, and science.