December 16, 2011

REP. RITTER SAYS CLOSING ACHIEVEMENT GAP
FOR HARTFORD STUDENTS IS A PRIORITY FOR 2012
Sees universal pre-school education as key to success

State Representative Matthew Ritter (D-Hartford, Bloomfield) told parents of school age children and others in attendance at a recent neighborhood meeting that investing in universal pre-school is the best way to help close the education achievement gap for students in Hartford. He said moving toward that goal will be one of his top priorities for the 2012 legislative session which convenes in February.

Ritter made his remarks while addressing about 50 people at a town hall style meeting on education earlier this week hosted by the West End Civic Association at the United Methodist Church on Farmington Ave.

“There is much debate about the best way to close the unacceptable achievement gap, however one thing that experts agree on is the need for universal pre-school education,” Ritter said. “We need to focus on the preparation gap. By focusing on our three and four year-olds, we can make major progress in closing the achievement gap in the long-term.”

Ritter was joined at the meeting by Hartford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto as well as other city education leaders including principals of Hartford Public High School, Classical Magnet High School, Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School and Jumoke Academy Charter School. 

Earlier this year, Ritter was recognized by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for his work on legislation aimed at improving the educational, health and emotional well-being of young children. “Whether it’s early childhood education, after school programs or healthcare for children, all these areas deserve our resources, and frankly make a great long term investment for taxpayers,” Ritter said.