Dr. Luizzi voices concerns over Connecticut’s “Right to Read” legislation, highlighting the success of local programs.
In a pointed critique of Connecticut’s statewide reading curriculum mandate, New Canaan Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bryan Luizzi joined Lisa Wexler on her radio talk show to discuss the ongoing controversy and New Canaan’s efforts to get a waiver from the less effective new state mandates.
“Students learning to read is a moral imperative for all of us,” Luizzi began, underscoring his support for the legislation’s focus on literacy. However, he quickly pointed out the shortcomings of the mandate, calling it a “blunt instrument” for a nuanced issue.
Luizzi highlighted the effectiveness of New Canaan’s existing programs, noting that prior to the pandemic, up to 90% of their third graders were reading at or above proficiency levels. “The work we do here is developed in house,” he said, emphasizing the district’s tailored approach to education.
The State of Connecticut, through its “Right to Read” legislation, is attempting to standardize reading instruction in public schools for grades Pre-Kindergarten through third grade.
The legislation systematizes a statewide response to literacy, including overseeing all state and local literacy efforts, setting curriculum requirements, providing professional development, hiring external literacy coaches, and coordinating with teacher preparation programs. The goal is to ensure that all Connecticut students are reading at or above grade level independently and proficiently by the end of the third grade.
School districts were given the opportunity to apply for waivers if they believed their existing reading programs were robust alternatives to the state-approved ones.
The state’s approach, however, has faced criticism, particularly from high-performing districts like Ridgefield, Greenwich, Westport, and New Canaan, which were denied waivers despite having some of the highest reading scores in the state.
The superintendent expressed concern over the denial of a waiver for New Canaan, despite their high performances. “It’s hard to reconcile,” Luizzi said, questioning the process and criteria used in granting waivers, which seemed to favor lower-performing districts.
Wexler pointed out the irony in high-performing districts being denied waivers while struggling districts received them. Luizzi concurred, adding that it’s not just about achieving high test scores, but also about nurturing a love for reading in students. “If it’s drill and kill, we’re not going to get there,” he remarked.
Luizzi also touched on the importance of teacher autonomy. “Our teachers…adapt the program to the kids in front of them,” he said, stressing the role of creativity and freedom in teaching. He criticized the notion of replacing individualized curriculum with commercial programs, calling it an abdication of responsibility.
Towards the end of the interview, Luizzi revealed his plans to engage with the state’s Department of Education, proposing a blue-ribbon panel from top-performing districts to examine best practices. “First and foremost, we’re responsible to our kids,” he concluded.
The conversation with Luizzi reflects a growing debate in Connecticut over state mandates and local control in education, with implications for how districts balance state guidelines with the unique needs of their students.
As this issue unfolds, Luizzi’s stance and New Canaan’s serious concerns about the state mandate are likely to remain central to the discussion.
