Connecticut House Bill HB05338

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/17
• Refer: 1/10/17

Caption

An Act Reducing Professional Development And In-service Training Requirements On Educators.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would directly affect chapters 166 and 170 of the general statutes, which outline the professional development requirements for educators in the state. By allowing only training that is pertinent to the educators' direct interactions with students, the bill seeks to enhance the relevance and applicability of training sessions, potentially improving the quality of education delivered. Proponents argue that this change can lead to more focused professional development that aligns closely with teachers' actual classroom experiences.

Summary

House Bill 05338, also known as the Act Reducing Professional Development And In-service Training Requirements On Educators, aims to amend existing statutes to limit the requirements for professional development and in-service training for teachers and school personnel. The bill stipulates that educators would only need to complete training related to the specific students with whom they have direct contact. This legislative proposal is driven by the intention to streamline the training process and reduce the burden of training requirements for educators.

Contention

Despite these intentions, the bill has sparked discussions regarding its potential implications on educational standards. Supporters of the bill emphasize that reducing mandatory training can alleviate the administrative burden on teachers and allow them more time to focus on actual teaching. However, critics raise concerns that limiting the scope of training could lead to a decrease in overall professional competency among educators. They argue that comprehensive training is essential for teachers to stay updated on educational best practices and innovative teaching strategies, which are necessary for effective instruction in increasingly diverse classroom environments.