A survey of school principals in Connecticut revealed that a majority of the state’s schools are overcrowded, deteriorating, and technologically inadequate, according to the Connecticut Education Association.
The C.E.A.'s survey, which was sponsored with the cooperation of several other major education groups in the state, was designed to assess the infrastructure needs of public schools there.
Nearly 50 percent of the primary schools in the state are overcrowded, most of the buildings are more than 25 years old, and schools have on average one computer for every 14 students, according to the 900 principals responding to the survey.
In addition, students from low-income families attend older, more crowded schools with fewer teachers than do children from more advantaged backgrounds, the survey found.
In reaction to the findings, which were released last month, the survey’s sponsors have convened a task force to encourage state and local leaders to develop a plan for improving the schools.
The Kentucky School Boards Association has established its own educational foundation to support programs pertaining to school governance and to increase public awareness of educational needs around the state.
The foundation, which was launched earlier this year, is expected to solicit funds and seek grants and endowments for a variety of projects that assist school district officials and bolster support for public education.
The K.S.B.A. Pathfinder Series, which brings together parents, community agencies, and school leaders to discuss issues affecting children, is one of the programs the foundation is endorsing.
The U.S. Education Department’s office of educational research and improvement has published a guide designed to help school districts recruit more women and minority candidates for positions in educational administration.
The guide, which includes a list of national, state, and local resources, also explains how districts can compile demographic information and develop leadership and recruitment programs for both entry-level and experienced administrators.
Copies of the manual, “Strengthening Support and Recruitment of Women and Minorities to Positions in Educational Administration,’' are available for $13 by writing: New Orders, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15250-7954. The stock number is 065-000-00546-8.--J.R.
