Charlene M. Russell-Tucker Commissioner | Connecticut Department of Education
Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker has announced an independent evaluation of the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) special education systems. The evaluation will be conducted by WestEd, a nationally recognized organization with expertise in special education.
This initiative follows Connecticut's fifth consecutive year receiving the highest designation from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) for compliance and results-based federal data indicators. Despite this recognition, public concerns about complaint response times prompted Commissioner Russell-Tucker to initiate this evaluation in April 2025 to ensure improvements in the system.
Governor Ned Lamont praised Commissioner Russell-Tucker for her proactive approach, stating, “Rather than being satisfied with the highest federal compliance results, Commissioner Russell-Tucker has recognized that our special education system needs a closer look, and she did not wait to act.” He expressed full support for this effort aimed at creating a more responsive system for students with disabilities.
Commissioner Russell-Tucker emphasized the importance of addressing concerns and taking action. She stated, “If just one of the 94,000 students with disabilities in our state is not receiving the services they are entitled to, that is one too many.”
WestEd’s team includes former state special education directors and national experts who have worked with all 50 state education agencies. Their task is to assess CSDE’s internal systems and provide evidence-based recommendations for improvement. This aligns with ongoing efforts by both the Governor and the General Assembly to enhance services for students with disabilities across Connecticut.
Rorie Fitzpatrick, WestEd Vice President of K-12 Systems, commented on their selection: "As an organization that envisions a future of thriving learners and empowered communities, WestEd is pleased to have been selected to support CSDE."
The evaluation is expected to conclude by December 2025 and will provide insights critical for informing future policy decisions.
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