CT Gov. Malloy, Education Cmsr. Outline Reform Plan

HARTFORD, CT (CBSNewYork / AP) - Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy presented his ideas for education reform today as state lawmakers get set to convene in Hartford next week for 2012 session.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story

The governor has said the session will be devoted to changes that, for one thing, will make it easier for kids to learn.

"I want that because we have the largest achievement gap in the nation and that we are failing a very sizable percentage of our students, particularly in some of our urban school systems. So, this is going to be big. It's going to be comprehensive," Malloy told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

Malloy says his plan will include revisions that will make it much easier for teachers coming into Connecticut to get certified there.

"Currently, teachers need to navigate a labyrinthine system to become certified when, in fact, we should be rolling out the red carpet," said Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor.

Gov. Malloy and Commissioner Pryor also think the state needs to remove much of the bureaucracy that makes it difficult for local districts to improve their schools.

They also want to change some requirements that local districts face for reporting data, which superintendents have said is cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming.

Malloy also is convening a seven-member task force to meet over the next year to suggest ways the state can reduce red tape in its educational system.

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