{
	"type": "rich",
	"version": "1.0",
	"provider_name": "Action Network",
	"provider_url": "https://actionnetwork.org",
	
	"html": "<link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/invest-in-our-students-by-investing-in-paraeducators-3?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-invest-in-our-students-by-investing-in-paraeducators-3' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div>",
	"author_name": "Connecticut AFL-CIO",
	"author_url": "https://actionnetwork.org/groups/connecticut-afl-cio",
	"title": "Invest in our Students by Investing in Paraeducators",
	"thumbnail_url": "https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg",
	"description": "UPDATE: Despite having bipartisan support, legislation to invest in paraeducators was never voted on in the Appropriations Committee before their deadline. But we&#x27;re not giving up. Your legislators need to hear from you about the urgent need to prioritize paraeducators this legislative session. We cannot wait another year. Contact your legislators today and urge them to invest in paraeducators by including funding for paraeducators in the budget. -------------- Paraeducators play an essential role in educating our kids. They often have the closest working relationships with students and assist those who need the most support, however, they are rarely prioritized. Pay rates, health care coverage, retirement benefits and professional development opportunities are substandard. They can also encounter safety issues when working with students who have behavioral issues and when classrooms are understaffed. Often, they are unable to attend Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings to develop or review Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for special education students, even though they are the ones who must implement the IEPs. Most school districts fail to provide meaningful professional development to enhance their skills and effectiveness. Investing in our students by investing in paraeducators means the state budget should include the following: paraeducators be paid a living wage; school districts to provide affordable health care through the CT State Partnership Plan 2.0; school districts to provide defined benefit pensions; that paraeducators be full participants in PPT and 504 meetings from the beginning, including in the planning and preparation for these meetings; the $1.8 million appropriation made last year to school districts to assist them in delivering paraeducator professional development be made permanent; And more! Including guidance on training, para members to serve on professional development committees, and creation of best practices. Sponsored by a coalition of unions supporting and representing paraeducators:",
	"url": "https://act.aflcio.org/letters/invest-in-our-students-by-investing-in-paraeducators-3"
}