Connecticut is invested in your district's SEL success

The CSDE has partnered Aperture Education to support your SEL programs, offering the Aperture System, including the DESSA at no cost

SEL Assessment

THE APERTURE SYSTEM

The easiest and most reliable SEL screening and prevention program

Strength-Based

We start with strengths to equip students with the skills to thrive.

Data Driven

We provide the insights needed to make a difference in every students life.

Guided Implementation

We walk beside you every step of the way.

Comprehensive Support

We are your SEL advisor and partner to ensure

Partnership Impact

BY THE NUMBERS

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ASSESSMENTS

CSDE educators have performed more than 400,000 assessments and counting.

DISTRICTS

75 CSDE are already participating in the initiative with more on the way.

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STUDENTS RATED

Over 140,000 unique student ratings have been completed measuring SEL skills.

FAQ

ASK US ANYTHING

What Is Covered By CSDE?

The Connecticut State Department of Education will cover the cost of all training and onboarding of the Aperture SEL System, the DESSA, the DESSA-mini, reporting, and support.

Who Is Eligible?

All public school districts in the state of Connecticut are eligible to apply to use the Aperture SEL System.

How Do I Sign Up My School?

Each district must have a representative join an information session. After attending the session, application materials will be made available. Depending on district size, consultation will be provided about number of schools requested to participate.

What Is The Timeline To Join?

We are accepting cohort participation on a rolling basis. Reach out to Lisa-Anne Williams through her calendar link here for further information about upcoming cohorts and whether this is a good fit for your district.

Why Is CSDE Providing This?

Click here to read press release.

What Does The State Need For My District?

District Commitment Form

Communication For Parents

As part of participation, districts will receive guidance and resources to support communication with families and guardians about the SEL assessment initiative and the Aperture System.

To review some of the resources available, including parent letters and at-home activities to get families involved in their student’s skill development, go to Aperture’s Parent Portal

Participating Districts

Current No. of Districts: 88

Cohort 1

Naugatuck Public Schools
New Beginnings Family Academy
Consolidated School District of New Britain
New Fairfield School District
Odyssey Community School
Plainfield Public Schools
Plainville Community School District
Regional School District 17
Side by Side Charter School

Cohort 2

Madison Public Schools
Marlborough Public Schools
Middletown Public Schools
Norwich Public Schools
Old Saybrook Public Schools
Putnam Public Schools
Regional School District 12
Regional School District 14
Stamford Public Schools

Cohort 3

East Hampton School District
Eastford School District
Explorations Charter School
Granby Public Schools
Lebanon Public School District
New London Public School District
Norwalk Public Schools
Pomfret Community Schools
Portland Public School District
Regional School District 13

Cohort 4

Cohort 5

Our K-12 System

Aperture System Overview

Click the video to learn more about the Aperture System and the DESSA.

Aperture Education and CDSE

CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM

Lisa-Anne Williams, M. Ed.

Director of Strategic Partnerships
Aperture Education

Kimberly S. Traverso, LPC

State Education Consultant and Program Manager
Connecticut State Department of Education

About Us

Aperture Education provides the DESSA, a social and emotional rating scale that assesses students’ social and emotional skills and measures the impact of SEL initiatives. Over 8,000 schools and programs use the DESSA for data-driven SEL decision-making.