Testimony of Dr. Christopher M. Bogart in Opposition to Raised Bill No. 7277

April 19, 2025

Testimony regarding Raised Bill No. 7277

An Act Concerning the Provision of Special Education in CT

Testimony of Dr. Christopher M. Bogart

In Opposition to Raised Bill 7277 

Before the Special Education Select Committee 

Connecticut General Assembly 

Dear Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, Representative Khan, and Members of the Special Education Select Committee:

My name is Dr. Christopher Bogart. I am a clinical psychologist and Executive Director of Sasco River Center, a multidisciplinary practice serving children with disabilities and their families throughout Connecticut. I write to you not only as a provider, but as someone who has had the privilege of walking alongside families whose children have complex learning, emotional, and developmental needs.

I want to express deep concern about several provisions in Raised Bill 7277. While I understand the desire to streamline and improve special education services, parts of this bill risk unintended harm to the very children we are all trying to support.

Children are sometimes placed in out-of-district programs not because families want something “better,” but because those children are failing—academically, socially, and emotionally—in environments that cannot meet their needs. I have seen students go from silent, anxious, and withdrawn to joyful and engaged once they are placed in settings that truly fit. These placements can be life-changing—not just educationally, but emotionally and developmentally.

Approximately 7,500 students in our state are placed out-of-district through their IEPs. These are not loopholes; they are lifelines. Suggesting otherwise overlooks the daily reality for students who simply cannot thrive in their public-school environments, despite the best efforts of dedicated educators.

Several aspects of this bill raise concern:

• – The proposed definition of “unilateral placement” removes vital protections for families and contradicts federal law.
• – The “more appropriate” standard places an unnecessary and confusing burden on families and schools alike—IDEA only requires placements to be appropriate.
• – Shifting the burden of proof onto families during due process hearings risks silencing parents who lack access to legal or expert resources and further compounds their already overwhelming stress.
• – Asking hearing officers to consider placements not even discussed by the child’s educational team introduces speculation and undermines fair process.

As a psychologist, I see firsthand how the educational system profoundly impacts a child’s sense of self. When school isn’t working, it’s not just grades that suffer—it’s confidence, motivation, and mental health. Our responsibility should be to reduce barriers for these students, not raise new ones.

Please reconsider the unintended consequences of Raised Bill 7277. Let’s work together to support policies that reflect both legal integrity and developmental understanding—ensuring that every child in Connecticut has access to a learning environment where they can thrive.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Warmly,

Christopher Bogart, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Executive Director, Sasco River Center