Defined in Connecticut

Defined connects classrooms to careers through deeper learning. Our vision is to transform learning environments where every student discovers their potential through authentic learning experiences that bridge education and future success. Explore how the Defined ecosystem aligns with and supports career-connected deeper learning in Connecticut!

Connecticut & Defined

Defined & Connecticut Alignment

Alignment with Connecticut Standards

Defined’s content aligns with Connecticut's Core Standards (CCS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) adopted by Connecticut, and the Connecticut Computer Science Standards. In addition, Defined supports the Connecticut Social, Emotional, and Intellectual Habits Framework, helping students build transferable knowledge and essential future-ready skills through authentic, career-connected applications.

In addition, Defined reinforces statewide initiatives including the Connecticut Vision for Personalized Learning, Student Success Plan, and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. By connecting classroom learning to real-world career exploration, goal setting, and readiness benchmarks, Defined helps districts ensure students are prepared for success in college, career, and life. Our comprehensive ecosystem of career-connected deeper learning resources empowers schools to advance their Portrait of a Graduate or locally defined graduate profiles through high-quality content and assessments aligned to Connecticut's priorities.

Career-Connected Learning

Defined’s comprehensive career-connected learning platform aligns with the Connecticut College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards, Connecticut’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) frameworks, and supports the goals of Connecticut’s Perkins V State Plan. Our resources help districts strengthen the implementation of CTE by connecting academic learning to Connecticut’s 12 career clusters, Programs of Study, and industry-aligned pathways, ensuring students explore opportunities tied to the state’s workforce and economic priorities.

Through engaging hands-on and minds-on projects across all career clusters and pathways, students build career awareness, reflect on their skills and interests, and gain authentic experiences across industries. Defined also supports districts in advancing the Connecticut Student Success Plan and meeting state expectations for career-connected learning, equipping students with the knowledge and transferable skills needed to make informed decisions about their futures—whether entering the workforce, pursuing postsecondary education, or both.

Defined Careers Elementary School

Computer Science & STEM

From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, today’s challenges demand strong computer science and STEM skills. Defined helps Connecticut educators prepare K–12 students for these high-demand fields through career-connected, deeper learning experiences that bridge classroom concepts with real-world applications.

Defined’s engaging projects align with the Connecticut Core Standards for Mathematics, the Connecticut Science Standards (NGSS), and the Connecticut Computer Science Standards, supporting statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality STEM and computer science education. Our resources also advance the goals of Connecticut’s STEM Education Strategic Plan, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, and Student Success Plan, sparking student interest in computer science and STEM careers while equipping them with the future-ready skills needed for success in college, career, and life.

Notable Partnerships in Connecitcut

Explore Our Engaging Career-Connected Projects

Defined provides K-12 career-connected learning opportunities for every student. Our extensive course catalog contains standards-aligned academic programming across all grade levels and subject areas. Our projects actively engage students in hands-on experiences that offer a real-world perspective, mirroring the work of industry professionals to expand career exploration for all students. Check out a few Defined Learning and Defined Careers projects below!

Defined Careers Grades K-2

Computer Programmer: App Designer

Students take on the role of an App Designer to create a fun and engaging app for students to use during indoor recess. This app should be educational and something students can play together.

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Defined Learning Grades 2-3 Math

Backpack Designer

In this task, students will explore how math and engineering play a significant role in product design. They will be measuring to ¼ inch and determining areas to help design and manufacture a backpack for a specific audience.

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Defined Careers Grades 3-5

Veterinary Assistant

Students step into the role of a Vet Assistant. Vet Assistants work with pets and their owners. They help take care of sick and hurt pets. Part of their job is to teach pet owners how to care for their pets to keep them from getting sick. Students make sure pet owners have the information they need to keep their pets healthy.

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Defined Learning Grades 3-5 Life Science

Wildlife Biologist: Bats

Students step into the role of a wildlife biologist studying bats. Acting as an expert, students explore the important role bats play in the environment while working to dispel common myths about these fascinating and beneficial creatures. Students will also explain how bats use echolocation to navigate and survive. Their ultimate goal: to get the public excited about welcoming bats into the neighborhood!

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Defined Careers Grades 6-8

Biomedical Engineers

Students apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

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Defined Learning Grade 6 Math

Food Truck Entrepreneur

In this task, students will be creating their own food truck. Students make informed decisions about the food they'll be serving, the truck, and their business strategies. Additionally, students will create equations to create a fuel expense chart and determine profit and income for a monthly budget.

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Defined Careers Grades 9-12

Game Designer

Students step into the role of a Game Designer, designing core features of video games. This role includes specifying innovative game and role-play mechanics, storylines, and character biographies; creating and maintaining design documentation; and guiding and collaborating with production staff to produce games as designed.

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Defined Learning Grades 9-12 Biology

Forensic Entomologist

Students take on the role of a Forensic Entomologist helping the production staff of a new streaming series create a show focused on forensic science, and specifically how forensic entomology can help to solve crimes.

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Read the Research

Explore how Defined is connecting classrooms to careers through career-connected deeper learning in Connecticut!

Connecticut Defined Difference Makers

Connecticut educators Laura Gray and Jennifer Sherman from Great Path Academy recently won our Defined Difference Makers Competition! Click below to learn more about their stories and how they're transforming their classrooms through authentic, career-connected learning experiences using Defined's platforms.

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Symposium: Building Tomorrow's Skills Today: Career-Connected Learning

Webinar: Driving Student Success with Career-Connected Learning

In this Symposium, education leaders and administrators from across the country, including the Chief Academic Officer of the Connecticut State Department of Education, dive into how schools and districts are providing students with meaningful career-connected learning opportunities that build critical future-ready skills and expand career pathways.

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Research Brief: Defined Learning in Connecticut School 2024-25

2024/25 Research Brief: Defined Learning in Connecticut Schools

Examine the implementation and impact of Defined Learning in Connecticut schools including how the platform has influenced student engagement, skill development, equity, and more.

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Case Study: Using Defined Learning to Enhance Project-Based Learning Experiences in a Rural School District

Case Study: Using Defined Learning to Enhance PBL Experiences in a Rural School District

In this case study, learn how Stafford Public Schools in Connecticut incorporated Defined Learning into their classrooms to enhance the project-based learning experience leading to improved student engagement and outcomes.

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Research Brief: Defined Learning in Connecticut School 2023/24

2023/24 Research Brief: Defined Learning in Connecticut Schools

Explore the impact of Defined Learning across Connecticut schools, including increases in student engagement, teamwork and collaboration skills, communication skills, overall academic performance, and more.

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White Paper: Early STEM Exposure Through Career-Focused PBL

Learn how schools and districts across the country, including Naugatuck Public Schools in Connecticut, are providing students with opportunities to connect STEM skills to the real world exposing them to possible career paths and expanding their vision of what is possible in life.

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Webinar: Supporting Teachers in Their Shift to Project-Based Learning

Educators and administrators from Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut share practical tools to assist teachers in making the shift to career-connected deeper learning through project-based learning.

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White Paper: Implementing Competency-Based Education in K-12

Learn how two districts, including Naugatuck Public Schools in Connecticut, successfully transitioned to competency-based education (CBE) letting students design a customized learning path that suits their strengths, creativity, and abilities.

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Interested in learning more about how Defined can support Connecticut's goals and initiatives?

Ready to see how Defined can transform education in your school or district? Request a demo with Connecticut's designated partnerships representative today and witness how our platform bridges classroom learning with future success.

Connecticut Reps