The Learning First Alliance

According to USA Today, on Monday , September 29, 1997, in an article by Tamara Henry, a new alliance of 12 major education groups has been formed. It is called "The Learning First Alliance." The article cited "concern that public schools may not survive another barrage of attacks" as the reason the coalition was formed.

The goals of the Alliance are:

• To establish tougher course work for all students
• To make sure schools are safe learning environments
• To forge a network of parents and community workers

The first project, according to Don Cameron of the National Education Association, is to bring education's front-line workers to Washington in January for a summit on improving reading and math achievement.

Members of the Alliance, representing 10 million people, mentioned in the article:

• National Education Association with 2.3 million members
• American Federation of Teachers
• National Congress of Parents and Teachers
• National Associations for both Elementary and Secondary School Principals
• National School Boards Association

According to the article, Alliance members say the voucher movement could undermine public schools.

Contributed by Terri Bryson

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