The Learning First Alliance/Rhode Island

History:

Formed in 2007 as a state Learning First Alliance

Mission Statement:

The Learning First Alliance/Rhode Island believes that a public school education is the basic right of every child in a democratic society, the bedrock of the American Dream and the best hope for American success in the 21st Century. These beliefs unite a unique and diverse group of educational partners speaking with a single voice to advocate for public schools.

"Rhode Island Schools' Performance: Here's the Rest of the Story":

The Learning First Alliance/Rhode Island released a report in November 2007 detailing widespread improvement in the performance of Rhode Island's public schools. According to the report's Preface, "Nothing in this report is intended to imply that Rhode Island’s schools have completed the school improvement process. Rhode Island, like every other state, still has a great deal of work to do. It is important to note that RI educators are fully engaged in school improvement and that steady and significant progress is being made. By fostering this fundamental understanding, the Learning First Alliance/Rhode Island hopes to change the current dialogue about schools in RI from one characterized accusation to one characterized by mutual support."

Members:

• Association of Rhode Island Administrators in Special Education (ARAISE)
• National Center on Public Education & Social Policy (NCPE)
• Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP)
• National Education Association of Rhode Island (NEA-RI)
• Rhode Island Parent Teachers Association (RIPTA)
• Rhode Island Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (RI-ASCD)
• Rhode Island Association of School Committees (RIASC)
• Rhode Island Association of School Principals (RIASP)
• Rhode Island Middle Level Educators (RIMLE)
• Rhode Island School Superintendents' Association (RISSA)
• Rhode Island Skills Commission (RISC)
• Rhode Island School Counselor Association (RISCA)

For more information contact:

John R. Golden
Executive Director
Rhode Island Association of School Principals
phone: 401-272-9811, x18
fax: 401-272-9834
email: jgolden@riemc.org