Resources for State Alliances

Why form a State Learning First Alliance?

Reasons for Collaboration

Participants in the Learning First Alliance’s National Summit on Public Schools in 21st-Century America identified important reasons for collaboration between public education associations:

Carry Common Messages about Public Education. State education association leaders who participated in the Summit said that different associations should work together to establish a consistent, common voice on public education. They argued that such collaboration is essential to promoting a more constructive public conversation on public schooling.

Collaborate on a Shared Vision for Public Schools. State leaders underscored the need for education associations to band together around a compelling vision for public schools in the new century. For example, they maintained that public education advocates could rally around a vision of education that addresses the needs of the whole child—especially at a time when state and federal policies often foster a much narrower vision of schooling. The whole child vision could include an insistence on better assessments that measure what matters in a complex global society, broad, relevant curricula, or more powerful school/community relationships.

Focus on the Big, Worthwhile Goals. Collaboration among educational organizations within a state can lead to bigger outcomes than any one organization could have achieved by itself. By coming together, organizations expand their capacity to influence educational ideas and leverages resources in new and efficient ways.

Move Organizations to Larger Purposes. Collaboration among diverse organizations means that differences will be left at the door and groups concentrate on the larger issues of agreement that affect the health of public education. State leaders at the Summit warned against focusing exclusively on small, short-term battles at the expense of the larger war. State alliances’ small legislative victories can certainly be important, but alliances should not forget the larger work of strengthening public support for public schools and improving education for every child.