Transforming Learning
The Learning First Alliance is a partnership of 16 national level education organizations representing 10 million members dedicated to improving student learning every day. This blog is no longer being updated.
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
Inside the Mind of a Bully
ASCA Executive Director Kwok-Sze Wong reminds us that bullies themselves are a vital key in bullying prevention efforts, offering several strategies to help change the behavior of students who bully.
School & District Management
Opinion
We Are All in This Together
NSPRA Executive Director Rich Bagin celebrates the "all-in" approach that communities around the country are taking to meet the diverse needs of many of their children.
Teacher Preparation
Opinion
Supporting the Early-Career Principal
NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti asks us to provide principals the support they need to lead the schools we all want.
Families & the Community
Opinion
Scaling the School Wall
AASA Executive Director Dan Domenech offers suggestions to help community groups and nonprofits "scale the school wall" - form partnerships with schools to support the education of the total child.
Assessment
Opinion
Plan Student Assessment With Common Core in Mind
The implementation of Common Core State Standards affects both instruction and assessment of students. Kate Garrison, AMLE author and director of professional development with Measured Progress, offers suggestions for successfully assessing students with CCSS in mind.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Common Core Implementation Requires Building Educator Capacity
Learning Forward's Tracy Crow reminds us that when we ask educators to shift what they teach and how they teach, we must acknowledge that they'll need deep and sustained professional learning to build new knowledge and skills.
School & District Management
Opinion
'Won't Back Down': Turning Around a Failing School Is Everyone's Business
NSBA Executive Director Anne Bryant reminds us that in most public schools, teachers, administrators, and school boards are working together to ensure that all children receive a strong public education.
Professional Development
Opinion
Strong School Leaders Key to Solving Digital Age Education Challenges
ISTE CEO Brian Lewis reminds us that to develop pragmatic solutions to digital age challenges, school leaders need opportunities to thoughtfully explore and discuss options, as well as learn from each other.
Families & the Community
Opinion
Partners Needed at the State Level to Effect Long-Term Change
NASBE President Gayle Manchin urges states to leverage their boards of education in promoting the importance of school-community partnerships.
Standards
Opinion
To Innovate, Look to Those Who Educate
Marla Ucelli-Kashyap shares examples of how AFT's Innovation Fund is investing in creative ideas by practitioners, for practitioners, to solve problems.
Personalized Learning
Opinion
Working as a Team for Student Success: The Middle to High School Transition
William D. Waidelich, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), reminds us that the transition from middle school to high school requires the focus of parents and educators working together throughout the school year.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Parents Agree: Funding Shortfalls Shortchange Students, Families, and Communities
National PTA President Betsy Landers calls on parents to demand better education for our nation's children that is both equitably financed and reflective of our nation's shared interest.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Getting the Facts Straight on Preparing Educators
AACTE President and CEO Sharon Robinson urges the higher education community, k12 educators, policymakers and others to get the facts straight and move together beyond the persistent doubts about the efficacy of educator preparation.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Why I Want to Teach: The Voice of a Young Teacher
Sarah Nicholas, recent high school graduate and National Student President of the Future Educators Association® (part of the PDK International Family of Associations), explains why she wants to go into teaching.