News and Notes:  News Release
March 13, 2008

Topeka: New, continuing initiatives drive KLFA’s tenth-year agenda

The Kansas Learning First Alliance met March 13 to kick off its tenth year, and its first with its new mission statement, which is to unite the education community to improve our outstanding public education system, pre-K through higher education, to empower each Kansan to succeed in the diverse, interdependent world of the 21st century.  Almost 30 representatives from over 20 of its organizational members attended the meeting, held at the KASB office. 

Reports dominated the morning portion of the meeting.  Cheryl Semmel, executive director, United Schools Administrators gave a number of them, including updates on the Partnership for 21^st Century Skills, the upcoming Learning First meeting in Washington (six Kansans are attending); the Leadership Commission; and an ad hoc committee to look at better induction practices for new attendees. Other reports included an update of a Character Education grant; a Kansas City structured conversation sponsored by Public Agenda; the proposed Math and Science Advisory committee, and the McREL administrator training initiative being undertaken by KASB.

After the reports, members split into their workgroups.  KLFA uses three workgroups to meet its goals and objectives.  Each workgroup takes on initiatives that support those goals and objectives.  The three are student achievement, professional development and public engagement.  Members join the workgroup that interests them the most.

The next meeting is May 28, 2008 at KASB.