News and Notes:  News Release
October 27 2011

Topeka: Common Core Standards Implementation Focus of KLFA Meeting

Implementation of the Common Core Standards (CCS) was a key focus of the Kansas Leaning First Alliance meeting Oct. 27, 2011.  KLFA work groups (Student Achievement and Professional Learning) devoted much of their efforts to plan for training of personnel in the field in conjunction with the Kansas State Department of Education.  The CCS training opportunities would start later this month and extend through next summer.

The Community Engagement continued their work in the development of their second Public Service Announcements (to see the first PSAs, click here). They are also strategically identifying additional partnerships that we might form.

The membership collectively tackled the evaluation of the KLFA Website using a Google Doc survey.  This data will be used to update the website. The Google Doc work also served as a professional learning activity for members.

The three groups work toward improving student achievement, strengthening the professional learning of educators, and engaging the public in school improvement and student achievement efforts. To focus their work, three general goals offer guidance.  They are:

*  KLFA will broadly disseminate its work to influence practitioners.

*  KLFA will increase its visibility among policy makers. 

*  KLFA will strengthen and increase its organizational capacity.

Almost 30 people from 20 of the member organizations were in attendance.  The meeting dates for the rest of the year are Jan. 5, 2012; March 8, 2012; and May 10, 2012.  All the meetings will start at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at KASB with the exception of the March meeting, which will be at KNEA.  KLFA will celebrate its 13th birthday at the January meeting.

For more information about KLFA, visit the KLFA Website and/or look for “Kansas Learning First Alliance” on Facebook.