alliance for education history

In 1995, through a merger of three education-related organizations with similar goals, The Alliance for Education was formed. The objective of this new organization was to serve as a catalyst for change, a convener of community leadership, and a conduit for directing private resources – both dollars and expertise – toward critical needs in Seattle Public Schools. Sixteen years later, the Alliance remains dedicated to supporting and improving public education in Seattle, operating independently of the school district.

1995 Alliance for Education is established and a strong partnership is forged with the arrival of new Superintendent John Stanford. 1996 A city-wide reading campaign to make “Every Child a Reader” and the Principal Leadership Institute are launched. 1997 Volunteer teams contribute time to wire classrooms to the Internet and upgrade computer technology with donated materials. 1998 The John Stanford Endowment is established, initiating yearly “Breakthrough Grants” for elementary reading programs. 1999 New “career academics” are funded and launched as small, personalized learning communities in our large high schools. 2000 Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awards the Alliance $25 million for “transformation grants” for schools and major SPS technology upgrades. 2001 A new program to extend training to school leadership teams is launched. 2002 The Alliance is selected as one of five organizations to participate in the Public Education Network’s national “Teacher Quality Initiative.” 2003 A series of “community dialogues is launched that will ultimately engage more than 7,000 citizens on issues of school change, teaching quality, and small learning communities. 2004 In the face of district budget cuts, the Alliance expands support and helps sustain Seattle Public Schools’ nationally recognized science programs. 2005 The Alliance announces a new 3-year strategic plan that focuses on literacy, effective teaching, and addressing the needs in Seattle’s most “highly challenged” schools. 2006 Alliance announces two major grants, totaling $918,000, for science coaches to help teachers. 2007 Writers Workshop – Pilot Year 2008 Seattle School Board adopted “Excellence for All”, a five-year strategic plan. 2009   2010 United 35 diverse community groups and civic leaders forming the Our Schools Coalition and led a successful campaign to reform the 2010-2013 SPS teacher contracts. 2011