Alliance for Education is committed to the promise of public education—a quality education for every student in every school. We strongly believe that by fostering high academic achievement, closing the achievement gap, empowering educators, and engaging the community our schools will be able to deliver on this promise. It's an ambitious goal—and, well within our reach.

In 2004, the Alliance gathered input from school and community partners and took part in the school district's long-range planning process. This process informed our new three-year strategic plan. By working together with Seattle Public Schools, we keep our shared goal of "all students achieving" firmly in sight.

Our 2005-2007 Strategic Plan places its focus on three essential and inter-related strategic goals:

Goal 1: Every Student a Great Reader
Reading is a key to student academic success. And, engaging young children in literacy-related activities at home or preschool provides an essential ready-to-learn foundation before starting kindergarten.

Goal 2: A Great Teacher in Every Classroom
Vital to student achievement, effective teaching is, in fact, the most significant predictor of a student's success. Our schools need better systems to help recruit, support, and retain great teachers—especially in our most highly challenged schools.

Goal 3: A Great School for Every Student
We can no longer allow our schools to work for some students but not for others. The achievement gap is evident in every school in Seattle and is most pronounced in our highly challenged schools in the city's south end. We must close this gap.

Adding a sense of urgency to these goals is Washington State's requirement that by 2008 all students must meet rigorous academic standards in order to receive a diploma. Focusing our resources on the two most critical factors for student success—reading and effective teaching—while placing stronger emphasis on our highly challenged schools is key to making sure all students achieve.

Related Resources

www.k12.wa.us

www.publiceducation.org

www.seattleschools.org