Major Education Alliance Announces Election of New Chair

WASHINGTON, July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Learning First Alliance
(LFA) announced that Brenda Welburn, executive director of the National
Association of State Boards of Education, became its 2008/2009 chair on July
1, 2008.

"The Learning First Alliance has made great strides in its work to strengthen
public schools for every child," said Welburn. "In the coming year, we will
work together to advance an inspiring vision of what schools can and should be
in the 21st century." Welburn noted that the Alliance had launched a robust
web-based effort at www.publicschoolinsights.org to communicate a fresh,
21st-century vision for public schools, with real examples of schools and
districts that are already realizing aspects of this vision.

"The Learning First Alliance represents the millions of people -- parents,
educators and policymakers -- who work for public school children every day,"
said LFA executive director Claus von Zastrow. "Together, they have the
insight and the power to promote innovation and excellence in every public
school, and to enrich the national discussion about school improvement." Von
Zastrow observed that the Alliance had increased the size of its membership
and expanded its network of state education alliances. State alliances are
voluntary partnerships of state education associations that collaboration to
improve public schools in their states.

"Americans are looking for innovative and practical solutions to our biggest
educational challenges," said Welburn. "Educators and community members are
already implementing such solutions in outstanding schools and districts
across the country. If we do everything we can to support and promote them,
these innovations will add up to an exciting future for public education."

Welburn assumes the chair from John Wilson, executive director of the National
Education Association. The position rotates among leaders of LFA member
organizations.

LFA is a permanent partnership of 18 leading education associations with more
than 10 million members dedicated to improving student learning in America's
public schools. Alliance members include: the American Association of
Colleges for Teacher Education, American Association of School Administrators,
American Association of School Personnel Administrators, American Federation
of Teachers, American School Counselor Association, Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development, Association of School Business
Officials International, Council of Chief State School Officers, National
Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary
School Principals, National Association of State Boards of Education, National
Education Association, National Middle School Association, National School
Public Relations Association, National Staff Development Council, National
PTA, National School Boards Association and Phi Delta Kappa International.

SOURCE Learning First Alliance

Claus Von Zastrow of The Learning First Alliance, +1-202-296-5220