| Alabama
A+
A+ is composed of two organizations: The A+ Education Foundation and A+ Coalition
for Better Education. The A+ Education Foundation is dedicated to the pursuit
of excellence in public education in Alabama at the K-12 level. It is involved
studies and hands-on efforts to work with and for schools, school systems, and
individual educators committed to excellence in education. A+: The Coalition for
Better Education describes itself as a grassroots, citizen-based advocacy organization.
The group states that it is dedicated to working for comprehensive education reform
in Alabama. The A+ Coalition was established seven years ago by a diverse group
of Alabama citizens committed to bringing about educational excellence in the
state. Chairman: William E. Smith, Jr.
P.O. Box 4433
Montgomery, Alabama
36103
Phone: (334) 279-1886 or (800) 253-8865
Fax: (334) 279-1543 Fax
comments@aplusala.org
Alabama
ARISE
ARISE describes itself as a coalition of 140 religious, community,
and civic groups that work on poverty issues by promoting state policies to improve
the lives of low-income people. Their website includes current legislative news,
an issues action agenda, and policy-related newletters and memoranda. State
Coordinator: Kimble Forrester
P.O. Box 612
Montgomery, AL 36101
Phone: (334) 832-9060
Citizens for Better Schools
Citizens for Better Schools is a community-based organization
dedicated to "structuring schools for success"
and "making the vision work for all students,"
regardless of where they live and where they go to school.
The organization serves as an importance source of education
information and assistance
Executive Director: Ronald E. Jackson.
P O Box 190280
Birmingham, Alabama 35219
Phone: (205) 478-7183
cfbsk12@aol.com
Coalition
of Alabamians Reforming Education (CARE)
CARE's main objective is
to eliminate "tracking" (grouping by ability) in schools and ensure
that all children have the opportunity to learn at high levels. To this end, CARE
has organized community networks called "RISE Squads" set up to empower
the community and get them involved in improving students' math skills. In addition,
the community contributes to CARE's objectives through grassroots organizing,
town hall meetings, community forums, and academic camp. Co-presidents:
Rhoda Johnson and Rose Sanders
P. O. Box 1290
Selma, AL 36702
Phone:
(205) 348-6339
amilcar@bama.ua.edu
Public
Affairs Research Council of Alabama
The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA)
was founded by Alabama business leaders, and describes itself as a nonprofit,
nonpartisan corporation that exists to collect, synthesize, and report information
on issues of public interest affecting state and local government policy in Alabama.
One of the many areas in which PARCA has worked is K-12 Education. Executive
Director: James W. Williams, Jr.
Room 402 Samford Hall
Samford University
Birmingham, AL 35229-7017
Phone: (205) 726-2482
Fax (205) 726-2900
jwwillia@samford.edu
Alabama
PTA
The Alabama PTA is a statewide organization whose "primary
objective is to strengthen the family unit through parent involvement." It
claims to be the largest statewide organization working only on behalf of children
and youth.
Executive Director: Lori Farsheé
470 South Union
Street
Montgomery, AL 36104-4330
Phone: (334) 834-2501or (800) 328-1897
Fax: (334) 834-2504
al_office@pta.org
Public Education
Network Local Affiliates:
Mobile
Area Education Foundation
Founded in 1991 as a Local Education Fund
member of the Public Education Network, MAEF’s goals have been to improve
student achievement, improve parental and community involvement, and increase
the number and quality of students entering the workforce in Mobile County. In
its short history, the MAEF has established various programs and initiatives that
it states have impacted many in the community. Executive Director: Carolyn
Akers
55 Midtown Park East
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: (251) 476-6002
Fax: (251) 476-0046
Email: cakers@maef.net | 
