In 1993, the Washington State Legislature passed the state's landmark education reform bill. Realizing these monumental efforts to raise expectations for all students would require a much higher level of community support and engagement in order to be successful, then-Lt. Gov. Joel Pritchard and former Boeing Company Chairman and CEO Frank Shrontz created Partnership for Learning in 1994.
Since its inception, the Partnership has worked to communicate the need to better prepare all students for college and career. In particular, the organization has emphasized the need for standards, assessments and accountability in Washington state's K-12 education system. The Partnership leverages a focused strategic agenda, builds and leads coalitions, and engages a far-reaching network of business, education and community leaders to deliver high-quality communications and advocacy.
The Partnership's efforts have been central to maintaining support for Washington's standards-based reforms; the action by the State Board of Education to adopt college and work ready graduation requirements; the development of statewide plans to increase the supply of high-quality math and science teachers; and forwarding numerous pieces of innovative education legislation.
Mission
PFL's primary focus is to build awareness, understanding and support for improving Washington state's K-12 public education. They want Washington state to lead the nation with an education system that prepares all students to succeed in college and career, and fosters the state's economic competitiveness. Partnership for Learning is a:
Communicator
Produces and broadly disseminates quality, evidence-based resources. publications, e-newsletters and digital content (Web and social media) that supports PFL's mission, point of view and policy objectives.
Partner
Forms and facilitates coalitions, networks and relationships to complement and enhance PFL's position as a statewide education reform leader, status as a go-to resource, and representative of business and economic development organizations.
Authority
Serves as an expert resource and voice for the Washington business community's education priorities, and provides timely information and reactions to key policy decisions and reform efforts.
