Vero Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/09/2011 -- This year, The Learning Alliance is implementing our general education, prevention curriculum in kindergarten and first grades in 5 new schools, including Fellsmere Elementary School, Beachland Elementary School, Vero Beach Elementary School, Citrus Elementary School, and Highlands Elementary School. Meanwhile, we added second grade programs to our original pilot schools (Liberty Magnet School, Glendale Elementary School, and Dodgertown Elementary School). We continue to provide small group, intervention programs at all 13 elementary schools. All together, we are reaching 1900 children every school day!

In addition, all children were screened for vision problems through our “Vision for Reading” program, a partnership with the Education Foundation of Indian River County. Needy children who required glasses received them, free of charge.

The Learning Alliance distributed “Read to Succeed” bracelets and bookmarks to children and parents at school orientation night. This is a beginning to our efforts to reach parents, as 40% (Kennewick, Washington School District) of children arrive in kindergarten already behind.

The Learning Alliance strives to change that!

The Learning Alliance is dedicated to dramatically improving student literacy in Indian River County, Florida. Through innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning, we empower teachers to transform children’s lives. Through partnerships with the School District of Indian River County, Indian River State College, and civic youth organizations in our community, we hope to create local solutions that can serve as a model for the nation. All programs of The Learning Alliance are made possible through the generosity of our Founders, including Ray & Jean Oglethorpe, Don & Patsy Riefler, Barbara Becker Hurley, King & Dace Stubbs, and Whitney & Betty MacMillan.