Russlyn Ali to Discuss Raising Student Achievement, Closing Gaps

San Luis Obispo – Cal Poly’s Provocative Perspective series will continue to examine California’s challenges on Thursday, Feb. 1, when Russlyn Ali, founding director of Education Trust-West, will discuss “Raising All Students’ Achievement; Closing Opportunity Gaps.”

Ali will speak in the Vista Grande Café on the Cal Poly campus. The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m., and Ali’s talk will begin at 8 a.m. Reservations are required and may be made by contacting Liz Cofer at 756-0327 or lcofer@calpoly.edu.

Education Trust-West works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, with an emphasis on serving Latino, African American, Native American and low-income students.

Ali has held several senior positions at various organizations serving youth education, including: liaison to the president of the Children’s Defense Fund in Washington, DC; chief of staff to the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education; and deputy co-director of the Advancement Project. Ali is a member of the State Bar of California and serves on boards and advisory committees of a number of education-related organizations, including the LAUSD Board of Education’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee. Ali is currently a member of The California Governor’s Committee on Education Excellence.

Persons with disabilities may request accommodations in advance by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 805-756-1521.

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