Feature News

Partnerships with Proven Education Companies Can Help Schools Make the Most of Stimulus Dollars

NEW YORK, May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- EdisonLearning, the nation's leading public school innovator and partner with school districts, is urging states and school districts to utilize experienced organizations to assist in securing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds and spending them effectively. The unprecedented infusion of funds to public schools requires thoughtful planning to ensure that the grants improve teacher effectiveness, increase student achievement in low-performing schools, enhance data systems, and prepare students for college and careers.

"America's public schools have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest twice their regular federal allocations to advance the cause of education," said Dr. John Chubb, EdisonLearning's Senior Executive Vice President. "As one of the original innovators working with educators and communities to improve public schools and boost student achievement, EdisonLearning is experienced and equipped to help educators meet student needs, build and monitor accountability systems, satisfy Federal expectations, and maximize stimulus funds that are available to them."

Dr. Chubb cited a case study for how these partnerships have worked in Hawaii, which partnered with EdisonLearning soon after the implementation of No Child Left Behind to help their state meet its requirements. "According to a new report from AEI, these schools are making tremendous progress today because of that relationship with an outside support system," said Dr. Chubb.

To receive the first round of State Fiscal Stabilization Funds, states must commit to meeting ARRA requirements, including spending funds quickly to save and create jobs; boosting student achievement through school improvement and reform; ensure transparency, reporting and accountability; and invest one-time ARRA funds thoughtfully to minimize the "funding cliff".

"This can seem daunting for smaller school districts that may not have the administrative support to quickly plan for and fully leverage the increased funding. Schools should consider partnerships with leading education companies like EdisonLearning to meet goals centered on achievement and assessment," Dr. Chubb said.

To receive the second round of funding, states must provide evidence and plans for progress on four education reforms previously authorized under federal education legislation -- including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the America Competes Act of 2007:

• Making progress toward rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable for all students, including English language learners and students with disabilities;
• Establishing pre-K-to college and career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement;
• Making improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students, particularly students who are most in need; and
• Providing intensive support and effective interventions for the lowest-performing schools.

"The proper allocation of ARRA funds must yield long-term student achievement results," Dr. Chubb pointed out, "and EdisonLearning has a solid record of nearly two decades of doing just that."

EdisonLearning's continuum of education solutions include:

• Alliance Achievement Services, which targets sustainable improvement by building a school's capacity to deliver better student results;
• Learning Force, an effective academic tutoring program;
• eAcademy, a turn-key solution for software, systems, courses and support to develop an online program for grades 9-12; and,
• Whole School Designs, a top-to-bottom approach to K-12 education, one that addresses the entire learning experience and how it is delivered.

"The research-based initiatives EdisonLearning has developed nationwide are measured in student achievement and provide increased accountability," Dr. Chubb said. "Federal stimulus funding in education is about greater accountability for growing better, not bigger."

EdisonLearning is the nation's leading public school innovator and partner for school districts and charter schools serving more than 350,000 children in 24 states and the UK. We work with school leaders and communities to provide solutions that inspire students to think, learn, and succeed -- and prepare them to meet their full potential and the expectations of the 21st century workplace.