Newark, New Jersey (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AeroFarms®, a Certified B Corporation and leader in indoor vertical farming, will celebrate World Environment Day this coming Monday, June 5, at PS 85 The Great Expectations School with the official launch of its AeroFarms Community Farms program. This program promotes hands-on environmental education and year-round access to fresh and nutritious leafy greens through the proprietary AeroFarms unit and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) curriculum. The launch and celebration will help create life-long nutrition learners and will cultivate students and parents’ interest in incorporating more healthy leafy greens into their daily diets.  

“Our PS 85 community is extremely excited to celebrate World Environment Day together and partner with the AeroFarms Community Farms program to bring hands-on, STEAM learning to life in such a unique way for our students to experience growing and tasting their own food from seed to plate,” said Sara Medina, Principal at PS 85. 

World Environment Day is a time to reflect on how our society can encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment, an important component to both the PS 85 community and AeroFarms. Being built with circular solutions in mind and creating opportunities for environmental protection is vital to AeroFarms product line and mission, which is to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity.   

“This World Environment Day, we are excited to celebrate with key partners like PS 85 and the broader AeroFarms network as we continue our efforts to bring healthy food and STEAM education to communities where this can best make a positive impact,” said Jason Ginsberg, AeroFarms Chief of Staff and Director of Community Farms. “There is an amazing community here in New York City from Mayor Adams and his office to the NYC public schools program committed to making healthy positive changes and options for its students.”  

Independent of weather and seasons, the AeroFarms Community Farm unit uses patented and proprietary aeroponic technology to bring the benefits of vertical farming directly to the community all year round. The vertical farm system empowers students and educators to participate in the full growing process from seed to salad, while experiencing the advantages of hyperlocal, sustainable food production and learning through STEAM education. Key environmental benefits vs. traditional field farming include growing with up to 95% less water, using up to 99% less land, ability to grow year-round with zero pesticides, and less shrink and food waste with local production. Along with the farm system, AeroFarms also provides a full-service package to Community Farms customers, which includes growing inputs like seeds and nutrients and support hours from AeroFarms’ expert team.  

This school year, AeroFarms grew its Community Farms program with the support of key strategic partners in the greater Newark / New York City area and builds on AeroFarms’ early work with Philip’s Academy Charter School (PACS), located in downtown Newark. AeroFarms started a partnership with PACS in 2011, where it installed a farm in the cafeteria to be used for STEAM education and supplement the school’s food service offering. In 2016, Former First Lady Michelle Obama visited the PACS farm as part of a national tour to promote health and well-being. 

About AeroFarms 
Since 2004, AeroFarms has been leading the way for indoor vertical farming and championing transformational innovation for agriculture. On a mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity, AeroFarms is a Certified B Corporation with global headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. Named by Fast Company as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies and Brands That Matter and by TIME for Best Inventions in Food, AeroFarms patented, award-winning indoor vertical farming technology and Aeroponics Advantage provide the perfect conditions for healthy plants to thrive, taking agriculture to a new level of precision, food safety, and productivity while using up to 95% less water and no pesticides ever versus traditional field farming. AeroFarms is able to grow safely all year round, using vertical farming for elevated flavor. Its market-leading products can be found at major selling partners like Ahold Delhaize, Amazon Fresh, Baldor Specialty Foods, Compass Group, Harris Teeter, H-E-B, Marcus BP, Momofuku Noodle Bar, ShopRite, The Fresh Market, Walmart, Weee!, and Whole Foods Market. For additional information, visit: https://aerofarms.com/. 

Charlotte, NC – Minnesota’s Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Public Schools (GFW) today announced a new partnership with Discovery Education supporting the creation of engaging science lessons in K-12 classrooms districtwide. In this new multi-year collaboration, educators in every GFW school will integrate Discovery Education’s suite of innovative digital resources into instruction to create dynamic learning experiences that will awaken students’ natural curiosity about science and the natural world. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. 

Nestled in the prairie of south-central Minnesota and serving students from the communities of Gibbon, Fairfax, Winthrop, and surrounding townships, GFW uses progressive technology applications to access educational resources from around the world. Parents cite small class sizes, school-aged childcare, early childhood programs, and co-curricular programs as the desirable features of the school district. With a mission to grow future world-class leaders, GFW aims to provide all learners an equitable and quality education that meets the individual needs of students with future-forward instruction. 

As part of its continuous effort to prepare students for success beyond graduation, GFW sought digital resources that would drive deeper engagement in science. These resources needed to be simple to use, accessible for all teachers and students, easily integrated into the district’s robust science program, and aligned to Minnesota state and NGSS standards.  

Following a careful review of potential solutions, GFW selected Discovery Education to provide their district the dynamic digital resources needed. Among the resources coming to GFW schools are:    

Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction in any environment. These resources, sourced from trusted partners, are aligned to state and national standards and help educators bring the outside world into teaching and learning every day.  Through expanded, lasting partnerships with Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Schoology, Canvas, Brightspace, and Clever, integrating Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform into existing IT architecture is easier than ever.   

Pivot Interactives. Pivot, which joined the Discovery Education family of services in 2022, makes teaching science with active learning and scientific phenomena engaging and easy. Launched in 2012 by two visionary educators, the platform provides users with more than 10,000 authentic, interactive video-based science interactives crafted by Pivot’s expert curriculum team and teacher community. These resources, tied to state and national standards, are infused with research-based teaching practices and are simple to integrate throughout the instructional cycle.   

Discovery Education Science Techbooks. The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12. Used in classrooms across the United States, the Science Techbooks for elementary students drives engagement with exclusive, interactive digital content and companion printed resources. The virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, and instructional supports within Techbook enhance the delivery of impactful, blended instruction, in person or at a distance. Available with the Science Techbooks are coordinated teacher guides offering unit, concept, and lesson overviews, standards connections, and differentiation activities that inform instructional planning and guide three-dimensional learning. Teacher editions also provide flexible pacing options, embedded teacher notes, and pathways for learning that support diverse learners.     

“At GFW, we work to ensure all students can reach their full potential and become successful, responsible citizens in a diverse society with innovative technology and strong teacher support,” said Superintendent Dr. Jeff Horton. “This new partnership with Discovery Education supports all educators as they engage students in our science curriculum.”  

In addition to digital resources, all GFW educators using Discovery Education services will receive dedicated professional development from Discovery Education’s team of professional learning experts. These learning opportunities for teachers help school systems recognize the full return on their edtech investment. Through these interactive professional development sessions, participants will learn best practices for integrating their new digital resources into instruction. Effective professional development maximizes the power of these resources, increases student engagement in learning, and supports the continued academic development of all students.  

All GFW educators now also enjoy access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global network of education professionals, the Discovery Educator Network connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable idea sharing and inspiration.   

“We at Discovery Education are thrilled to partner with GFW Public Schools to provide an equitable and quality education to all students,” said Katelin Greer, Discovery Education’s National Partnerships Coordinator. “The district’s thoughtful use of available funding is already being emulated across the region, and we look forward to supporting this important initiative as it unfolds.”  

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources—which can be purchased with federal stimulus funds—and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.    

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

(June 08, 2023) –– Rise Vision, the #1 digital signage software solution for schools, announced that it has been named “Student Safety Solution Provider of The Year” in the 5th annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market.

Rise Vision helps schools improve communication and safety, increase student involvement, celebrate student achievements, and create a positive school culture. Rise Vision provides easy to use technology, which educators are able to use to manage communications across districts.

Rise Vision offers over 500+ professionally designed, animated, and customizable templates. In addition, through popular integrations, users are able to automatically pull content from services like Google Slides, Canva, Twitter, and more.

The company’s newest feature, Classroom Alerts, is a powerful solution in the event of an emergency.  With Classroom Alerts, schools can broadcast emergency alerts to classroom wireless presentation systems like Airtame, and interactive flat panels like SMART, Clear Touch, Newline, ViewSonic, and more.

Teachers can go about their day using the displays in their classrooms. Then if an emergency alert is sent, Rise Vision will automatically stop the display from being used as a teaching tool and launch the emergency alert message, giving students and staff time to react.

Rise Vision’s Classroom Alerts feature integrates with emergency management systems such as CrisisGo, Singlewire InformaCast, Share911, and Runva – to name a few.

“If there’s one place student awareness and attention is at a premium, it’s the classroom. The clear content and vivid imagery of digital signage offers a powerful tool that can be targeted to reach a variety of audiences, particularly for safety,” said James Johnson, managing director, EdTech Breakthrough. “We’re proud to recognize Rise Vision with an EdTech Breakthrough award for the flexibility that lets campuses construct complex, multimedia presentations that include videos, commentary and analysis, animated diagrams, audio, and more to enhance school safety.”

The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work and success in a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, Remote Learning, Career Preparation and many more. This year’s program attracted more than 2,400 nominations from over 16 different countries throughout the world.

“From regular preparedness campaigns to emergency messages broadcast inside classrooms and hallways, we know our technology lives up to EdTech Breakthroughs’ ‘Student Safety Solution Provider of the Year,’” said Brian Loosbrock, CEO of Rise Vision. “Digital signage is an essential tool for communication and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of an emergency alert system. Using digital signage to communicate essential emergency information to an entire school or campus body is something we are passionate about – it can help reduce emergency response time and save lives.”

To learn more about how schools are using Rise Vision to improve school safety visit the company’s website.

ABOUT RISE VISION

Rise Vision is the #1 digital signage software solution for schools. Rise Vision helps schools improve communication, increase student involvement, celebrate student achievements, and create a positive school culture.

ABOUT EDTECH BREAKTHROUGH

Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the upcoming National History Day Finals, The Doughboy Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to World War I education, will be on hand to demonstrate the power of augmented reality (AR) to immerse history lovers in WWI. Using the Foundation’s Augmented Reality Apps, attendees registering on June 11 for the National History Day Finals week can explore life-sized WWI-era aircraft and giant timelines right in the registration hall at the University of Maryland, College Park.

“It can be a challenge to engage students in lessons about events that happened more than a century ago,” said Theo Mayer, chief technologist/program lead for the Doughboy Foundation. “Making the subject experiential and interactive through smartphones and tablets that use the power of AR brings the subject of World War I to life for today’s students.”

While National History Day participants will get a personal introduction to the WWI Teaching Resources, educators anywhere in the country can use them to bring history to life. Using the resources, made available through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, educators and students can immerse themselves in WWI history. They can experience the wide-reaching effects of the war by viewing it in the context of women’s rights, immigrants’ experiences, Black and Native Americans struggles, propaganda, and the Bill of Rights.

In addition to the augmented reality apps, the WWI Teaching Resources include a series of documentaries called “How WWI Changed America,” a 20-page eBook called “The United States in WWI,” a wealth of primary sources, student worksheets, and teacher guides.

“With so much edtech focused on STEM and STEAM subjects, we’re excited to bring these engaging, contemporary, resources to humanities and history education,” added Mayer. “Whether teachers are attending National History Day or planning their lessons for next year, we would be honored to see them take advantage of these immersive, free resources to bring life to a period of American history that continues to be deeply relevant today.”

For more information, or to access the WWI Teaching Resources, please visit Doughboy.org.

About the Doughboy Foundation

The Doughboy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in the District of Columbia in 2013 under the name “United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars.” The Foundation has as its vision to keep faith with the American “Doughboy,” as soldiers who fought in World War I were called. To learn more, visit Doughboy.org.

About Verizon Innovative Learning HQ

Verizon Innovative Learning HQ is an award-winning, free education portal that makes next-gen learning tools, including a curated collection of lesson plans, available to all. Through Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, K–12 educators nationwide gain free access to over 275 lesson plans, ranging from supplemental turnkey lessons to yearlong courses, with 20 corresponding augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) apps. The education portal also provides educators with extensive training and resources, including over 40 professional development courses, to help educators learn new skills and feel more confident integrating technology into the learning experience. Educators can visit Verizon Innovative Learning HQ to sign up.

Media Contact
Lisette Gushiniere

Email: lisette@prp.group

PHOTO CAPTION

Immersing viewers in the pages of history, this Sopwith Camel airplane is brought to life using Augmented Reality, part of the Doughboy Foundation’s WWI Teaching Resources, that make WWI history an interactive experience.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Gale, part of Cengage Group, has added a new resource to its award-winning Gale In Context family of products. The company has launched Gale In Context: Literature, a new resource for literature instruction and learning that helps high schoolers engage and thrive in English language arts (ELA). Read our blog about why English teachers will love Gale In Context: Literature.

Designed with high school students in mind, Gale In Context: Literature provides learners with the context they need to engage and form personal connections with a wide variety of literature from traditional texts to diverse new voices. Educators can easily connect students to standards-based resources that provide the literary context necessary to ensure student understanding of the texts they’re reading in ELA lessons. This sparks greater interest in literature, enabling teachers to facilitate meaningful interactions that inspire more compelling classroom discussions that increase critical thinking skills, delivering better learning outcomes.

Download/view screenshots of Gale In Context: Literature.

For today’s readers, studying literature takes place in the context of a complex world filled with the noise of social and short-form media. Literature instruction in school has grown far broader than grammar, vocabulary and reading traditional texts. Educators need a solution to contextualize literary works in both the past and present day. Gale In Context: Literature organizes an array of high-quality resources into one easy-to-use, searchable platform to help high school students learn about both traditional and non-traditional literature.

“This expansion will allow educators to add relevance to the literature lessons they are using in the classroom and therefore engage their students on a deeper level,” said Shawn Clark, senior vice president of Gale’s domestic learning business. “Literature is one of the greatest ways to get students to connect to their course material, no matter their reading level. Gale In Context: Literature helps broaden and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of the material.”

Gale In Context: Literature offers:

• Topic Pages: more than 250 topic pages organized around key works, authors and topics scaffolded to provide easy access for all students.
• Essential Questions: over 300 question prompts designed to engage student curiosity and provide a starting point for literature research.
• Book Browse: an easy to browse visual bookshelf that can be filtered by topic, genre, and other key literature focused limiters.
• Full Text: access to select full works of literature in an easy-to-use eBook format.
• Multimedia Content: a robust set of videos, images, infographics, podcasts and more designed to engage students.
• Expansive Coverage: inclusion of both traditional and non-traditional texts that educators are excited to teach, and students are excited to read.
• Gale In Context: For Educators Integration: full Gale In Context: For Educators functionality, including subject and curriculum browse, lesson plans, resource organization, assessments and annotation tools.

Gale In Context: Literature continues Gale’s strong tradition of supporting literature research and instruction — and uses the same design framework as other In Context products. Through grade-appropriate, at-level content, strategic design and an accessible experience, high school students and educators are better set up to succeed with their literature courses.

Gale In Context databases have a long history of supporting academic achievement and future-ready skill development. In a recent nationwide study conducted by Project Tomorrow® on behalf of Gale[i], 91 percent of teachers said their students’ research skills improved from using the Gale In Context databases to support their assignments and projects.

For more information on Gale In Context: Literature or to request a trial, visit its webpage.

About Cengage Group and Gale

Cengage Group, an education technology company serving millions of learners in 165 countries, advances the way students learn through quality, digital experiences. The company currently serves the K-12, higher education, professional, library, English language teaching and workforce training markets worldwide. Gale, part of Cengage Group, believes in the power and joy of learning. For schools, the company helps drive positive outcomes by providing essential, curriculum-aligned content that empowers educators to solve curriculum challenges and meet students where they are. Today that includes supporting distance and social and emotional learning as well as equity and inclusion goals. Gale’s K-12 offerings extend from educational databases and custom eBook collections to instructional tools and professional development resources. For more information, please visit:  www.gale.com/schools.

Follow Gale on:

• Twitter
• Gale Blog
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Raleigh, N.C. — Open LMS, a leading global provider of open-source learning management systems (LMSs), today announces its new partnership with  Copyleaks, the leading AI-based text analysis, plagiarism identification, and AI-content detection platform. This partnership comes at a critical time when AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent in all industries, particularly academia.

Copyleaks uses advanced AI to detect AI-generated content, including outputs from cutting-edge AI tools such as ChatGPT-4. It also detects various forms of plagiarism while accounting for a wide range of common detection-evasion tactics such as hidden characters, paraphrasing, and even image-based text plagiarism. Through these methods, the tool provides institutions and organizations with a deeper understanding of the composition of submitted content while exposing attempts to deceive detection software.

Open LMS and Copyleaks’ partnership adds a powerful tool to clients’ arsenals as conversations around AI-generated content intensify.

“The discourse around AI, and the overall understanding of what AI is and does has changed drastically with the release of ChatGPT,” explains Open LMS Managing Director Phill Miller. “Our clients are looking to us for solutions to detect AI-generated content fraudulently submitted by their students and learners. Adding Copyleaks to our portfolio is among the first steps we’re taking to help our clients mitigate some of AI’s challenges to academic integrity.”

Copyleaks is the only enterprise solution that detects whether content was written by a human or AI across multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Polish, and more. It’s capable of detecting AI content at the sentence level. Along with the ability to read over 100 human languages, each Copyleaks scan searches across trillions of pages of original content and detects cross-language plagiarism matches in more than 30 languages.

“Many academics and professionals across industries are trying to understand how the prevalence of AI-generated content will impact them and their students,” notes Copyleaks CEO Alon Yamin. “This partnership allows us to provide  educators and  enterprises worldwide with complete transparency, empowering them to make informed decisions around the use and role of AI-generated content.”

Copyleaks’  AI-driven detection capabilities are now available to all Open LMS clients.

To learn more about Open LMS and its products, or to request a trial, please visit  www.openlms.net. 

About Open LMS

Open LMS leverages open-source software to deliver an effective and engaging learning experience. As the largest commercial provider of hosting and support services for the open-source Moodle learning platform, it helps global organizations and institutions deliver great learning experiences without complexities.

One of the ways Open LMS supports learning is via its commitment to open-source learning technology. Open LMS is part of Learning Technologies Group (LTG), a global eLearning and talent management business which is headquartered in the UK.

About Copyleaks

Dedicated to creating secure environments in which to share ideas and learn with confidence, Copyleaks is an AI-based text analysis company used by businesses, educational institutions, and millions of individuals around the world. Copyleaks users trust the tool to identify potential plagiarism and paraphrasing across nearly every language, verify authenticity and ownership, and empower error-free writing.

For more information, visit  copyleaks.com or follow Copyleaks on  LinkedIn.

PORTLAND, Ore.– K-12 assessment and research organization NWEA released today a new study that takes a deeper look into instructional practices driving high academic growth. Led by Dr. Chase Nordengren, principal research lead for Effective Instructional Strategies at NWEA, the study zoomed into two schools that have historically shown high growth for diverse populations of students, including through the pandemic. The findings highlight 10 instructional strategies that utilize small changes to teaching practices leading toward growth outcomes for students.

“We wanted to understand what makes these schools tick and how, year-over-year, they were able to produce higher-than-typical student growth, across each decile of student achievement,” said Nordengren, “One of the big takeaways is the way these schools balance meeting students where they are AND providing access to grade-level content they need to succeed.”

The two schools in the study are an elementary school and middle school in Schiller Park, Illinois, which reflect similar demographics to many schools across the country. Fifty-five percent of students in that district are non-white, 62% receive free or reduced-price lunches, 25% are identified as English language learners, and the district’s per pupil spending in 2021 was below the state average. Based on classroom observation and in-depth interviews with the school staff, 10 instructional strategies were identified as effective instruction that helps students grow, and fell into three main categories:

Optimizing instructional time

1.     Provide supplemental learning time for targeted retrieval practice

2.     Mix whole group, small group, and individual activities

3.     Adjust student groups in real time

4.    Share students and strategies within a grade level

Exposing students to more content

5.     Differentiate tasks within a unit

6.     Provide targeted practice for foundational skills

7.    Teach from multiple standards at once

Empowering students

8.     Create opportunities for self-directed learning

9.     Use student discourse as formative assessment

10.  Explicitly teach academic vocabulary

This in-depth look at instructional strategies driving academic growth is a continuation of an NWEA research initiative by Dr. Andy Hegedus who in 2018 released a novel study focusing on growth as a marker of school success rather than just meeting or exceeding proficiency. His study found that schools showing high levels of growth were not necessarily those showing high levels of achievement, and that high growth schools could exist in communities with a variety of income levels and demographics. NWEA’s new study followed that research to answer the next, necessary question: what can be learned from high growth schools about teaching and learning?

Read the full study: https://www.nwea.org/resource-center/resource/the-transformative-ten-instructional-strategies-learned-from-high-growth-schools/

About NWEA
NWEA^® (a division of HMH) is a mission-driven organization that supports students and educators in more than 146 countries through research, assessment solutions, policy and advocacy services, professional learning and school improvement services that fight for equity, drive classroom impact and push for systemic change in our educational communities. Visit NWEA.org to learn more about how we’re partnering with educators to help all kids learn.

Charlotte, NC – Discovery Education, the Caterpillar Foundation, and Learning Undefeated today announced the launch of a new education initiative – Innovation at Play. This unique program leverages the power of play by using engaging, hands-on digital resources to educate and inspire students in grades 9-12 to consider exciting careers in a variety of STEM professions. 

Innovation at Play provides standards-aligned digital resources that make it easier than ever for educators, after-school instructors, and parents to connect STEM concepts to potential career pathways. Classroom activities, play-inspired lessons, and phenomena-based videos exemplify how curiosity drives STEM solutions while empowering students to learn by doing and seeing. The content will equip students with the right skills and knowledge to pursue STEM careers at home, in the classroom, or wherever learning takes place. 

“The future STEM innovators are sitting in classrooms all across the country. No matter where they are, Innovation at Play will empower students to connect their STEM curiosity with STEM skills to solve problems and secure careers,” said Asha Varghese, Caterpillar Foundation President. 

Innovation at Play sources STEM creativity and stories from industry experts at Learning Undefeated who have an extensive history of innovation, insights, and leadership. The non-profit is a long-standing partner of Discovery Education. 

“Innovation at Play connects students to the innate power of play and the power of STEM, in order to change the world,” said Jennifer Colvin, Chief Innovation Officer at Learning Undefeated. “When students have a fun, hands-on learning experience, it brings them one step closer to imagining a career path that involves STEM.” 

Learn more about Innovation at Play at InnovationatPlay.com or within Discovery Education’s K-12 learning platform. Connecting educators to a vast collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education provides educators with an enhanced learning platform that facilitates engaging, daily instruction. 

“Students are naturally creative and curious, using play as a universal language. Innovation at Play puts fun at the center, empowering students to explore, problem-solve, and engage in authentic STEM experiences in ways most relevant to them,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education. 

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources—which can be purchased with federal stimulus funds—and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn.    

About the Caterpillar Foundation 
Founded in 1952, Caterpillar’s philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation, has contributed more than $850 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by building resilient communities that thrive in a rapidly changing world. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, visit caterpillar.com/foundation. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media. 

About Learning Undefeated 
Learning Undefeated is driving race and gender equity in STEM through experiential and deep-impact learning experiences for students from under resourced communities. Best known for its fleet of traveling STEM laboratories, Learning Undefeated’s flagship STEM education program has prepared more than 1.5 million K-12 students for STEM careers since 2003, through hands-on content exploration, game-based learning, summer camps, and talent development programs. In 2022, Learning Undefeated’s shipping container based Drop Anywhere Lab won the Best of STEM Awards in the Social Impact: Promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category. Learning Undefeated also operates several other celebrated STEM education programs including custom curriculum development and STEM disaster recovery education. Visit learningundefeated.org or follow us on social media @LearningUNDFTD. 

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Cooper Johnson, a graduate of the Global Impact STEM Academy class of 2023, has been awarded the first-ever Waklatsi Service Scholarship. The $500 scholarship recognizes Johson’s exceptional commitment to service and his dedication to making a positive impact in the community, and was established this year by Global Impact alumnus and current Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy, Kordell Waklatsi.

“Cooper was chosen as the recipient of the Waklatsi Service Scholarship because of his remarkable understanding of the importance of giving back to others,” said Waklatsi. “From an early age, he was an active participant in 4-H, which fostered his passion for community engagement. Inspired by his own experiences, Cooper became a camp counselor to ensure that other children have the opportunity to enjoy the same enriching camp experiences he had.”

In addition to his involvement in 4-H, Johnson has made significant contributions to the local Honor Flight program since his freshman year. Through this program, he has provided veterans with the opportunity to visit and pay their respects at memorials in Washington D.C., creating lasting memories for those who served this country.

“I was actually given the opportunity to escort my two Vietnam veteran grandfathers to see their memorials,” said Johnson.

Not only did Johnson graduate from Global Impact this week, he also graduated with an associate of science degree from Clark State College earlier this month, a feat achieved through the STEM school’s college credit plus program. During his high school career, Johnson was active in Global Impact’s FFA chapter as well as a four-year varsity cross country and track athlete for Greenon High School, his district of residence. He plans on attending the University of Cincinnati starting this fall to major in cyber security.

“Cooper’s service extends beyond being a mere bonus for college applications; it has a profound and enduring impact on the lives of those he encounters,” said Waklatsi.

Waklatsi, a 2017 Global Impact graduate, returned to Clark County as a deputy last November after having joined the Marine Corps and serving in Washington D.C. after graduation. Waklatsi is the first alumnus to give back to the STEM school in such a substantial way.

“I am so incredibly honored to be the first-ever recipient of the Waklatsi scholarship,” said Johson. “To be awarded this scholarship in general would have been amazing, but for it to be from a Global Impact alum makes it even more meaningful.”

The Waklatsi Service Scholarship was not only established to recognize outstanding Global Impact seniors like Johnson, but also to inspire and empower local youth to become compassionate and responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.

“I hope this annual scholarship influences others who are currently volunteering to continue their service,” said Waklatsi. “I truly believe we can strengthen our community through volunteering because it instills selfless qualities, which, in turn, develops community members who can rely on one another.”

This scholarship isn’t the only way in which Waklatsi plans on leaving a lasting impact in the community.

 “My long-term goal is to create a funnel program and start mentoring middle schoolers because the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” reflected Waklatsi. “Being able to instill good values at a young age is so crucial to thriving in adulthood and creating a future generation of leaders who value service and giving back.”

About Global Impact

STEM Academy The Global Impact STEM Academy is the first STEM school of its kind in the nation, serving 600+ students in grades 7-12 while focusing on career-readiness and preparing Ohio students for jobs in the fields of biosciences, such as food and agriculture, environmental studies, healthcare and energy. With a mastery curriculum focused on real-world, hands-on projects that foster student excellence, Global Impact is located in the Springfield Center of Innovation: The Dome in Springfield, Ohio. Learn more at globalimpactacademy.org.

PHOTO: Kordell Waklatsi, a 2017 graduate of Global STEM Academy and current Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy, presents Cooper Johnson, a 2023 graduate of the school, with the first-ever Waklatsi Service Scholarship for $500

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Intervene K-12, a Houston-based online tutoring platform, announced today it will receive a $150,000 Innovation grant from Accelerate, a national nonprofit working to make high-impact tutoring a standard feature of the American school day. The grant will advance research on the impact of Intervene K-12’s signature tutoring method that pairs high-impact tutoring with mentorship to encourage academic success and career exploration. The grant will also support Intervene K-12’s unique curriculum integration and staffing model to hire tutors from various business sectors to expose scholars to diverse professionals. 

“Our unique combination of tutoring and career exploration has been implemented in dynamic, urban districts with measurable and replicable results,” said Aaron McCloud, founder and CEO of Intervene K-12. “With this grant we will be able to hire even more tutors from diverse personal and professional backgrounds to allow scholars to connect with tutors who look like them and work in highly desirable fields.” 

Intervene K-12 uses evidence-based lessons that are designed especially for Intervene K-12 scholars to meet them where they are. These lessons are leveraged using high-impact, online tutoring within the school day, during which small groups of three to five students facing similar challenges are paired with a tutor. 

Using a proprietary data-driven intervention solution, Intervene K-12 is able to provide tutors and teachers with real-time analysis of progress, making it easy to identify and address issues quickly. In reading, Intervene K-12 sees an average of 26% growth over the state baseline. This means the average Intervene K-12 student not only grows to meet the state required minimum, but exceeds it. Data shows similar growth among students in math. For ELL students, Intervene K-12 sees an average growth of one proficiency level in the four domains of language acquisition, reading, writing, speaking and listening, after engagement of Intervene K-12. The grant will also help to advance research on Intervene K-12’s impact on scholar success.

“The evidence behind tutoring as an intervention is strong and the field is making tremendous progress, but we still need more providers with a proven track record that can also scale,” said Accelerate CEO Kevin Huffman. “Before the federal pandemic relief dollars dry up, we have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to identify these providers and ensure they are able to deliver cost-effective programs and present evidence that they get results for kids.”

Intervene K-12 was selected for a Call to Effective Action grant because of its commitment to developing and scaling a research-backed tutoring model that improves outcomes for all students, especially those in historically underserved communities.

About Intervene K-12: Founded in 2016, Intervene K-12 exists to eliminate the barriers that stand in the way of our nation’s students — especially those the system has left behind. Each year, the company works with 20+ districts and 30,000+ young scholars to provide high-impact, culturally-responsive tutoring for K-12 and English learners. Intervene K-12’s proprietary, data-driven intervention solutions are designed to identify and address the issues that keep individual students from excelling. Through a team of qualified tutors from education, corporate and business settings, the company works to empower academic progress, expose students to high-growth career opportunities and nurture social-emotional learning. The result is a holistic teaching model that equips scholars with the tools they need to flourish in and beyond the classroom, paving the way for long-lasting success. For more information, visit https://intervenek12.com/.

About Accelerate: Accelerate is a nonprofit organization, incubated and launched by the national nonprofit America Achieves, that seeks to embed high-impact tutoring programs into public schools now and for the long term. Launched in April 2022 with an initial fund of $65 million, Accelerate funds and supports innovation in schools, launches high-quality research, and advances a federal and state policy agenda to support this work.

Accelerate is leading efforts to improve practice on multiple fronts, including as a lead technical assistance partner to the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS). The NPSS is a joint partnership of more than 100 organizations, The Department of Education, AmeriCorps, the Johns Hopkins Everyone Graduates Center to launch a new coalition formed to expand high-quality tutoring, mentoring, and other evidence-based support programs, with the goal of ensuring an additional 250,000 adults serve in these roles over the next three years. 

Accelerate is supported by Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin; Arnold Ventures; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; the Overdeck Family Foundation; and the Walton Family Foundation.

For more information, visit http://www.accelerate.us.

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass.— A research study from Curriculum Associates recently received a Moderate (i.e., Tier 2) rating from Evidence for ESSA. The study demonstrated that students who used i-Ready Personalized Instruction gained significantly more points on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) in English Language Arts and Mathematics than those who did not use i-Ready Personalized Instruction.

Evidence for ESSA is intended to provide educators with reliable, easy-to-use information on programs and practices that meet the standards of evidence in the ESSA. This classification of Moderate by the organization, out of the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins School of Education, demonstrates that i-Ready meets the standards of evidence in the ESSA as well as reinforces the validity of the program in driving significant positive student outcomes on rigorous state tests.

“Educators want—and need—to feel confident in the programs they are using to support their instruction and, in turn, student achievement,” said Dr. Kristen Huff, vice president of assessment and research at Curriculum Associates. “This latest third-party validation underscores the power of i-Ready Personalized Instruction and its ability to effectively support the teaching and learning process throughout the school year.”

Curriculum Associates’ research study meets the Moderate rating, defined as a “quasi-experimental (i.e., matched), well-conducted study showing significant positive student outcomes with a multisite (i.e., schools, districts, states) sample of at least 350 students,” according to the Evidence for ESSA website.

The study, Impact of i-Ready® Personalized Instruction on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System Achievement for Grade 5 in English Language Arts and Mathematics, evaluated the impact of i-Ready Personalized Instruction usage on achievement in ELA and Mathematics as measured by the MCAS for Grade 5 students in six Massachusetts districts during the 2020–2021 school year. Students who used i-Ready Personalized Instruction and students who completed the i-Ready Diagnostic but did not use i-Ready Personalized Instruction were matched to create similar instruction and comparison groups.

More about i-Ready

i-Ready makes the promise of differentiated instruction a practical reality for Grades K–12 teachers and students. It combines powerful assessments and rich insights with effective and engaging instruction in Reading and Mathematics to address students’ individual needs.

The program’s Diagnosticprovides educators with actionable criterion-referenced and normative data to deliver impactful, equitable learning experiences. Teachers administer the Diagnostic at the beginning of the school year to chart a course for teacher-led instruction, set an i-Ready Personalized Instruction path individualized for each student, and identify students’ differentiated growth goals for the year. A midyear and end-of-year Diagnostic help students and teachers measure growth and have data chats. Teacher-led and personalized instruction continues throughout the year to help students address their learning gaps and access grade-level learning.

All i-Ready district partners have ongoing access to Curriculum Associates’ award-winning customer service. This includes dedicated support via the company’s Customer Service team, professional development experts, partner success managers, educational sales consultants, and Technical Support team, as well as access to the free customer service portal.

Today the i-Ready program serves more than 11.5 million students and approximately one-third of all Grades K–8 students in the United States.

To learn more about i-Ready, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/i-Ready. To read the Curriculum Associates study, visit CurriculumAssociates.com/Research-and-Efficacy/i-Ready-MCAS-Impact.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company’s products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB) — BookNook, a leading provider of effective high-impact literacy and tutoring solutions for schools and students, announces the appointment of Jared Harless as Chief Product Officer. A team-oriented veteran in the education space, Harless will strengthen BookNook’s tech-enabled solutions that keep students, educators and tutors at the center of learning.

“BookNook is making a measurable difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students to address disparities in reading proficiency,” said Harless. “I’m eager to strengthen the integration between technology, content and human capital to further BookNook’s mission-driven work.”

Prior to joining the BookNook team, Harless was the Vice President of Product Strategy at Encoura, an educational data science and research company, where he built a product management organization and launched a new direct-to-learner product for high school students navigating the post-secondary planning process and a B2B2C experience for educators supporting those learners. Before Encoura, Harless served in various product leadership roles at McGraw-Hill Education for more than 17 years.

“Jared brings more than two decades of edtech leadership to BookNook, which will be instrumental in advancing strategic growth of the company,” said Brad Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of BookNook. “We are pleased to welcome Jared to the team in support of our pursuit to democratize access to learning through our solutions.”

Harless’ appointment demonstrates BookNook’s investment in student-centered technology innovation as essential to scale rigorous instruction. Named a 2023 GSV 150 company, an annual list that highlights the most transformational private companies in digital learning and workforce skills shaping the future of education, BookNook is a leader in the education space and Harless’ expertise will play a key role in furthering BookNook’s mission.

BookNook provides a synchronous teaching and learning experience. The company’s adaptive curriculum meets students where they are and helps them learn at an accelerated pace, while BookNook’s high-impact tutoring supports learning and provides the additional support students need to thrive.

To learn more about BookNook, please visit https://www.booknook.com.

About BookNook
BookNook is a comprehensive literacy intervention program, providing instruction through a synchronous teaching and learning platform, standards-aligned curriculum and tutoring services. Since 2016, BookNook has served more than 500 school districts and non-profit partners across 38 states. A 2022 research study with the Consortium for Policy Research in Education suggests a clear link between high-impact tutoring with BookNook and literacy scores. BookNook is committed to bridging the literacy opportunity gap by scaling technology innovation to reach students through its network of experienced and vetted tutors. For more information, visit https://www.booknook.com.

NEW YORK (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Council for Aid to Education, Inc. (CAE), a leader in designing innovative performance tasks for measurement and instruction of higher order skills, today announced the immediate availability of its College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA+) through a non-exclusive partnership with Pearson [FTSE: PSON.L], the world’s leading learning company. Pearson will resell CCRA+ as part of its Pearson Assessment for Learning Suite (PALS).

Designed for students in grades six through 12, CCRA+ assesses critical thinking, problem solving and written communications – essential skills that are predictive of positive academic and career success. These skills are highlighted in Portraits of a Graduate profiles, yet most states and districts do not have an effective and reliable approach to measure these skills.

“CAE is proud to partner with Pearson to help schools and districts access our assessment tools to support student growth,” said Bob Yayac, president and CEO, CAE. “While more than 125 districts have developed or are developing a Portrait of a Graduate, our research and conversations indicate most have not identified how they will measure these skills in an objective, consistent and standardized manner. CCRA+ addresses this important need.”

With PALS, student results from CCRA+ can be combined with data from other Pearson assessments to create a more holistic view of the student’s strengths and areas of opportunity. CCRA+ can be used for formative, interim, and summative purposes, including establishing a baseline for students, evaluating how their essential skills have progressed, and showcasing their skills upon graduation.

CCRA+ results include norm and criterion reference data as well as detailed subscores to provide a more complete picture of students’ readiness for the rigors of today’s academics and their next steps following graduation. CCRA+ results can be aggregated and analyzed at all levels – student, class, school, district, and state – to identify opportunities for improvement and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and curriculum changes.

“By adding CCRA+ to our Pearson Assessment for Learning Suite, we’re giving educators a comprehensive view into student skills development, all from a convenient, single online location,” said Trent Workman, Pearson senior vice president, school assessment. “CCRA+’s insights into critical thinking complement academic performance data and will help state, district and local school leaders target support and instruction to ensure students have proficiency in the skills needed for positive academic, career, and life outcomes.”

A performance-based assessment, CCRA+ situates students in real-world scenarios that require the application of critical thinking, problem-solving, and written communication skills. Using supplied reference materials, students must organize information, define the problem, address issues, consider and evaluate solutions, and recommend and defend a course of action. Student scores reflect a range of plausible and effective response strategies — a process that, by design, mimics real-world, decision environments.

To learn more about CAE’s assessments, visit cae.org.

For more information about Pearson Assessments visit https://www.pearsonassessments.com/large-scale-assessments/district-assessment.html.

About CAE
As a nonprofit whose mission is to help improve the academic and career outcomes of secondary and higher education students, CAE is the leader in designing innovative performance tasks for measurement and instruction of higher order skills and within subject areas.

Over the past 20 years, CAE has helped over 825,000 students globally understand and improve their proficiency in critical thinking, problem solving and effective written communication. Supported by best practices in assessment development, administration and psychometrics, CAE’s performance-based assessments include the Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA+) and College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA+). To learn more, please visit cae.org and connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

ROCHESTER, NY (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Counslr, the text-based mental health support platform, announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Athena High School of the Greece Central School District. This initiative will enable high school students and faculty to access Counslr’s 24/7/365 text-based mental health support platform, any time, anywhere.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer our students more accessible mental health support options through Counslr” said Christine Baker, Director of Student Services and School Improvement at Greece Central School District in Rochester, NY. “While we already had a robust set of wellness resources for our students, Counslr is serving as a new channel for us to reach the traditionally unreachable students who are not comfortable visiting the counseling center or engaging in traditional therapy.”

Counslr launched the service with the High School on May 1st, providing 1,100 students and more than 150 faculty members with round-the-clock, unlimited access to live, on-demand, text-based sessions with licensed professionals, any time, anywhere. The partnership between Counslr and Athena High School aims to increase access to quality support services, empowering students and faculty to address issues as they arise, ultimately mitigating larger crisis situations from manifesting.

“As an alum of AHS, I am pleased and even thrilled to hear of this partnership with Counslr as it’s imperative that we support the mental health and personal growth of our current and future students,” said John Wallace, a Greece Central School alum, former NBA player and mental health advocate. “The teen years are difficult, we all know that, but it’s also an age when resources need to be available to improve, redirect and empower, because these truly are formative years.”

Athena High School is the second of many high schools to recently partner with Counslr. Within the past 90 days Counslr has also partnered with private day school, the Winchendon School, and public schools Bronx Haven High School and Mott Haven Community High School, indicating the significantly increasing need for more accessible mental health support resources within high school communities.

“Teenagers are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression, and as a result, high school communities are extremely vulnerable. We are honored to work with Athena High School and the Greece School District to help address this growing demand for mental health support,” said Josh Liss, CEO of Counslr. “By providing unlimited, confidential help within the comfort and privacy of a personal device, we believe Athena will reach the traditionally unreachable and empower their students and faculty to seek help whenever needed.”

For more information on Counslr, please visit: www.counslr.com.

ABOUT COUNSLR
Counslr is a text-based mental health support application that provides unlimited access to live texting sessions with licensed professionals, 24/7/365. Users can access support on-demand within two minutes of opening the app, or by scheduled appointment. Through real-time texting, users enjoy one-on-one, private communication with a licensed counselor that can be conducted anytime, anywhere. Counslr was designed to help individuals deal with life’s day-to-day issues, empowering individuals to address concerns while they are small to help ensure that they stay small. As the only mental health platform that offers unlimited availability to live sessions with licensed counselors without a direct fee-for-service, Counslr offers its partners the most qualified, accessible, cost-effective, highly-scalable mental health solution for organizations of any size. Counslr partners with companies, universities/colleges, and high schools so these entities can provide Counslr’s services to their employees/students at no direct cost. Counslr is meant to supplement existing mental health services (such as campus counseling centers) — not to replace them. For more information, please visit Counslr: www.Counslr.com.

St. Paul, Minn. and Charlotte, NC. – 3M (@3M) and Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) today announced the 10 recipients of the inaugural 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network Alumni Grants Program. Launched in 2023, the program supports past participants and future scientists as part of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge ( #YoungScientist).  

As the nation’s premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for a mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” The new Alumni Network and Alumni Grants Program offers previous participants networking opportunities, resources, events, and funding for existing science projects. Former finalists must be registered members of the 3M Young Scientist Alumni Network to apply. 

The Alumni Grants Program awarded a total of $25,000 in funding to ten 3M Young Scientist Challenge alumni. The 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Grants Program recipients across three funding areas are as follows:  

• Braeden Benedict is a 26-year-old from Missouri and a 2011 finalist. Braeden received $1,000 for the project The Health Career Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis that provides mentorship, engaging health curriculum, and exposure to health careers to high school students from low-income, underrepresented minority communities.  
• Leanne Fan is a 15-year-old from California and 2022 America’s Top Young Scientist & Grand Prize winner. Leanne received $1,000 for the project Teaching Science to Kids Through Expos! that introduces young students to science.  
• Reshma Kosaraju is a 17-year-old from California and a 2019 finalist & Improving Lives Award Winner. Reshma received $1,000 for the project Eco Quest: An environmental conservation board game that teaches students about climate change. 
• Kathryn Lampo is a 20-year-old from Colorado and a 2017 finalist. Kathryn received $1,000 for the project NYC Model Rocketry Initiative that makes space science and engineering accessible to underserved middle schoolers across New York City through engaging STEM resources. 
• Viraj Pandey is a 14-year-old from California and a 2021 finalist. Viraj received $2,500 for the project Enhancing Crop Yields and Minimizing Crop Diseases Using Graphene Quantum Dots to Combat Overpopulation and Adverse Climate Changes that will help sustainably increase crop yield. 
• Sarah Park is a 15-year-old from Florida and a 2021 America’s Top Young Scientist & Grand Prize winner. Sarah received $5,000 for the project Spark Care+: Personalized Music Therapy App using a Mobile and AI that provides accessible and affordable music therapy for emotional wellbeing. 
• Samvrit Rao is a 15-year-old from Virginia and a 2020 finalist. Samvrit received $1,000 for the project STEMForU Innovation Bootcamps that inspires underrepresented minorities to pursue STEM by providing innovative learning experiences and resources to help develop STEM critical thinking skills. 
• Moitri Santra is a 13-year-old from Florida and a 2021 finalist. Harini received $2,500 for the project Novel Phyto-Nano Drug Delivery System that investigates the potential of medicinal phytochemicals at the nano-scale for reducing adverse drug reactions. 
• Daniel Thomas is a 15-year-old from Texas and a 2022 finalist. Daniel received $5,000 for the project ClearWTR Portable: A Novel Water Disinfection and Purification Device that creates safe and clean drinking water. 
• Harini Venkatesh is a 15-year-old from New Hampshire and a 2022 Improving Lives Award Winner & finalist. Harini received $5,000 for the project The Comptometrist: A Novel Method to Efficiently and Effectively Calculate Optical Power Current that calculates eye prescriptions. 

Learn more about the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network Alumni Grants Program recipients here.  

 “It’s incredibly inspiring to see how the 3M Young Scientist Challenge alumni have continued their scientific innovations,” said John P. Banovetz, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Environmental Responsibility at 3M. “Congratulations to each of the recipients of the inaugural alumni grants program! 3M is proud to support these inspiring students as they apply their passion for science to make the world a better place.” 

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network brings together a growing community of former Challenge finalists and mentors to connect over shared experiences, celebrate, and promote innovations and STEM as a whole. America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named Time Magazine’s first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and more.  

“The new Alumni program is designed to nurture growth and support ongoing science opportunities for prior participants as they tap into a network of innovators. These are innovative ideas that will change the world and we could not be prouder,” said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Social Impact at Discovery Education.  

The award-winning 3M Young Scientist Challenge supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program – Young Scientist Lab – which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them. All the resources are also available through the Young Scientist Lab Channel and in the Social Impact Partnerships channel on Discovery Education’s recently enhanced K-12 learning platform.  

About 3M 
3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what’s possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we’re working to improve lives and make what’s next at 3M.com/news or on Twitter at  @3M or @3MNews. 

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. 

MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) — Reflection Sciences, the executive function company, has appointed  Isaac Van Wesep as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1. The appointment will drive innovation, growth and the pursuit of the company’s mission to ensure every child gets the executive function support they need to achieve academic, career and personal success.

Van Wesep has a deep understanding of education technology and a passion for improving educational outcomes for all children. His expertise will be instrumental in guiding Reflection Sciences as it continues to lead the growth of cognitive science tools to enhance learning, curriculum and child development.

“After working closely with Isaac over the last two years, it’s clear he has the vision, energy and executive function skills to build on Reflection Sciences’ leadership in executive function,” said Co-Founder and Board Director Stephanie Carlson, Ph.D. “The science is now very clear that executive function skills significantly predict student achievement in core areas such as math, literacy and social-emotional skills. Measuring and improving executive function skills is the way forward to support student success.”

Executive function—or “EF” for short—is the set of brain skills that allows people to hold information in mind, control impulses and think flexibly. These skills allow people to pursue their goals, make better decisions and prioritize actions. Scientific research has shown that EF skills are essential to academic success in children, and also critical building blocks for social-emotional skills that are important success factors throughout life. EF skills are malleable and develop rapidly during childhood. EF skills can be undermined by trauma, such as pandemic isolation and poverty, but they also can be improved with practice.    

Reflection Sciences was founded by Drs. Stephanie Carlson and Phil Zelazo, distinguished faculty at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota. The company’s Minnesota Executive Function Scale (the  MEFS), developed through a research collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the first objective and normed measure of executive function skills for the commercial market. The tool has been used by educators, clinicians and researchers to support growth and development in 100,000 individuals.

“Measuring and developing young learners’ executive function skills holds tremendous potential for improving academic, career and life outcomes,” Van Wesep said. “The research around executive function is clear: it is the essence of human decision-making and the foundation for success in school and at work. The education community is now beginning to understand the science of EF, paving the way for a decade of EF advancement in preK–12.”

To learn more about Reflection Sciences, visit  https://www.reflectionsciences.com.

About Reflection Sciences
Reflection Sciences, Inc. provides the Minnesota Executive Function Scale (the MEFS) to schools, early-childhood centers, ADHD treatment providers and other learning institutions to help them quickly and objectively measure executive function and learning differences. The MEFS is the first objective, scientifically based and normed direct assessment that validly and reliably measures executive function skills in children as young as two years old. The MEFS App is an engaging, five-minute game for students, and it provides vital data for educators and parents on a learner’s executive function skills. Find out more at  https://www.reflectionsciences.com.

PHILADELPHIA (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and positive behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting, today announced Kristi Hoffman as its 2023 Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Ashanti Brooks as its 2023 Staff of the Year (STOY). The designations were officially made last week as SESI celebrated Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.

SESI’s second annual STOY designation honors teachers who exemplify high-quality, evidence-based instruction and the importance of equitable education for all SESI students. New for 2023, full-time employees including social workers, behavior specialists and paraprofessionals, were eligible for nomination. The STOY program recognizes exemplary staff who demonstrate unparalleled dedication to supporting all students.

“SESI is delighted to celebrate Kristi and Ashanti, regional and campus level winners, and all nominees on the heels of this important week devoted to honoring the exceptional professionals in education,” said Dawn Thomas, president of SESI. “Our compassionate staff and teachers work tirelessly to unlock the potential of every student, a mission that has become increasingly crucial as the number of students receiving special education has grown over the past decade. Their passion for fostering student growth is evident in every classroom, therapy session and special activity.”

A teacher at Missouri’s High Road School of Wright City since 2019, Hoffman has made a significant difference in the lives of numerous students. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment and emphasis on collaboration with colleagues and families have helped distinguish Hoffman as an outstanding special education teacher. Her unwavering commitment to students serves as a testament to the exceptional work happening within the SESI community of schools. Hoffman’s colleagues call her the “the light of the school.”

“I am so humbled to receive this honor,” said Hoffman. “My philosophy of learning and education is that once the foundation of a trusting relationship is built, then vulnerabilities can be expressed. Real learning and life lessons take place in everyday conversations.”

Marking over a decade of service as a key founding member of the Excel Academies of Chicago community, Brooks demonstrates exceptional dedication and skill in her multifaceted role as regional enrollment and recruiter coordinator. A familiar face known by students and staff, Brooks said the impact she makes on young people keeps her motivated year after year. Her reach extends far beyond the classroom, going out of her way to answer texts from students after hours and weekends, ensuring she is a continuous source of support. Brooks even coaches the boys basketball team.

In describing her personal philosophy, Brooks said: “Your story may be their story.”

“You never know what someone may be going through, or what may be hindering them from making the academic gains we know they can,” she said.

With more than 2,800 educators and staff members at almost 200 private day schools and in-district classrooms for students with diverse academic, behavioral and social-emotional learning needs, SESI is one of the largest employers of teachers nationwide. Hoffman and Brooks were selected, along with campus, regional and divisional winners, by a SESI leadership panel.

The program’s goals include enhancing the visibility and importance of supporting teachers, promoting the value of quality education and learning for the future, recognizing and honoring educators and staff who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence, and building an effective professional learning community.

To learn more about SESI’s Staff and Teacher of the Year program and see the full list of divisional, regional and campus winners, visit: www.sesischools.com/teacher-and-staff-of-the-year.

About Specialized Education Services, Inc.
Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, is a premier provider of education services for K-12 students who require additional educational and behavioral supports to overcome challenges that impede success in a traditional school setting. SESI partners with school districts to run classrooms, on-site, within district boundaries and standalone schools that meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of special education students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and other challenges. Partnering with over 600 school districts nationwide, SESI serves more than 7,000 students in day schools and in-district classrooms. SESI is accredited by Cognia.

Boulder, Colo. – Being one of the best was the goal of each of the 80 teams while competing at the 2023 National KidWind Challenge in Boulder. Over the course of the three-day event, these highly skilled students were tested on their knowledge of renewable energy, their design and problem-solving skills, and their wind turbines’ energy output by a team of renewable energy educators and industry professionals. The top-performing teams are:

High School Division (Grades 9-12)

• THS Wind Breakers from Tabb High School in Yorktown, Va.
• Mauston Gummy Bears from Mauston High School in Mauston, Wis.
• The Quilt Blockers from Darlington High School in Darlington, Wis.

Middle School Division (Grades 6-8)

• The 2 Dominators from Sand Creek Middle School in Albany, N.Y.
• J.A.M.S from Smithfield Middle School in Smithfield, Va.
• W Squared from Oakley Middle School in Oakley, Kan.

Elementary School Division (Grades 4-5)

• Hutch STEM Blue from STEM Magnet School at Allen in Hutchinson, Kan.
• Montgomery Windbreakers from Montgomery Area School District in Montgomery, Pa.
• Slack Attack form St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Va.

Team scores were based on their performance on three tasks. Teams tested their wind turbine’s performance and energy output in four KidWind wind tunnels each operating at different speeds. They then presented their design choices, challenges, and successes to the judges. To further test their knowledge and skill, each grade-level division also participated in a renewable energy quizbowl and instant challenges.

Additionally, students competed in the first-ever National Solar Challenge. Students created solar powered objects, art, or mini cities for this new event. Teams were scored on their creativity, knowledge, and the performance of their device. The two top-performing teams are:

• Hungry Chickens from Smithfield High School in Smithfield, Va.
• Solar Baby from J. Frank Hillyard Middle School in Broadway, Va.

This national hands-on engineering competition took place at the Balch Fieldhouse at the University of Colorado – Boulder. This year’s event was co-located with the Collegiate Wind Competition on May 14-17, 2023. It was the culminating event for the KidWind Challenge season, which consisted of 50 local challenges happening across the U.S. and Mexico over the course of six months. Student teams competed in their local event to qualify for the 2023 National KidWind Challenge.

Since the first competition in 2009, the KidWind Challenge and its partners have successfully implemented events in 42 states, with roughly 50,000 students competing in 400 events across the country. The 2023 KidWind Challenge was made possible with the help of many volunteers and the generous contributions from national sponsors, including National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Invenergy, EDP Renewables North America, Enel, Orsted, Pattern Energy, Trane, and Vernier Software & Technology.

For more information about the KidWind Challenge, visit www.kidwind.org/challenge.

About the KidWind Challenge:
The KidWind Challenge is the ultimate wind energy learning experience. Students discover the promise and limitations of wind energy technology while designing, building, and testing a functional wind turbine and competing with their peers in a supportive environment. The KidWind Challenge was developed in 2009 by the KidWind Project, an international leader in clean energy education, and has been embraced and supported by leading energy industry companies since its start. For information on how to get involved, go to www.kidwind.org/challenge.

Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Learning, a leader in AI-driven technology, curriculum, and professional learning solutions for K-12 education, today announced that Chris Hedrick is joining the company as Chief Revenue Officer. Chris will sit on the new Carnegie Learning Executive Leadership Team reporting to CEO Barry Malkin.

Chris joins Carnegie Learning from Scholastic, where he served as the Senior Vice President of Sales. He brings nearly thirty years of experience in sales and revenue management in K-12 education, working with some of the most respected companies in the field. 

Prior to his tenure at Scholastic, Chris worked with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Cambium Learning, where he held various sales leadership roles and contributed significantly to the growth and success of those organizations. With this experience, Chris brings a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of educators and school districts.

According to CEO Barry Malkin, “the creation of the Chief Revenue Officer position reflects Carnegie Learning’s expanding business and our commitment to bringing on top talent. In his role, Chris will be responsible for developing and executing our revenue strategy, overseeing all revenue-generating activities, and ensuring that we continue to grow and thrive in the dynamic and exciting edtech market. With his breadth and depth of experience – from classroom teacher to highly-successful sales leader – Chris will accelerate our positive impact across more and more school districts.”

“I was drawn to Carnegie Learning’s fast-paced and innovative environment,” said Hedrick. “It’s an exciting opportunity to build growth at a company with tremendous potential to transform K-12 education. Carnegie Learning is uniquely positioned to deliver exactly what the market demands with high-quality products driven by research and data. The product differentiation supported by the latest science and AI is like nothing else out there.” 

About Carnegie Learning, Inc.

Carnegie Learning is the leading provider of K-12 education technology, curriculum, and professional learning solutions. With award-winning offerings for K-12 math, literacy, world languages, professional learning, high-dosage tutoring, and more, Carnegie Learning is delivering real and lasting results for teachers and students. Born from more than 30 years of learning science research at Carnegie Mellon University, we are known for using the power of data to improve student performance. Our range of products allows us to support more than 2 million students and educators in all 50 states and Canada. Named a Top Place to Work for six years in a row, our 700+ employees across North America are passionate about partnering with educators in the classroom. For more information, visit carnegielearning.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

QUINCY, Mass. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Breezeline, the nation’s eighth-largest cable operator, has partnered with CyberSecurity NonProfit (CSNP) to create a series of blogs, videos and social posts to inform and educate the public on ways to protect against cybercrime and to promote online safety.

Recent educational materials created by CSNP staff and experts from the cyber security profession include ways to keep children safe in public online spaces, the benefits and concerns with authentication methods like two-factor and facial recognition, the benefits and risks of location services, identifying cryptocurrency scams, password tips, and Internet of Things (IoT) safety.

“Easy access to online content provides tremendous benefits to society for learning, work, and keeping connected to the world around us,” said Andrew Walton, a spokesperson for Breezeline. “Awareness of online best practices will help reduce risk and ensure that content can be enjoyed safely.”  

In addition to increasing cyber safety knowledge and awareness in the general population, the non-profit organization works to address the diversity gap in the cybersecurity profession.

 “Support from partners like Breezeline is crucial to our efforts to promote cyber safety knowledge and awareness,” said Emily Stamm, President and Cofounder of CSNP. “The support also helps us address the diversity gap in the cybersecurity profession by providing accessible education, resources, and career development opportunities.”

The initiative is one of several steps Breezeline is taking to promote online safety and to foster the responsible use of technology in its communities, including digital literacy training for older adults, anti-cyberbullying resources for schools, coding programs for young female coders, and other initiatives to promote technology careers.

For more information on online security, please visit csnp.org/cyber-safety.