Miami – Achieve Miami, a nonprofit dedicated to equalizing educational opportunities for students throughout Miami-Dade County, has received $2.4 million from multiple philanthropic organizations and leaders, including a leadership gift of $2 million from Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. The funding, awarded over the past year, will further expand Achieve Miami’s transformative programs, reaching thousands of K-12 students through initiatives including Achieve Scholars, which prepares high schoolers for college success; Achieve Summer, a dynamic program combating learning loss through hands-on academics and enrichment; and the Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP), a groundbreaking effort to address Miami-Dade’s urgent teacher shortage.

Kenneth C. Griffin’s $2 million leadership gift is specifically focused on supporting TAP in creating a pipeline of talent for the teaching profession through recruiting, preparing, and mentoring aspiring educators, including those who had not previously considered a career in education. This gift builds on Griffin’s $3.5 million gift to TAP in 2022, further strengthening Achieve Miami’s efforts to recruit and train qualified educators to teach in public, private and charter schools across Miami-Dade and close learning gaps in the city’s schools. Griffin has a longstanding commitment to improving education and has contributed more than $900 million to providing greater access to a high-quality education and pathways to success for students in Florida and across the country.

Additional grants include:

• $200,000 from the Bezos Family Foundation, which is a director’s gift supporting early and adolescent learning through grants and programs that advance the science of learning.
• $100,000 from the Panera Bread Foundation, as part of its national initiative to support nonprofits that provide educational access to underserved youth.
• $65,000 from Morgan Stanley, in support of Achieve Miami’s financial literacy and career readiness programs, which equip students in the organization’s Achieve Scholars program with essential money management skills for financial independence and future success. As part of its commitment, a team of Morgan Stanley employees guide students through financial literacy sessions across ten Miami-Dade County public schools, providing essential lessons on topics like budgeting, investing, entrepreneurship, savings, and credit.
• $50,000 from City National Bank of Florida, as part of its long-term partnership with Achieve Miami in support of the Achieve Scholars program. City National Bank is planning financial literacy programming for students over the summer.

“Every student deserves access to resources, mentors, and opportunities that can set them up for success,” said Leslie Miller Saiontz, Founder of Achieve Miami. “These generous grants, led by Ken Griffin, will enable us to expand our reach, empower more educators, and bridge opportunity gaps that are prevalent in Miami. By investing in students and teachers, we are building a stronger future for our community.”

“Each of us has a story of how a teacher has changed our lives,” said Ken Griffin in February 2023 alongside his initial gift to Achieve Miami. “I care deeply about bringing more high-quality educators into Miami classrooms to help ensure the children of Miami will continue to enjoy the impact of life-changing teachers.”

Despite being one of the fastest-growing states with the nation’s fourth-largest economy, Florida ranks #21 in per capita education funding. Achieve Miami’s initiatives aim to eliminate educational disparities by equipping students with the tools and support needed for success with a variety of diverse enrichment programs such as Achieve Scholars, Achieve Saturdays, and Achieve Music.

Achieve Miami’s impact to-date includes support for over 10,000 Miami-Dade County students, college and career readiness programming for Achieve Scholars across ten high school sites, providing internet access to over 106,000 homes through Miami Connected, and the recruitment and training of nearly 200 new teachers through the Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) since the initiative’s launch in 2023.

ABOUT ACHIEVE MIAMI

Achieve Miami is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fostering a transformational education ecosystem in Miami. Since its founding in 2015, the organization has supported over 10,000 K-12 students, bolstered programming for 60+ local schools, and engaged thousands of volunteers. Together with partners from the public and private sector, Achieve Miami designs and manages programs that bring together members from various parts of the community to extend learning opportunities for students, teachers, and community leaders. Learn more at www.achievemiami.org.

ABOUT THE TEACHER ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Teacher Accelerator Program (TAP) is a non-profit organization creating a pipeline of talent for the teaching profession through recruiting, preparing, and mentoring aspiring educators. TAP’s comprehensive and streamlined program equips college students and career changers with the skills, knowledge, and certification necessary to excel in the classroom. TAP addresses the nationwide teacher shortage crisis by providing a built-in path to teaching, inspiring a new generation of educators.

TAP participants take a one-semester course, followed by a six-week paid summer internship, earn a certificate to teach, and begin instructing in a Miami-Dade County public, private, or charter school classroom. TAP is an initiative of Achieve Miami, supported by Teach for America Miami-Dade, and is offered by the University of Miami, Florida International University and Miami-Dade College. Learn more at www.teacheraccelerator.org.

PORT RICHEY, FL – Ignite Reading, a one-to-one, Science of Reading-based virtual tutoring program in 18 states nationwide, today announced its partnership with the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning through the Florida Tutoring Advantage, a comprehensive statewide initiative aimed at significantly improving student outcomes in reading and mathematics. Ignite Reading was selected as a tutoring partner for the Florida Tutoring Advantage through an ITN process conducted by the University of Florida.

Marking Ignite Reading’s inaugural implementation in Florida at Dayspring Charter Academy in Pasco County through the Florida Tutoring Advantage partnership, the school hosted a showcase last week celebrating the significant literacy gains achieved through their collaboration. Dayspring Academy announced results from its ongoing partnership with Ignite Reading to deliver online, one-to-one literacy tutoring for K through 1st graders. Participating students have made impressive gains, averaging more than 2.5 weeks of reading progress for every week of tutoring instruction – more than double the expected rate in a traditional classroom.

“We are excited to be the first school in Florida to implement Ignite Reading through the Florida Tutoring Advantage program,” said R. Suzanne Legg, Co-Founder & CEO of Dayspring Academy. “The personalized, one-on-one support that Ignite Reading provides is exactly what our students need to build strong foundational reading skills by the end of first grade. We are confident that this partnership will significantly impact their academic journey.”

The UF Lastinger Center administers tutoring program design resources, funds school districts to bolster their tutoring programs, offers professional learning for district staff and tutors, and provides face-to-face, virtual, and automated tutoring for eligible K-5 students as well as AI-enhanced supports for select students in grades 6-12.  The goal is to improve K-5 student outcomes in reading and mathematics.  During the inaugural year of implementation, the Lastinger Center has adopted a Plan, Prepare, Pilot model to inform the scaling up of the program.

“We chose Ignite Reading because of their strong, evidence-based approach to literacy instruction,” said Phil Poekert, Ph.D., Lastinger Center Director. “The Florida Tutoring Advantage represents our dedication to transforming education through evidence-based high-impact tutoring and ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”

Key components of the Florida Tutoring Advantage, administered by the UF Lastinger Center, include:

• Developing and sharing high-impact tutoring guidelines for school districts.
• Providing expert consultation to school districts on program creation and effective implementation.
• Offering grant funding to public school districts to develop in-person tutoring programs.
• Implementing and expanding in-person, virtual, and automated tutoring programs in K-5.
• AI-enhanced supports for students in grades 6-12.

“First-grade reading instruction is where we lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning,” said Jess Reid Sliwerski, CEO of Ignite Reading. “High-dosage tutoring has proven to be a transformative tool in accelerating learning and closing achievement gaps. We are thrilled to partner with the UF Lastinger Center and Dayspring Charter Academy to bring our evidence-based literacy solutions to Florida students.”

The University of Florida Lastinger Center began piloting programs with partner districts in the 2024-2025 school year, with resources becoming available throughout the year and beyond.

About Ignite Reading

Ignite Reading is on a mission to ensure every student can access the tools they need to be a confident, fluent reader by the end of 1st grade. School districts nationwide depend on Ignite Reading’s virtual tutoring program to deliver literacy support at scale for students who need help learning to read. Our highly trained tutors provide students with 1:1 tutoring in foundational literacy skills each school day, helping them go from learning to read to reading to learn.

A recent study by the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University found that Ignite Reading students across demographics — including students who are English Learners, Black, Hispanic, and those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) — achieve the same outstanding gains of more than 5 months of additional learning during a single school year.  For more information about Ignite Reading, visit www.ignite-reading.com.

About the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning

The UF Lastinger Center for Learning creates educational systems where every child and educator experiences high-quality learning that supports achievement of the critical milestones predictive of success in school and life. Its programs focus on kindergarten readiness, third-grade reading proficiency and algebra proficiency. Over the last two decades, the Lastinger Center has made significant strides for real, scalable solutions in collaboration with educators and families in Florida and around the country. To learn more about the Lastinger Center, please visit  http://lastinger.center.ufl.edu/.

FREMONT, CA – Optoma, a world-leading provider of visual solutions, today announced its latest Creative Touch 3-Series Interactive Displays designed to empower educators and business professionals with new tools and features to enhance learning, make presentations more effective, and increase collaboration in classrooms, lecture halls, boardrooms, remote working and other business environments.

With Google’s Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA) Certification and added functionality, the new 3-Series empowers professionals and educators to deliver dynamic and impactful content by providing cutting-edge tools that streamline management and elevate engagement. The advanced capabilities of the new 3-Series simplify planning and workflow through wireless collaboration, screen sharing, and innovative meeting solutions in both corporate and educational environments alike, all packed into a robust yet user-friendly platform.

The 3-Series: Purpose-Built for Corporate and Education Environments

New features and key highlights include:

Google EDLA Certification: Ensures compatibility and optimized performance with thousands of educational applications and services available directly from the pre-installed Google Play Store allowing users to experience the full Google Suite for real-time collaboration from practically anywhere in the world.  Without compatibility issues or the hassle of connecting an external PC, users can easily access the entire suite of Google-based applications they are accustomed to – including Google Drive, Google Docs, YouTube, and more!

The Optoma Solution Suite (OSS®): User-friendly software featuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled tools, such as Sticky Notes* and AI Handwriting Recognition, the OSS package also includes:

• Whiteboard: Unleash creativity through a digital whiteboard packed with tools that make learning and sharing ideas engaging – facilitating collaboration in real-time from anywhere.
  • Smart Sketch tool is ideal for drawing diagrams as it recognizes shapes and drawings and converts them into clipart images.
  • Floating Toolbar and Infinity Canvas allow you to seamlessly switch between tools to suit your tasks with a virtually limitless writing space.
  • Innovative Annotation and Highlighter Tools make underlining key points or annotating complex diagrams a breeze.
• File Manager: Easily save, organize, or move files from local storage to networkable storage or to popular cloud services in seconds.
• Display Share: Connect any device to wirelessly broadcast, share, or stream your content to the big screen. Bringing your own device has never been easier.

Exceptional Performance: Seamless performance with an 8-core processor, Android 14 OS, and Zero Bonding screen for that natural writing experience.

“We are excited to announce our new 3-Series and partnership with Raptor Technologies which truly embodies our commitment to supporting education through cutting-edge visual solutions, enhanced software packages and safety and security,” said Maria Repole, Head of Marketing at Optoma.

A value-added solution, Optoma Management Suite (OMS®) is available out of the box on the 3-Series Interactive Displays, with a free trial available.** OMS offers IT administrators and technicians a real time remote platform to monitor, manage, diagnose, and update multiple or entire fleets of displays simultaneously that are either on the same network or connected through the cloud. OMS makes it easy to broadcast emergency messages, alerts, or announcements across displays worldwide.

Optoma is thrilled to partner with Raptor® Technologies, the leading innovator in school safety solutions, redefining the landscape of school security with its Raptor School Safety Software Suite. By integrating Raptor’s software with Optoma’s interactive displays, school administrators and students can receive real-time alerts and emergency notifications using CAP protocols to improve the overall safety of the school.

To experience a demonstration and learn more about Optoma’s new Creative Touch 3-Series Interactive Displays, please schedule a demo or visit: https://www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays-3-series/education https://www.optomausa.com/products/interactive-flat-panel-displays-3-series/corporate

*Some AI features may require the use of an Optoma (OSS) account.

**Free trial licenses are available for a limited time. Please register your OMS® Cloud account at https://oms.optoma.com or speak with your local representative.

OMS and OSS are registered trademarks of Optoma Corporation

DLP is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments

About Optoma Technology, Inc.  

Optoma combines cutting-edge technology and innovation to deliver remarkable visual display products designed to connect audiences with engaging video experiences. From the company’s ProScene projectors to its Creative Touch interactive, Professional LCD and LED displays, Optoma’s suite of products can meet the demands of nearly any professional environment, including conference rooms and classrooms, digital signage, corporate, houses of worship, retail, simulation environments and control rooms. Optoma Technology is the U.S. headquarters for The Optoma Group, with continental headquarters also in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit optomausa.com.   

CHICAGO, IL (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Otus, a leading provider of K-12 student data and assessment solutions, has been awarded a prestigious Gold Stevie® Award in the category of Customer Service Department of the Year at the 2025 American Business Awards®. This recognition celebrates the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting educators, students, and families through exceptional service and innovation.

In addition to the Gold award, Otus also earned two Silver Stevie® Awards: one for Company of the Year – Computer Software – Medium Size, and another honoring Co-founder and President Chris Hull as Technology Executive of the Year.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized, but the real win is knowing our work is making a difference for educators and students,” said Hull. “As a former teacher, I know how difficult it can be to juggle everything that is asked of you. At Otus, we focus on building tools that save time, surface meaningful insights, and make student data easier to use—so teachers can focus on what matters most: helping kids grow.”

The American Business Awards®, now in their 23rd year, are the premier business awards program in the United States, honoring outstanding performances in the workplace across a wide range of industries. The competition receives more than 12,000 nominations every year. Judges selected Otus for its outstanding 98.7% customer satisfaction with chat interactions, and exceptional 89% gross retention in 2024. They also praised the company’s unique blend of technology and human touch, noting its strong focus on educator-led support, onboarding, data-driven product evolution, and professional development.

“We believe great support starts with understanding the realities educators face every day. Our Client Success team is largely made up of former teachers and school leaders, so we speak the same language. Whether it’s during onboarding, training, or day-to-day communication, we’re here to help districts feel confident and supported. This recognition is a reflection of how seriously we take that responsibility and energizes us to keep raising the bar,” said Phil Collins, Ed.D., Chief Customer Officer at Otus.

Otus continues to make significant strides in simplifying teaching and learning by offering a unified platform that integrates assessment, data, and instruction—all in one place. Otus has supported over 1 million students nationwide by helping educators make data-informed decisions, monitor progress, and personalize learning. These honors reflect the company’s growth, innovation, and steadfast commitment to helping school communities succeed.

About Otus

Otus, an award-winning edtech company, empowers educators to maximize student performance with a comprehensive K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution. Committed to student achievement and educational equity, Otus combines student data with powerful tools that provide educators, administrators, and families with the insights they need to make a difference. Built by teachers for teachers, Otus creates efficiencies in data management, assessment, and progress monitoring to help educators focus on what matters most—student success. Today, Otus partners with school districts nationwide to create informed, data-driven learning environments. Learn more at Otus.com.

Stay connected with Otus on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Washington, D.C.– CoSN today announced that the Mid-America Association for Computers in Education ( MACE) and the Nebraska Chapter of the Consortium for School Networking ( CoSNE) have been approved by the CoSN Board of Directors as official State Chapters. CoSN State Chapters play a crucial role in advancing the organization’s mission at the local level. These chapters provide a platform for education technology leaders to collaborate, share best practices and advocate for innovative solutions in their regions. Through networking events, professional development opportunities and policy influence, CoSN State Chapters empower members to drive impactful change in their school districts.

MACE is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to advancing educational technology by fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and supporting educators in the effective use of technology. The organization works to enhance education through responsible use of hardware and software, engage with industry partners to establish technical standards, and connect professionals in the field.   CoSNE was established by the Nebraska Association of Technology Administrators ( NATA), along with a group of Nebraska K-12 chief technology officers, chief information officers and technology directors in smaller districts/regions — or not previously associated with NATA. CoSNE is advancing the focus on policy advocacy, professional development, and engagement with state and national entities to advance educational technology leadership and best practices for every K-12 technology leader across Nebraska.

“MACE-KS is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community where educators actively using or intending to integrate technology can connect and share innovative ideas, effective techniques, valuable materials and proven procedures within educational settings. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with existing educational organizations in Kansas to contribute meaningfully to strategic leadership and system-level technology planning. This represents a joint effort to fortify the overall EdTech ecosystem within our state,” said Travis True, President-Elect, MACE.

“Our focus is on the people making critical technology decisions for school systems. We’re excited to create a space for those leaders to connect, share ideas and work together on the unique challenges we face in Nebraska,” said Bryan Dunne, President, CoSNE. “We look forward to working alongside existing education organizations in Nebraska to add value in the areas of strategic leadership and system-level technology planning. This is a collaborative effort to strengthen the overall EdTech ecosystem in our state.”

The MACE leadership team includes:
Mike Ribble, Executive Director
Lori Rice, President/Webmaster
Megan Nussbaum, Past President
Travis True, President-Elect
Ginny Duncan, Secretary

The CoSNE leadership team includes:
Bryan Dunne, President
Joshua G Jerome, President-Elect
Cory Gearhart, Treasurer
Ross Louch, Secretary
Kevin Gross, Ex-Officio
Rob Uchtman, Ex-Officio
Dorann Avey, Affiliate Member
Andy Boell, Affiliate Member
Scott Isaacson, Affiliate Member

To learn more about CoSN State Chapters and their efforts, visit cosn.org/networking-community/cosn-chapters/

About CoSN CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. cosn.org

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Charlotte, NC— Discovery Education, the creators of indispensable K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced an exciting new slate of standards-aligned educational content and instructional resources for Back-to-School 2025 that will inspire teachers and engage students. The development of Discovery Education’s newest content is based on feedback from the company’s school-based partners and makes teaching and learning even more relevant, interesting, and personalized for users of Discovery Education products.

Available within Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged K-12 classrooms, this new content supports instruction in a variety of disciplines including ELA, Math, Social Studies, and Careers Exploration. Designed to work alongside innovative product enhancements announced earlier this year, these new resources empower teachers to create personalized learning experiences with inquiry, excitement, and exploration that will hold students’ attention while challenging them academically.

Among the new content and resources now available to users of Discovery Education Experience are: 

Ready-To-Teach Lessons Enhancing Curriculum

• Built around research-based instructional strategies, these new ready-to-teach lessons and activities target critical classroom needs and help teachers create unique learning opportunities for each student. Highlights include new Math Talks for grades 3-5, which feature activities focused on making sense of mathematics through open-ended prompts and rich student discussions, Daily Fix-Its and Weekly Edits, which are teacher-led presentations targeting common student grammar errors, and more.  

New Immersive Learning Resources

• Featuring interactive experiences that deeply involve students in their learning journey, the immersive resources recently added to Discovery Education Experience use the award-winning Sandbox app—available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store—to encourage active participation, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge. Recently added lessons enable elementary students to explore the phenomena of seasonal change, travel back in time to a medieval castle, investigate animal habitats around the world, and more.  

Exclusive Virtual Field Trips Promoting Real-World Connections
These virtual field trips are free and available to all. Register here and find out more.

• The Superpower of Story: A Virtual Field Trip to Warner Bros. Studios (Grades 6-12) This Virtual Field Trip (VFT) introduces students to the exciting world of storytelling with “The Superpower of Story” at DC Comics Headquarters. Students will get a behind-the-scenes look at how comics and films come to life with insight from industry creators. 
• “Meet the Magnets” Virtual Field Trip (Grades K-5) Hosted by Sesame Workshop and the National Science Foundation (NSF), this interactive experience takes young learners to NSF’s Magnetic Field Laboratory, igniting their curiosity about the everyday applications of magnet science in our lives.
• Total Health: A Virtual Field Trip with the NBA and WNBA (Grades 3-8) This VFT encourages students to live a healthy lifestyle with a behind-the-scenes look at how professional basketball players from the NBA and WNBA maintain their health on and off the court!  

DE Original Series Boosting Literacy Skills

• With The Writer’s Block, middle school students build grammar, literary analysis, and communication skills with relatable hosts and captivating storytelling. Launching with four exciting episodes featuring lessons on run-on sentences, context clues, and writing purpose, the series is a go-to resource for differentiated ELA instruction.  

Need to Know Series Exploring Ancient Wonders and Key Topics in Civics

• The popular social studies series, Need to Know, features dynamic explorations of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt for middle school students, highlighting geography, culture, and the lasting relevance of ancient civilizations in shaping the modern world. The new civics-focused series, Need toKnow Jr., isfor grades K-2and simplifies big societal concepts like laws, voting, and community roles, helping young students understand how our communities and governments function. Both series combine engaging student videos with ready-to-use lessons.  

In addition, the Future Ready Career Hub has been expanded with curated career exploration resources including Career Quest, a new series of student-driven explorations that invite learners to explore a range of career opportunities, and Career Profiles 2.0 activities that encourage students to step into a role of interest. These resources map to 14 National Career Clusters® and connect classrooms with Career Connect, which offers students virtual access to industry professionals. 

“Discovery Education understands that curiosity is central to the learning experience, as it drives student engagement, motivation, and persistence,” said Lance Rougeux, Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Engagement. “The new resources we are introducing today for Back-to-School 2025 are designed to pique the curiosity of all students, starting that exciting chain reaction that begins with student engagement and ends with students prepared for success beyond graduation.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.    

About Discovery Education 
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support 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. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at  www.discoveryeducation.com. 

Wayne, Pa. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Frontline Education, a leading provider of administration software purpose-built for educators in K-12, today announced that Chris Collins has been named the company’s new Chief Customer Officer (CCO).

Chris brings over 30 years of experience in customer success, operations, and service innovation across the software industry, having held leadership roles at Tricentis, Ellucian, Medallia, and CA Technologies. He has a proven track record of building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring customer satisfaction across the entire customer lifecycle. At Frontline, Chris will be responsible for overseeing the company’s customer experience initiatives, with a focus on delivering exceptional value to K-12 school districts.

“Chris’ extensive expertise in customer engagement and service innovation makes him an ideal fit to lead our customer experience strategy,” said Matt Strazza, CEO of Frontline Education. “His leadership will be pivotal as we continue to refine our approach, delivering measurable value and deepening our relationships with K-12 education leaders. Chris’ proven track record aligns seamlessly with our commitment to provide exceptional service and outcomes for school districts nationwide.”

With Chris’ leadership, Frontline will continue its commitment to providing districts with seamless, effective solutions across the entire customer journey. His expertise in post-sales excellence and customer lifecycle management has strengthened client relationships and driven long-term success for school districts. As an example, his leadership played a key role in securing a $1.33B private equity investment at Tricentis, highlighting the direct connection between customer experience, operational efficiency, and business growth.

“Frontline Education is at a transformative stage, and I’m honored to be part of this journey,” said Chris Collins. “The company has built a strong foundation of innovation and customer commitment. My focus will be on deepening the integration of customer success across every phase of the experience, ensuring that our solutions not only meet but exceed the expectations of K-12 districts. Together, we will drive both immediate value and long-term, measurable outcomes for our clients, positioning Frontline as the go-to partner for education leaders.”

About Frontline Education
Frontline Education is a leading provider of school administration software, connecting solutions for student and special programs, business operations and human capital management with powerful analytics to empower educators. Frontline partners with school systems to deliver tools, data and insights that support greater efficiency and productivity, enabling school leaders to spend more time and resources executing strategies that drive educator effectiveness, student success and district excellence.

Frontline’s broad portfolio includes solutions for proactive recruiting and hiring, absence and time management, professional growth, student information systems, special education, special programs, Medicaid reimbursement, school health management, inventory control and asset management, payroll benefits and financial management, and analytics solutions that help district leaders tap into their data to make more informed decisions for the benefit of their students and communities. Over 10,000 clients representing millions of educators, administrators and support personnel have partnered with Frontline Education in their efforts to develop the next generation of learners.

SAN FRANCISCO – NoRedInk, the comprehensive online writing platform provider used in over 60% of U.S. school districts, has partnered with the National Writing Project (NWP), a nationwide network dedicated to improving writing instruction. As AI disrupts the educational landscape, this partnership aims to shape the national conversation about the evolving role of critical thinking in writing practice.

Underlining the immediate need for schools and educators to teach students how to use AI responsibly, a recent study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University found that using AI for writing can inhibit critical thinking and create an overreliance on technology. NoRedInk and NWP are committed to providing educators with professional learning opportunities that enhance their ability to help students find their voice and develop critical thinking skills in a new age of technology.

“NoRedInk recognizes and respects the valuable role that teachers play in helping students become confident writers,” said Dr. Tanya Baker, executive director of NWP. “Together, we’re able to provide more educators with access to proven teaching models that help them reach every student with thoughtful writing instruction.”

The partners will establish a collaborative online community where educators can share best practices and access resources, including a free version of NoRedInk’s comprehensive writing platform.

“Our collective organizations bring decades of expertise in writing instruction and educator development to schools,” said Dr. Paige Whitlock, literacy director at NoRedInk. “At the heart of our partnership is a deep commitment to empowering students to think critically and express their voices with confidence.”

Learn more and access free resources from NoRedInk and the National Writing Project by visiting https://teach.noredink.com/nwp_nri_partnership.

About NoRedInk
NoRedInk’s mission is to help all students express themselves and develop essential critical thinking skills by harnessing the power of the written word. Founded in 2012 by a high school English teacher, NoRedInk is led by an experienced team of educators, technologists, and language evangelists. Offering a comprehensive writing platform essential to ELA curriculum, NoRedInk measurably improves students’ writing proficiency and ELA test scores. Teachers in more than 60% of school districts in the United States use its adaptive curriculum to deliver high-quality writing instruction that enables educators to build their capacity and confidence and helps students become strong communicators ready for college and the workforce. Learn more at NoRedInk.com.

About the National Writing Project
Through its mission, the National Writing Project (NWP) focuses the knowledge, expertise, and leadership of our nation’s educators on sustained efforts to help youth become successful writers and learners. NWP supports a network of local Writing Project sites, located on over 150 university and college campuses, to provide high-quality professional development in schools, universities, libraries, museums, and after-school programs. Through its many successful programs and partnerships, the organization reaches 6 million Pre-K through college-age students in over 2,000 school districts annually and prepares 2,500 new teacher-leaders each year. NWP envisions a future where every person is an accomplished writer, engaged learner, and active participant in a digital, interconnected world. Visit nwp.org for more information.

BOSTON (March 31, 2025) – In recent months, almost 2,000 schools and districts have purchased or renewed licenses for Lexia English Language Development (Lexia English) from Lexia, a Cambium Learning Group brand. Using powerful speech recognition technology, the program supports students in grades K-6 to build their linguistic confidence in academic English.

“More than 162,000 students and 77,000 educators at 7,400 schools used the program during the 2024 school year. In addition, those students practiced academic conversations 4.3 million times in the program,” said Lexia President, Nick Gaehde. “The numbers show just how much students and educators have needed access to a culturally responsive language learning solution.”

One of those educators who used the program is Lynmara Colón, the director of Student Opportunity and Multilingual Services at Prince William County Schools in Virginia. After a pilot, the district has allowed individual middle and elementary schools to purchase Lexia English during the 2024-2025 school year. Prince William County Schools serves more than 20,000 English learners who speak 140 languages. “We are the 10th most diverse district in the nation,” Colón said. “But when I try to find tools for diverse students, there’s not a lot that meets the specific needs of the student population we serve.”

Colón noted that the program had boosted student growth to the point of reducing her worries about providing staff with a high-quality tool focused on helping Emergent Bilingual students. She expressed appreciation for the way the program helps her forecast and make sense of language acquisition data. “With Lexia, I can have visibility into how they’re doing with language comprehension,” she said. “I always know to expect the best from our Lexia partners. I have high expectations, and they never disappoint.”

Lexia English’s approach to English language learning is to empower emergent bilinguals by honoring their heritage languages and offering culturally responsive, adaptive learning pathways to foster academic and linguistic growth. Seventeen characters with diverse backgrounds help students practice speaking skills by engaging with content in academic subjects such as math, science, social studies, and general knowledge.

Gaehde concluded, “With Lexia English, educators can celebrate multilingualism in the classroom, providing students with the tools to succeed in both English language development and overall academic achievement.”

About Lexia

Lexia®, a Cambium Learning® Group brand, is transforming literacy education, driving change in 1 of every 3 school districts across the United States. For more than 40 years, Lexia has been a thought leader in literacy education, delivering award-winning, research-based solutions grounded in the science of reading. With a full spectrum of offerings, including professional learning, curriculum, and embedded assessment tools, Lexia provides educators with Structured Literacy solutions that are proven effective and designed to drive meaningful literacy outcomes. By empowering educators with unparalleled ease of use and the knowledge and tools they need, Lexia helps more students unlock their potential to read, write, and speak with confidence. For more information, visit lexialearning.com.

About Cambium Learning Group

Cambium Learning Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 educators and students. With an intentional collection of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader, helping millions of educators and students feel more seen, valued, and supported every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now.

To learn more, visit www.cambiumlearning.com or follow Cambium on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment®, Lexia®, Learning A-Z®, ExploreLearning®, and Time4Learning®.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is partnering with the University of Florida (UF) and the Concord Consortium to introduce a groundbreaking year-long “Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Math” supplemental certification for FLVS middle and high school students enrolled in the school’s Flex option. FLVS instructors who teach Algebra 1 will lead this innovative program, teaching the online courses while also supplementing students’ learning with activities that build students’ understanding of math and AI concepts. FLVS students enrolled in Algebra 1 who elect to earn the certification will begin April 7. 

The certification will introduce students to the foundational principles of AI that intersect with core math topics while offering insights into real-world applications, ethical considerations, and career opportunities in AI-related fields. By merging 21st-century technology with education, the program aims to boost students’ math skills, cultivate positive attitudes toward mathematics, and expose them to the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

“As a leader in online education for more than 27 years, Florida Virtual School is committed to being at the forefront of educational innovation,” said Dr. Louis Algaze, president and CEO of Florida Virtual School. “By partnering with the University of Florida and the Concord Consortium, we are equipping our students with essential math skills and the knowledge to navigate and succeed in an AI-enhanced world.”

The certification also includes a collaborative feedback loop between FLVS teachers and UF and Concord Consortium researchers. Teachers will provide critical insights into the online course structure and student outcomes, helping to refine and improve the certification’s effectiveness for future online learners.

“AI is revolutionizing industries worldwide, creating new opportunities,” said Jie Chao, project director at the Concord Consortium. “Our partnership with FLVS allows us to offer robust AI learning opportunities to students with limited access to such resources, bridging the educational gaps and preparing young people for an AI-powered future.”

FLVS teachers will also complete 40 hours of online professional development as part of the program. The training will include learning about specialized learning technologies designed to help visualize abstract math concepts and create interactive AI model explorations to ensure students engage with the AI development process in meaningful and dynamic ways.

FLVS Flex students who are either currently enrolled or are interested in taking Algebra 1 can now sign up for the “AI in Math” certification by filling out this survey. Students who complete the program as part of their FLVS math class will receive enrichment credit and the AI Literacy certificate issued by UF and the Concord Consortium.  

About Florida Virtual School (FLVS) 

At Florida Virtual School (FLVS), the student is at the center of every decision we make. For 27 years, our certified online teachers have worked one-on-one with students to understand their needs and ensure their success – with FLVS students completing 8.1 million semester courses since the school’s inception. As a fully accredited statewide public school district, Florida students in grades Kindergarten through 12 can enroll tuition-free in full-time and part-time online education options. With more than 200 effective and comprehensive courses, and over 80 fun and exciting clubs, FLVS provides families with a safe, reliable, and flexible education in a supportive environment. As a leading online education provider, FLVS also offers comprehensive digital learning solutions to school districts, from online courses that result in high student performance outcomes, to easy-to-use online platforms, staff training, and support. To learn more, visit  our website.

Charlotte, NC — Discovery Education, the creators of essential K-12 learning solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced a host of exciting product updates during a special virtual event led by the company’s Chief Product Officer Pete Weir. Based on feedback from the company’s school-based partners, these updates make teaching and learning even more relevant, engaging, and personalized for users of Discovery Education products.

Among the enhancements made to Discovery Education Experience, the essential companion for engaged K-12 classrooms that inspires teachers and motivates students, are:  teachers and motivates students, are:

• Improved Personalized Recommendations for Teachers: With thousands of resources in Experience, there is something for every classroom. The new Core Curriculum Complements feature in Experience automatically surfaces engaging resources handpicked to enhance school systems’ core curriculum, simplifying lesson planning and ensuring tight alignment with district priorities. Additionally, Experience now offers educators Personalized Content Recommendations. These content suggestions made to individual teachers are based on their unique profiles and preferences, or what is frequently used by other educators like them.
• An Enhanced AI-Powered Assessment Tool: Originally launched in 2024, this tool is the first in a new suite of AI-powered teaching tools currently under development, and it empowers educators to create high-quality assessments using vetted resources right from within Experience. Educators can now more easily customize assessments according to reading level, question type, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and more – ensuring optimal learning experiences for students. Educators can also review and tailor the questions and, once ready, export those questions into a variety of formats.
• A New Career Exploration Tool for All Discovery Education Experience Users: Career Connect – the award-winning tool that connects K-12 classrooms with real industry professionals – is now accessible to all Discovery Education Experience users. With this new feature, classrooms using Experience can directly connect to the professionals, innovations, and skills of today’s workforce. Furthermore, Experience is now delivering a variety of new career pathway resources, virtual field trips, and career profiles – building career awareness, inviting exploration, and helping students prepare for their future.
• A newly enhanced Instructional Strategy Library: To elevate instruction and better support teachers, Discovery Education has enhanced its one-stop-spot for strategies supporting more engaging, efficient, and effective teaching. The improved Instructional Strategy Library streamlines the way educators find and use popular, research-backed instructional strategies and professional learning supports and provides connected model lessons and activities.

Also announced today were a host of improvements to DreamBox Math by Discovery Education. DreamBox Math offers adaptive, engaging, and scaffolded lessons that adjust in real time to personalize learning so that students can build confidence and skills at their own pace. Among the new improvements to DreamBox Math are:

• Major Lesson Updates: Based on teacher feedback, Discovery Education’s expert curriculum team has updated DreamBox Math’s most popular lessons to make them easier for students to start, play, and complete successfully. Students will now encounter lessons with updated scaffolding, enhanced visuals, greater interactivity, and added context to ground mathematical concepts in the curriculum and the world they live in.
• A New Look for Middle School: Middle school students will encounter a more vibrantly colored and upgraded user interface featuring a reorganized Lesson Chooser whose intuitive design makes it easy to identify teacher-assigned lessons from their personalized lesson options. Additional updates will follow throughout the year.
• New Interactive Curriculum Guide: Discovery Education has strengthened the link between DreamBox Math and school systems’ core instruction with an Interactive Curriculum Guide. Educators can now explore the breadth and scope of DreamBox content by grade and standard to locate, preview, and play lessons, increasing familiarity with lessons, and enhancing targeted instruction. The DreamBox Math team will continue to make updates to standards and curriculum alignments throughout the year.

To watch a replay of today’s special event in its entirety, and to learn about additional updates to Discovery Education’s suite of K-12 solutions, visit this link.

“Discovery Education understands teachers’ sense of urgency about closing the achievement gaps highlighted by recent NAEP scores,” said Pete Weir, Discovery Education’s Chief Product Officer. “In response, we accelerated the development and deployment of what has traditionally been our ‘Back-to-School’ product enhancements. The stakes for our students have never been higher, and Discovery Education is dedicated to putting the highest-quality, most effective resources into teachers and students’ hands as soon as possible.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.    

TEMPE, Arizona – Educators with a passion for STEM learning gathered with their peers and industry leaders at the inaugural MicroSpark ASU Prep Microelectronics Conference, heldlast week in Tempe and Chandler. Designed for ASU Preparatory Academy teachers who are teaching STEM or would like to grow their STEM knowledge, the event equipped educators across the ASU Prep network with information and resources to help engage students in science, technology, engineering and math, both in the classroom and as a future career choice.

Arizona is a global leader in microelectronics, with multi-billion-dollar facilities being established or expanded locally, which in turn requires a large STEM workforce. As a college-preparatory school network aligned with the Arizona College and Career Ready standards, ASU Prep prioritizes STEM learning so students become aware of these fields, industries and pathways to high-end STEM and STEM-related careers.

“ASU Preparatory Academy is a critical element of the pipeline design towards engineering, technical and business roles that connect to semiconductor manufacturing and microelectronics in Arizona,” said Rachna Mathur, Senior STEM Strategist for ASU Preparatory Academy, who previously worked in the semiconductor industry for more than a decade. “We continually focus on inclusive learning and principled innovation in all our initiatives, especially in STEM, where we need diverse voices among tomorrow’s leaders, designers and innovators.”

The MicroSpark conference was designed to introduce K-12 teachers to the microelectronics industry, concepts and careers; equip teachers with resources to integrate microelectronics into their lessons; and foster connections between educators, Arizona State University faculty and industry professionals.

This first-of-its-kind microelectronics-focused conference was the result of collaboration among the ASU Fulton Engineering School of Manufacturing Systems and Networksand the Southwest Advanced Prototyping (SWAP) Hub at ASU, a partner of theCHIPS & Science Act of 2022, which supportssemiconductor and microelectronics education in K-12. In addition, the Semi Foundation supported a Micro:Bit hands-on workshop and sponsored class kits for all participating teachers, and NXP Semiconductors in Chandler served as host for the second day of the conference.

Leading academic and industry professionals who lent their expertise to the program, included:

• Dr. Binil Starly, Professor and School Director of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks (MSN) within the Ira. A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and Dr. Shawn Jordan, Interim Director of the School of Integrated Engineering and an Associate Professor of Engineering in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, who presented an “Introduction to Microelectronics”
• Bia Hamed, Perla DeBaggis and Nick Irigoyen, an expert team from the Semi Foundation that facilitated the hands-on Micro:Bit workshop
• John Cain, Rylan Rysle and their team at NXP Semiconductors, who served as hosts for the second day of the conference, which included a workshop, tours and sessions
• Faridodin “Fredi” Lajvardi, President, CEO and Director of STEM Initiatives for the Si Si Puede STEM Center, who presented on “Robotics in Arizona”

Educators participating in the conference include 25 teachers and support staff representing all five local ASU Prep campuses (Phoenix, South Phoenix, Casa Grande, Pilgrim Rest and Polytechnic) and ASU Prep online programs (Digital and Khan World School at ASU Prep).

ABOUT ASU PREPARATORY ACADEMY

ASU Preparatory Academy is chartered by Arizona State University and serves more than 7,000 students across its network. ASU Prep uses innovative approaches to curriculum to prepare all students for success in graduating from a university. Its mission is to design new models for educational success and raise academic achievement for all learners. ASU Preparatory Academy has schools in Phoenix, South Phoenix, Mesa and Casa Grande. In addition, ASU Prep Digital serves online students for grades K–12 in Arizona and around the world and ASU Prep Digital+ serves hybrid students in grades 9-12. For more information, visit asuprep.asu.edu.

CHICAGO – Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization that provides hunger-free weekends for kids across the United States, has announced Chicago-resident Lisa Hanneman as its new Chief Development Officer. With 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, Hanneman has a proven track record of driving philanthropic growth in both local grassroots, social service agencies and with a multi-tiered national fundraising organization.

“We are excited to welcome Lisa to our team,” said Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack. “Her deep expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and strategic development will be invaluable as we continue expanding our mission to fight childhood hunger.”

Hanneman spent more than half her career with JDRF’s Illinois Chapter (now Breakthrough T1D). She played a key role in managing and growing the One Dream Gala – the nonprofit organization’s largest revenue-generating gala in the country. Her leadership focused on securing major sponsorships, strengthening donor stewardship and enhancing communication strategies.

Following her career at JDRF, in 2017, Hanneman joined Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook, a community-based children’s mental health organization. Serving as Development Director, Hanneman established and drove a development program that doubled fundraising, activated volunteer engagement and established the agency’s recognition and partnerships in Chicago’s northern suburbs. She also spearheaded the Youth Services Act Now Campaign, successfully raising $9.5 million.

Hanneman earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa, with minors in creative writing, psychology and women’s studies.

“I’m honored to join Blessings in a Backpack and have the opportunity to contribute to such a crucial mission,” said Hanneman. “I am excited to work alongside this dedicated team and grow our efforts nationwide to ensure every child has the nourishment they need to learn and grow.”

Based at Blessings in a Backpack’s office in Chicago, Hanneman will lead the organization’s development and marketing strategy, providing regions, chapters and communities with the tools and training needed to maximize local fundraising efforts. She will also oversee donor cultivation, philanthropic partnerships, and strategic communications to support the organization’s more than $14 million annual fundraising goal.

For more information about Blessings in a Backpack, visit  https://www.blessingsinabackpack.org/. 

ABOUT BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

Blessings in a Backpack is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing communities, individuals, and resources to provide food over the weekend for school-aged children across America who might otherwise go hungry. By providing non-perishable, child-friendly food each Friday, Blessings in a Backpack helps bridge the gap for children who may rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition.  

Keene, NH – Acclaimed furniture brand Whitney Brothers® today announced its new elevatED Collection of furniture for young learners received a BEST of 2024 award from Design Journal, a leading global trade resource for interior designers, architects and facility managers.

A Design Journal panel of 2,400 internationally renowned interior designers, architects and facility managers cited the elevatED Collection’s distinct contemporary style and its inventive adaptation across 46 individual pieces in the collection. Each piece is constructed in textured white oak and white melamine structural elements that form crisp, pleasing lines with refined contrasting color accents. Brushed nickel legs add design counterpoint and rich visual interest.

The elevatED Collection comprises 46 individual and modular pieces for young learner activities including art, STEM / sensory, literacy development, play, tables, seating, lockers and storage. Each piece is flexible, mobile or modular to enable furnishing a dynamic learning environment for young learners completely within the elevated Collection.

Technical attributes of the collection include FSC certified wood material and Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) certification, an exemplary commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The finish on each piece includes proven antimicrobial properties, an important attribute that contributes to the health and well-being of young children.

“The Design Journal BEST of 2024 award recognizes how a fresh, modern expression of furniture can play a central role in creating a dynamic learning environment for our youngest learners,” said Mike Jablonski, president of Whitney Brothers®. “The elevatED Collection is another great example of our brand’s innovation and commitment to furnish learning environments that inspire and engage young children.”

About Design Journal
Design Journal is a leading international trade resource for interior designers, architects and facility managers since 1988. The Design Journal awards program is one of the most prominent design recognition platforms in the world for the fields of architecture and design. Each year, a global advisory board of 2,400 internationally renowned industry professionals preside over a rigorous evaluation process to select projects and products that represent the highest standards of design excellence.

About Whitney Brothers®
Founded in 1904, Whitney Brothers® is a 100% employee-owned producer of furniture for Early Learning and institutional childcare environments sold through educational distributors and dealers to schools, childcare centers, Head Start facilities, churches, libraries, museums and residential homes throughout North America and around the world. The brand’s rich 121-year history reflects old world craftsmanship blended with state of the art manufacturing technology to create products of uncompromising quality, design, innovation, safety, durability and value. Each product is UL GREENGUARD® Gold and antimicrobial certified, qualifies for LEED credits, meets or exceeds applicable CPSIA, ASTM and BIFMA requirements, supported by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and proudly made in America.

Salt Lake City, UTAH & FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Utah State Library has partnered with Gale, part of Cengage Group, to provide Utah’s more than 3 million residents with free access to Gale digital resources. The resources are available online to all Utah residents with a local public library card through Utah’s Online Public Library (UOPL). With expanded access to reliable, high-quality content, Utah public libraries can better support the educational, lifelong learning, homeschooling, professional and informational needs of its communities.

“Many of our rural areas have limited access to library services. With Gale digital resources, our rural communities and homeschooling families now have the same access to the online resources as our larger communities,” said Cara Rothman, State Librarian of Utah. “This partnership also aligns with our commitment to support lifelong learning of all Utahns which is essential for personal and professional growth, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Gale to bring these invaluable resources to our residents to support their continuous learning.”

Gale resources now available to UOPL users include:

• Gale ChiltonLibrary: Automotive repair and maintenance instruction for the most popular vehicle makes and models.
• Gale Literature: Books and Authors: A readers’ advisory database for discovery of books by author, genre and topic based on expert reviews and recommendations.
• Gale In Context student databases: 7 multidisciplinary, multi-source type databases covering elementary, middle, high school, environmental studies, biographical info, science and a wide range of viewpoints on today’s social issues.
• Gale OneFile collections: Over 16,000 full-text periodicals and popular magazines, plus, peer-reviewed journals to support research and student inquiry.
• Gale Business: Entrepreneurship: covers all aspects of starting, financing and operating a business. Resources include 1,000 sample business plans, how-to guides, articles, websites and more.
• Gale Business: Insights: Research global companies and industries with in-depth analysis through current news, statistical data, and comprehensive reports.
• Gale Health and Wellness: Authoritative source on the full range of health-related issues, from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices, updated daily.
• Gale eBooks: Digital encyclopedias and reference resources on a range of subjects from art, business, history, literature, medicine, multicultural studies and science.
• Gale Interactive: Science:  manipulate 3D interactive models to visualize and understand biology, chemistry, earth, and space science concepts.
• Gale Presents: National Geographic Kids: Explore amazing adventures in science, nature, culture, archaeology and space.
• Gale General OneFile: a one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics including: business, careers, computers, current events, economics, education, health care, history, hobbies, literature, personal finance, politics, science, social science, self-help, technology and many other general interest topics.

With a library card, Utah residents can access Gale’s digital resources 24/7 from anywhere and on any device.  Additionally, many of the resources feature integrated workflow tools from Google and Microsoft, as well as language translation, downloadable audio and easy ways to share and save content.

“This partnership ensures that all Utah residents, regardless of their location, have access to the educational tools they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives, and we are honored to be a part of making that happen,” said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager at Gale.

Utah residents can access these new resources through the UOPL website or from the websites of their local libraries.

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, provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools and technology that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. For more than 65 years, Gale has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights – where, when and how people need it. Gale has 500 employees globally with its main operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit  www.gale.com.

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PHILADELPHIA – FullBloom, the nation’s leading child development platform, providing academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions and supports to K-12 schools, today announced the acquisition of CharacterStrong, a national provider of multi-tiered school-based mental health solutions, including innovative proprietary curricula and supporting resources, as well as programming and training for K-12 educators. CharacterStrong’s products address a critical need in K-12 education, providing measurable tools that allow educators to support students suffering from mental health challenges. The addition of CharacterStrong bolsters FullBloom’s ability to integrate academic, behavioral, and mental health programs and deliver more holistic, personalized solutions that are tailored to the needs of each student.

“We are excited to welcome CharacterStrong into the FullBloom family,” said Jeffrey Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of FullBloom. “We are focused on providing products and services that allow our school partners to personalize solutions for students who are struggling in school, and CharacterStrong is a perfect complement to our academic and behavioral intervention portfolio. Integrated solutions that consider a student’s academic, behavioral and mental health needs simultaneously are more likely to accelerate learning, reduce the total cost of treatment, and create safer schools for our students.”

“Mental health has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing our schools and communities. We are committed to building a comprehensive platform that allows schools to address these challenges, prioritizing early identification and prevention,” said Cohen. “Two years ago we acquired EmpowerU, a leading Tier 2 service provider that pairs a coach with each student in an effort to address mental health concerns before they advance and require intense and costly interventions. The addition of CharacterStrong expands our school-based mental health footprint and brings us one step closer to offering a full-scale set of mental health products and services that does not exist in the K-12 market.” 

CharacterStrong’s co-founders John Norlin, Lindsay Norlin and Houston Kraft, as well as Dr. Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer, and the rest of the CharacterStrong team, are now part of FullBloom’s new mental health division. John Norlin will lead the new business as Co-Founder of CharacterStrong and General Manager of FullBloom Mental Health.

“We’ve built something truly special at CharacterStrong and joining the FullBloom team gives us a platform to further expand our impact, support more students, and empower more educators than ever before,” said Norlin. “With FullBloom’s vast experience and scale in K12 education, we’re excited to take this next step towards becoming the leader in school-based mental health. Together, we will help build resilience, promote well-being, and reduce the need for more intensive interventions.”

FullBloom has been a leading provider of academic, behavioral, and emotional support for nearly 50 years, delivering specialized education, intervention services, professional development, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. In recent years, the organization has expanded its focus on mental health, ensuring that children receive the comprehensive, wraparound services they need to overcome non-academic barriers to success.

Founded in 2016, CharacterStrong has partnered with schools and districts worldwide to train more than 240,000 educators and serve over six million students. Its addition further enhances FullBloom’s ability to offer multi-tiered levels of support, from universal instruction for all students (Tier 1) to interventions (Tier 2 and Tier 3) for those with the greatest needs.

FullBloom and its three operating divisions – Catapult Learning, Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), and Little Leaves Behavioral Services – support more than 190,000 students and families, 1,350 school districts, and 25,000 educators annually. For more information about its services, visit FullBloom.org.

About FullBloom

FullBloom is the nation’s leading child development services platform providing academic, behavioral, and emotional intervention and support. We create better life outcomes for children and their families, regardless of the learning obstacles and other challenges they face. The company achieves measurable and sustained academic, behavioral, and emotional gains through evidence-based programs that include specialized education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies, intervention services, professional development, mental health programming and more. Founded in 1976, FullBloom supports more than 190,000 students and families, 1,350 school districts, and 25,000 educators annually. Come explore FullBloom and its operating divisions – Catapult Learning, Specialized Education Services, Inc (SESI), Little Leaves Behavioral Services, and now CharacterStrong.

About CharacterStrong

CharacterStrong is a leading provider of empirically supported PreK-12, multi-tiered solutions designed to support whole child success. In partnership with educators, we enhance student well-being, belonging, and engagement through innovative curricula, professional development, and targeted interventions. Since our founding in 2016, CharacterStrong has partnered with schools and districts serving over 6 million students worldwide and has trained more than 240,000 educators. We remain committed to making a lasting impact on students’ academic, emotional, and behavioral growth—equipping them with the skills they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Learn more at CharacterStrong.

Charlotte, NC —Illinois’ Valley View School District 365 (VVSD) has selected the adaptive online reading program DreamBox Reading Plus by Discovery Education to support efforts to improve student literacy in grades 6-8 this year. An edtech leader, Discovery Education is the creator of essential K-12 solutions trusted by teachers and students around the world. 

VVSD is located in Will County, Illinois, southwest of the City of Chicago, and serves the communities of Bolingbrook, Romeoville, and portions of Plainfield, Lockport, and Downers Grove. VVSD serves the educational needs of approximately 15,500 students in 21 educational facilities, and is one of Will County’s largest employers, with more than 2400 full time employees. 

To support improved student literacy and to meet the goals of the district’s strategic plan, school leaders at VVSD sought a classroom-tested, adaptive, online reading program that would support students’ continued growth in literacy through personalized instruction and intervention. Following a careful review of available resources, the district selected DreamBox Reading Plus by Discovery Education. 

DreamBox Reading Plus is independently proven to accelerate student achievement. It focuses on vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency development, and includes a reliable assessment that can be used as a screener, placement test, and measure of growth. As an intervention and instruction program, DreamBox Reading Plus adapts automatically to each student’s changing needs, ensuring individualized learning paths leading toward reading proficiency. The program includes an extensive library of engaging texts, rigorous comprehension tasks, evidence-based writing in a built-in portal, a patented Guided Window for fluency development, a variety of scaffolds, and numerous materials for teacher-led instruction. DreamBox Reading Plus is the only reading solution that addresses silent reading fluency and measures motivation, helping students become proficient, lifelong readers.  

“The mission of Valley View School District is to empower every learner to be college, career, and life ready and to develop, grow, and achieve as productive citizens,” said Director of 6-12 Literacy & Social Science Kara Jennings. “Integrating DreamBox Reading Plus into instruction advances our district’s mission by enhancing student literacy. We are committed to equitable structures and practices that ensure differentiated support for all learners, and DreamBox Reading Plus plays a vital role in achieving that goal.”  

All educators using Discovery Education’s digital resources have access to the Discovery Educator Network. A global community 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. 

“Discovery Education is excited to support Valley View School District’s efforts to improve student literacy,” said Discovery Education Partnerships Manager Eric Vance. “Superintendent Keith Wood, Director of 6-12 Literacy & Social Science Kara Jennings, and the rest of the talented team at VVSD have charted an innovative new path to student success, and we are proud to be a part of their work.” 

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.      

About Discovery Education  
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art, K-12, digital solutions support learning wherever it takes place. Through award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and strategic alliances, Discovery Education helps educators deliver powerful learning experiences that engage all students and support 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. Through partnerships with districts, states, and trusted organizations, Discovery Education empowers teachers with essential edtech solutions that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and accelerate learning. Explore the future of education at   www.discoveryeducation.com.  

MIAMI – According to the Florida Education Association, nearly 10,000 of the state’s public school teaching positions were vacant at the beginning of the 2024–2025 school year, with especially acute shortages in high-need areas such as Exceptional Student Education. To fill these vacancies, BloomBoard, a leading talent development provider for K–12 school districts, has partnered with Miami-based Barry University to launch an innovative on-the-job bachelor’s degree program for aspiring educators. 

The J.E.T. (Job Embedded Teaching) Pathway program provided by Barry University and BloomBoard allows paraprofessionals and staff who are already employed in schools to continue working in the classroom as they earn a Bachelor of Science in education, with specialization options in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Exceptional Student Education. 

“This partnership creates an affordable pathway to bring qualified teachers into the classrooms where they’re needed the most,” said Dr. Pablo Ortiz, provost of Barry University. “Tapping the immense talent pool that already exists in our schools can decrease the teacher shortage in Florida—and in other areas around the country who choose to enroll in our program.”

Candidates with associate degrees who are currently working in a school can enroll in the program as part of a cohort sponsored by their district. Every candidate who earns their bachelor’s degree and passes all the required certification assessments will be eligible for a full teaching certificate in Florida.

“Our collaboration with Barry University creates a sustainable pipeline of qualified, passionate teachers,” said Sanford Kenyon, the CEO of BloomBoard. “At a time when some schools are scrambling to fill vacancies with teachers who aren’t certified in the field they’re teaching, this program will deliver Florida’s students the credentialed, dedicated teachers they need and deserve.” 

School districts in Florida, such as Hernando County School District, have already found success working with BloomBoard to implement job-embedded teacher advancement programs. Hernando County School District Superintendent Ray Pinder explained: “Through our partnership with BloomBoard, we found an untapped resource to help fill our instructional openings. Our Associate Teacher Substitute Program enables us to remove the barriers of time and cost and to support people who live in our community in becoming certified teachers.” 

School districts interested in participating in the J.E.T. Pathway program can learn more by contacting Michelle Licata of BloomBoard (michelle.licata@bloomboard.com) or by visiting https://bloomboard.com/program/florida-teacher-apprenticeship. 

About Barry University

As South Florida’s largest private Catholic institution of higher learning and as one of the leading universities in the nation for promoting social mobility, Barry University is preparing students for the future workforce by offering them more than 100-degree programs in a variety of disciplines and giving them the tools and real-world experience that transform concepts into impact. Barry’s programs center on experiential and service learning, responding to market conditions and addressing critical societal needs. Barry graduates are socially conscious leaders in many industries and in their communities. Learn more at Barry.edu.

About BloomBoard

BloomBoard is a talent development provider that enables K–12 school districts to grow, advance and retain educators by making professional education a benefit of employment. The company offers turnkey programs for school districts to move educators forward at all points of their professional journey. Its platform connects districts to higher education institutions that offer certification and degree programs using a unique, on-the-job instructional model. BloomBoard helps to assess needs, build and implement plans, and celebrate educator success. Visit bloomboard.com to learn more.

Middletown, PA – Phoenix Contact engineers head back into the classroom this week to teach sixth-grade science class at Middletown Area Middle School in Middletown, Pa. The classes are part of Phoenix Contact’s National Engineers Week celebration.

Phoenix Contact has worked with the school every February since 2007. The engineers lead hands-on lessons that make science fun. The goal is to inspire young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The lessons include:

• Building catapults
• Racing cookie tins down ramps
• Building an electric motor
• Learning about static electricity with the Van de Graaff generator
  
  

“Our engineering team created this outreach program many years ago, and the partnership with Middletown Area School District has stood the test of time,” said Patty Marrero, interim vice president of human relations at Phoenix Contact. “National Engineers Week is a special time for them to share their passion for technology with students. It’s also our chance to thank our engineers for the creativity and innovations that drive our company forward.”

About Phoenix Contact

Phoenix Contact is a global market leader based in Germany. Since 1923, Phoenix Contact has created products to connect, distribute, and control power and data flows. Our products are found in nearly all industrial settings, but we have a strong focus on the energy, infrastructure, process, factory automation, and e-mobility markets. Sustainability and responsibility guide every action we take, and we’re proud to work with our customers to empower a smart and sustainable world for future generations. Our global network includes 22,000 employees in 100+ countries. Phoenix Contact USA has headquarters near Harrisburg, Pa., and employs more than 1,100 people across the U.S.

For more information about Phoenix Contact or its products, visit www.phoenixcontact.com, call technical service at 800-322-3225, or email info@phoenixcontact.com.

PHILADELPHIA, PA –   Catapult Learning, a leading provider of evidence-based academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions for K-12 schools, today unveiled the results of a survey of 500 U.S. K-12 school counselors, which exposed critical challenges in addressing the escalating youth mental health crisis in schools. Conducted by Wakefield Research in collaboration with Sharon Hoover, Ph.D., co-director of the National Center for School Mental Health, the survey revealed that 94% of school counselors believe schools cannot address the escalating youth mental health crisis at Tier 3 support levels alone and must adopt proactive, early interventions.

The data revealed widespread agreement that early, targeted support is essential to tackling the growing youth mental health crisis. Top takeaways included:

• The vast majority – 96% – agreed that too many students are being pushed towards Tier 3 interventions when they would be better served through earlier identification and intervention before their challenges reach a crisis level.
• 94% believed proactive strategies are essential for addressing mental health before students reach Tier 3 crisis levels.
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) said they lack the additional time and resources needed to provide adequate support for students struggling with Tier 2 needs.
• 90% of counselors reported that concerns about their students’ mental health significantly impact their own well-being, leading to working long hours and losing sleep. In fact, 64% felt more stressed about their ability to support students compared to last school year.  

“These findings spotlight the systemic challenges school counselors face, including limited time for student mental health support and personal burnout,” said Erica Fener Sitkoff, Ph.D., Catapult Learning’s chief clinical officer. “It is clear that Tier 2 interventions are the key to addressing the mental health crisis in schools. By providing targeted support before students reach a level of crisis, we can foster resilience, improve academic outcomes, and reduce the long-term negative impact on students and families.”

The mental health challenges facing today’s youth have been described as a crisis by leading experts. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called children’s declining mental health  “the crisis of our time,” citing soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. 

Recent  CDC data revealed that nearly 1 in 3 teenage girls seriously considered suicide in 2021, marking a 60% increase over the past decade. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Children’s Hospital Association  declared a national state of emergency in child and adolescent mental health, underscoring the urgent need for systemic solutions to support young people before their struggles escalate.

What Do Counselors Need Most?

The survey highlighted specific tools and strategies counselors need to support students and manage the growing mental health demands:

• More than half (56%) said having better tools to identify at-risk students is a top priority.
• 63% stressed the importance of targeted interventions for students with Tier 2 needs.
• 64% indicated a need for reliable ways to measure the impact of interventions, showing that counselors want programs that are effective and data-driven. 

“As mental health challenges among young people continue to grow, it’s imperative schools are equipped with the tools and strategies necessary to implement Tier 2 interventions effectively,” said Hoover. “These include targeted counseling, skills-based training, and stress management programs that empower students to manage their well-being before reaching a crisis point.”  

The EmpowerU Solution

Catapult Learning’s mental health and resilience solution,  EmpowerU, bridges the gap between Tier 1 and Tier 3, empowering schools with proactive, scalable solutions that prevent crises before they escalate. It offers a comprehensive suite of Tier 2 solutions designed to help schools efficiently address non-academic barriers to learning, such as stress, anxiety, and low mood, without adding to staff workload.

“EmpowerU’s solution multiplies counselors’ impact, enabling them to reach more students in less time,” said Katie Dorn, co-founder of EmpowerU. “By offering efficient, scalable programs, we transform limited resources into life-changing outcomes – without overwhelming school staff. These evidence-based resources remove barriers to early intervention, giving counselors the tools they need to act quickly and deliver measurable outcomes before issues escalate into crises.”

For more information on Catapult Learning’s resilience and mental health solutions, including EmpowerU, visit  https://catapultlearning.com/mental-health/. 

Methodological Notes:

The Catapult Learning Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research ( www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 500 U.S. School Counselors, K-12, between Dec. 2 and Dec. 9, 2024, using an email invitation and an online survey.

About Catapult Learning

Catapult Learning, a division of FullBloom, provides intervention programs for students and professional development solutions for teachers in K-12 schools, executed by a team of experienced coaches. Our professional development services strengthen the capacity of teachers and leaders to raise and sustain student achievement. Our intervention programs support struggling learners with instruction tailored to each student’s unique needs around core subjects and building student resiliency. Across the country, Catapult Learning partners with 500+ school districts to produce positive outcomes that promote academic and professional growth. Catapult Learning is accredited by Cognia and has earned its 2022 System of Distinction honor.

About National Center for School Mental Health

The mission of the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH) is to strengthen policies and programs in school mental health to improve learning and promote success for America’s youth. Through facilitation of Communities of Practice on School Mental Health and local, state, and national quality improvement learning collaboratives, the NCSMH develops and gathers best practices, develops and disseminates practical tools, issue and policy briefs, and promotes the utilization of knowledge and actions to advance successful, innovative, and sustainable school mental health policies, practices, and programs. https://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Carousel Digital Signage announces a new technology partnership with CrisisGo that enables K-12 schools and businesses to deliver emergency alerts and other safety messages to digital displays with immediacy. The integration is enabled through an open API that triggers visual alerts, interactive maps and more to Carousel Cloud digital signage networks via the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), a global standard that supports the digital exchange of emergency alerts and public warnings over multiple networks.

CrisisGo’s Safety iResponse platform offers a comprehensive suite of advanced alerting software and tools that empower school districts to create safer and more secure learning environments. Its features include real-time alerting, incident management and parent notification, all of which combine to help schools respond to emergencies in an efficient and effective manner. The platform also immediately shares emergency alerts with local law enforcement when police assistance is needed.

Direct integration of the two software platforms on a common IT network ensures consistent monitoring of incoming triggers from Safety iResponse to Carousel Cloud. Upon recognizing an incoming alert, Carousel Cloud disseminates the active alert as a priority for instant takeover of all  targeted screens. Upon resolution, Carousel Cloud immediately removes the alert and resumes normal operations, eliminating the need to schedule expiration times or manually clear the system. That accelerates the important process of reunification to ensure all students, teachers and other staff members are accounted for and safe.

“Carousel Cloud’s ability to recognize an all-clear message is a differentiator from other digital signage solutions that we have evaluated,” said Jacob Lewis, Chief Security Officer, CrisisGo. “Carousel Cloud will also recognize the type of event our system is addressing and exactly where the alerts need to go, which could be select screens, schoolwide, or across an entire multi-campus network. This seamless interoperability represents an important step in our multimodal strategy for mass notification, which also includes delivery to all computers and mobile devices that are connected to our software.”

The CrisisGo partnership represents the latest technology integration between Carousel Digital Signage and emergency alerting platforms aimed at strengthening school safety in K-12 environments. Lewis says that while K-12 remains the top priority for CrisisGo’s integrated solution with Carousel, he anticipates potential expansion into other verticals including corporate enterprise and manufacturing.

“Our collaboration with CrisisGo represents the next step in our efforts to keep students and faculty informed, safe and resilient across all grade levels,” said Eric Henry, SVP of Business Architecture, Carousel Digital Signage. “Carousel Cloud’s open platform enables clean and reliable interoperability with CrisisGo, and our common integration with the CAP protocol ensures immediate dissemination of important visual alerts that will help school districts keep all campuses safe and secure.”

About Carousel Digital Signage

Carousel is Digital Signage Content Management Software that is easy to use, scalable, and reliable. With a deep feature set and strong technology partnerships Carousel gives you the most value in digital signage. Carousel Digital Signage is a division of Tightrope Media Systems. You can reach the Carousel team at (866) 866-4118, or visit  www.carouselsignage.com.

About CrisisGo

CrisisGo has been leading the K-12 industry since 2013, setting the standard for school safety. Our comprehensive emergency and safety management platform empowers schools with real-time alerting, incident management, visitor management, threat and behavioral intervention features, and reunification solutions. CrisisGo also offers comprehensive training to equip staff and teachers with handling emergencies. CrisisGo consistently innovates to enhance K-12 security, partnering with educators and administrators to create safe and nurturing learning environments and redefining school safety for a brighter future in education.

NEW YORK, NY – Counslr, a leading B2B mental health and wellness platform, announced today that it has expanded its footprint into the State of New Mexico starting with a partnership with Vista Nueva High School, Aztec, NM; and into the State of Illinois starting with a partnership with Big Hollow School District, Ingleside, IL. These initial partnerships will empower students and staff to prioritize their mental health by enabling them to access unlimited wellness resources and live texting sessions with Counslr’s licensed and vetted mental health support professionals, who are available on-demand, 24/7/365. By increasing accessibility to Counslr’s round-the-clock support, Vista Nueva and Big Hollow aim to bridge gaps in mental health support for students and staff, enabling those who previously did not or could not access care, whether due to cost, inconvenience, or stigma, to receive the support they desire.

1 in 6 youth suffer from a mental illness, but the majority do not receive mental health support due to substantial obstacles to care. Additionally, mental health is even a bigger challenge in rural America due to unique barriers, including fewer providers resulting in longer wait times or insufficient access to crucial mental health services. This resource scarcity underscores the urgency for additional resources and innovative solutions to bridge this critical gap in mental health care for school communities.

“We are happy to be able to offer students another tool that they can use to support their mental well-being. Knowing that students have been able to speak with a professional outside of school hours helps us know this app was needed and is useful,” states Rebekah Deane, Professional School Counselor, Vista Nueva High School. “We hope this tool also assists students in learning how to navigate systems so that when they graduate high school they know these options exist and they can continue to seek out support when necessary.”

As factors such as academic pressures, social media influence, burnout and world events contribute to heightened stress levels and mental health challenges, schools throughout the country are recognizing the growing need to offer more accessible resources and preventative mental health services to both students and staff.

“Counslr provides an extremely easy-to-access platform for those who otherwise may not seek the help they need, and we are very excited to join Counslr in this partnership. We are all very well aware of the impact that technology has had on the mental health of our students and we feel that Counslr can meet our students in a setting they are comfortable with,” states Bob Gold, Big Hollow School District Superintendent. “Outside of our students, we are thrilled to be able to offer this service to the amazing adults who work with our students every day. There are so many families dealing with some sort of trauma, and the life of an educator is no different.  These adults tend to give so much of themselves to their students, so we strongly feel that our efforts here to join with Counslr is our way of providing an opportunity for our educators to focus on their own mental health.”

In addition to the geographic expansion,Counslr has also expanded its existing footprint in states like New York, most recently partnering with the Silver Creek Central School District to support its students and staff.  

“We know mental health needs are on the rise, for students and adults.  To me, Counslr is a resource our students and staff both deserve,” states Dr. Katie Ralston, Superintendent, Silver Creek Central. “In the beginning stages at Silver Creek Central, it has proven to be an asset, as it offers access to everyone on the spot, any day, for any situation.”

“Supporting diverse populations of students and faculty across the country clearly illustrates that mental health knows no boundaries,” said Josh Liss, Counslr CEO. Adding that, “With 86% of Counslr’s users being first-time care seekers, we strive to reach these silent sufferers who need help, but do not or cannot access it, no matter where they are located.”

ABOUT COUNSLR

Counslr is a text-based mental health support application that provides unlimited access to robust wellness resources and 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”. Counslr partners with organizations of all shapes and sizes (companies, unions, nonprofits, universities/colleges, high schools, etc) so that these entities can provide Counslr’s services to their employees/members/students at no direct cost. For more information, please visit www.counslr.com.

PARAMUS, N.J./PRNewswire/ —  Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that the South Carolina State Board of Education has approved the full suite of Savvas K-12 math programs for statewide adoption across all grade levels.

Savvas is the only learning solutions provider to have all of its K-12 math programs approved as state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) covering every grade level for South Carolina classrooms. The  Savvas math programs for South Carolina, which are fully aligned to the 2025 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Mathematics Standards, include:

• enVision Mathematics South Carolina Grades K-5
• enVision Mathematics South Carolina Grades 6-8
• enVision A|G|A (Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2) South Carolina
• Experience Math Grades K-5

“At Savvas, we are committed to developing the highest-quality learning solutions that support educators with flexible resources for teaching and give students real choice in how they learn and apply math,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “With our classroom-tested, teacher-loved enVision math series and our innovative, student-centered Experience Math curriculum, Savvas is providing South Carolina educators with effective, high-quality math programs that give students daily opportunities to reason, think critically, and communicate mathematically, preparing them to be lifelong problem-solvers.”

Accessible on the innovative  Savvas Realize learning management system, the enVision South Carolina math series and Experience Math offer the flexibility of digital, print, and blended instruction and provide math teachers with the tools they need to easily personalize learning for all students.

The enVision South Carolina K-12 math series provides evidence-based, standards-aligned content, combined with personalized adaptive learning and practice, to support all students in developing deep conceptual math understanding, procedural skills, and fluency, with relevant application opportunities to become college and career ready. The award-winning enVision series offers continuity from year-to-year with vertical alignment from kindergarten through grade 12.

The new enVision programs for South Carolina feature expanded digital resources and more high-interest, student-centered activities that engage learners in real-world, meaningful math. Project-based learning activities and multimedia lessons are designed to excite South Carolina students by integrating with their unique cultural experiences. A variety of professional development and customizable, instructional support materials are built right into the enVision programs to save teachers time while providing flexibility for lesson planning.

Experience Math K-5 is a student-centered program that engages students through exploration and a hands-on learning approach while supporting teachers with high-value, in-the-moment professional learning to create collaborative classrooms. The program features an easy-to-use, three-part instructional design that gives students varied experiences to solve problems and develop mathematical thinking skills. To increase student engagement, Experience Math leverages problem-based activities and rich tasks to drive learning in each standards-aligned lesson.

The program focuses on improving student-centered learning with intentional teaching that is aligned with clear learning goals and strategic instructional decisions. Experience Math provides teachers quick access to professional learning videos, curated instructional support, and lesson presentations, making it easy to plan lessons and develop instruction.

Both enVision South Carolina and Experience Math offer easily accessible family engagement resources to support student learning at home. Brainingcamp digital manipulatives are embedded within the K-8 programs to give students access to interactive modeling tools to improve conceptual understanding.

In South Carolina’s HQIM appraisals of the programs, the enVision South Carolina series and Experience Math all received high or perfect scores — at each grade level — on all three gateways (or criteria), which include: Alignment to the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Mathematics Standards and Coherence; Student Understanding; and Student and Teacher Supports.

“By delivering high-quality instructional materials for South Carolina,” Forsa said, “Savvas is helping the state’s educators promote student exploration of math, developing their deep mathematical understanding while preparing them for the future.”

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY
At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry’s most innovative portfolio of  college and career readiness solutions — all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit  Savvas Learning Company. Savvas Learning Company’s products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary,  Rubicon.

SOURCE Savvas Learning Company

Dallas, TX – National Math and Science Initiative proudly celebrates the 30th anniversary of former CEO Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr.’s historic spacewalk. On Feb. 9, 1995, Dr. Harris became the first African American astronaut to walk in space during the Space Shuttle Discovery mission STS-63. Since then, he has dedicated his life to advancing STEM education and inspiring future generations.

Dr. Harris’ passion for space was ignited at the age of 13 when he watched the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. Determined to become an astronaut, he pursued degrees in biology and medicine, later completing a residency at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

In 1990, Dr. Harris was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He flew on two space shuttle missions: as a mission specialist on STS-55 in 1993 and as the payload commander on STS-63 in 1995. It was during the latter mission that he performed his now historic spacewalk.

“Dr. Harris’ journey exemplifies the transformative power of STEM education,” said Jeremy Anderson, CEO of NMSI. “His unwavering commitment to expanding STEM opportunities for all students continues to inspire educators and students alike.”

Advancing STEM Education Through Leadership and Advocacy

Dr. Harris, a founding board member and former CEO of NMSI, has long championed equitable access to high-quality STEM education. He founded the Harris Foundation and Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding STEM opportunities for underserved students. Through initiatives like the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, his work has inspired countless young minds to explore STEM careers.

In recognition of his efforts in advancing STEM education, Dr. Harris received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in August 2024.

“Middle school is a critical time when many students begin to doubt their potential in STEM,” said Dr. Harris. “But that’s when I realized it was my path. I hope my journey inspires young minds to stay curious, pursue STEM, and believe in their ability to achieve greatness.”

STEM Education: A Pathway to the Future
The need for high-quality STEM education is more critical than ever, with STEM occupations projected to grow by nearly 11% by 2031—more than twice the rate of all other fields, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

NMSI’s Professional Development Services equip educators with the tools, resources, and support they need to build impactful STEM programs, inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders like Dr. Harris. To date, these services have reached over 2.7 million students, 70,000 teachers, 1,800 high schools, and 44 universities nationwide.

Students taught by NMSI-trained educators show increased confidence and interest in STEM subjects, with Black students demonstrating a notable rise in STEM career aspirations—underscoring the power of dedicated educators and equitable access to quality STEM education.

Join the Movement
As we celebrate this significant milestone, NMSI remains committed to honoring Dr. Harris’ legacy by empowering educators and inspiring students to reach for the stars.

Educators and policymakers can explore NMSI’s Professional Development Services and discover how they can support the next generation of STEM leaders. Learn more at https://www.nms.org/Services.aspx.

About National Math and Science Initiative

National Math and Science Initiative is dedicated to improving student outcomes in math and science, particularly in underserved communities. By providing educators with high-quality professional development and support, NMSI ensures that all students have access to the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For more information, visit http://www.nms.org.

Through October 2025, the Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth ( ISRY) invites grade 6 to 8 STEM educators and researchers in school-based and out-of-school-time settings to FREE online professional learning on the new Dimensions of Success for Middle Grades Learning Engineering and Science (DoS-MiddLES) classroom focused observation system. The new DoS-MiddLES builds off the original Dimensions of Success for Out-of-School-Time (DoS-OST) system developed in 2009 under The PEAR Institute (NSF Awards #2101554, #1008591). Participants can receive a certificate of completion for up to 20 hours of professional development, a chance to receive a $25 gift card, and connections with a national community of learners and our research team. Our next LIVE session is scheduled for February 20, 6-7:30pm ET over Zoom, with more opportunities planned for Summer 2025 ( CLICK HERE for our registration form). Synchronous and asynchronous opportunities, including personalized sessions for groups of 10-15 educators, are available on the topics of: 1) using classroom observations to support continuous growth and 2) integrating resilience and thriving skills into middle grade STEM learning experiences. Contact Virginia Andrews, ISRY’s Research Project Manager, at vandrews2@mclean.harvard.edu to learn more!

BOSTON (Feb. 5, 2025) –  Lexia Aspire Professional Learning, a science of reading-based professional learning solution from   Lexia, a   Cambium Learning Group brand, has been awarded the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Accreditation Seal. This recognition comes as part of the IDA’s Program Review and Accreditation initiative, which promotes the systematic evaluation and continuous improvement of educator preparation programs (EPPs). The IDA accredits programs on the basis of their ability to document alignment with the   Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS).  Aspire will be eligible for reaccreditation in 2030.

The IDA Standards emphasize the importance of equipping teachers with an in-depth understanding of language structure, particularly the science of reading. These standards cover critical areas such as the speech sound system, the writing system, sentence structure, the meaningful components of words, relationships between words and their meanings, and the organization of spoken and written discourse.

“This rigorous and prestigious accreditation process ensures educator preparation programs meet the highest standards in structured literacy, for all students including those students with dyslexia,” said Lexia President, Nick Gaehde. “This accreditation distinguishes Aspire as a trusted, high-quality professional learning program and reinforces its position as a leader in providing evidence-based professional learning for educators of adolescent learners.”

Aspire is a flexible, self-paced digital solution that helps educators apply science-based strategies that accelerate literacy skills among students in grades 4-8 across disciplines and all levels of literacy competencies. The program, available 24/7, is designed to support all upper elementary and middle school educators, including content area teachers, classroom teachers, interventionists, speech pathologists and English language arts educators. The Aspire solution helps educators quickly build the depth of skills needed to support students who are ‘reading to learn’ but have not yet mastered the foundational reading skills required to learn, comprehend, and articulate ideas across various subjects.

To qualify for accreditation, Aspire’s requirements for participation, foundational pedagogy, curriculum, assessments, and author credentials were all submitted for a comprehensive review. “The IDA is raising awareness of the critical importance of teacher preparation in reading instruction,” said Gaehde. “And the rigor of its review means that graduates from an IDA-accredited program can rest assured that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively teach both struggling readers and the general student population. When teachers are better equipped to teach reading, the impact of reading difficulties—including dyslexia—can be significantly reduced.”

About IDA

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) provides the opportunity for all people who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences to have richer, more robust lives by providing access to the tools and resources they need. IDA’s home office, 38 branches in the United States and Canada, and 12 Global Partners provide educator training, publications information, and support to help struggling readers around the world. IDA is the authoritative voice of current and reliable research and information to educate families and professionals about dyslexia and to inform the practice and policy changes needed to provide effective instruction for all people to learn to read. IDA has been serving individuals with dyslexia, their families, and professionals in the field for more than sixty-five years. Its membership is composed of a global network of people with dyslexia, their families, educators, diagnosticians, physicians, researchers, and other professionals in the field. IDA provides publications and information and referral services to thousands of people each year, and its annual conference attracts thousands of researchers, clinicians, parents, teachers, psychologists, educational therapists, and people with dyslexia. Visit IDA at DyslexiaIDA.org to learn more. 

About Lexia

Lexia®, a Cambium Learning Group brand, is a leader in science of reading-based solutions. For more than 40 years, the company has focused on pre-K-12 literacy and today provides solutions for students and educators. With a complete offering of professional learning, curriculum, and embedded assessment, Lexia helps more learners read, write, and speak with confidence. For more information, visit   www.lexialearning.com.

About Cambium Learning Group

Cambium Learning Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 educators and students. With an intentional collection of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader, helping millions of educators and students feel more seen, valued, and supported every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now.

To learn more, visit www.cambiumlearning.com or follow Cambium on   Facebook,   LinkedIn, and   X. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment, Lexia, Learning A-Z, ExploreLearning, and Time4Learning.

NEW YORK (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Newsela, a leading provider of high-quality instructional and assessment products for K-12, announced today that the company has acquired Generation Genius, a trusted educational streaming platform for K-8 science and math videos, activities, and lessons. With Generation Genius in its suite of products, Newsela continues to make it easier to deliver meaningful learning across all core subjects.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Generation Genius into the Newsela family. Our company launched with the idea that the foundation to learning is enabling students to make real-world connections through engaging, accessible content. This addition is another step towards deepening our impact on student outcomes and supporting teachers in what they do best,” said Pep Carrera, Chief Executive Officer at Newsela.

“Generation Genius was created to get kids excited to learn science by delivering inspiring lessons to classrooms across the country. To do that, we created the highest quality educational videos in the industry, earning us an Emmy nomination along the way. Now, teaming up with Newsela means we can reach even more students to further our mission. We’re excited to continue providing the standards-aligned resources schools know and love at an even greater scale,” said Dr. Jeff Vinokur, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Generation Genius.

Generation Genius was founded in 2017 by Dr. Jeff Vinokur, a scientist who earned his PhD in Biochemistry from UCLA and TV personality, and co-founder Eric S. Rollman, an Emmy-winning children’s TV executive. Generation Genius was created to modernize educational science videos used in schools. Dr. Jeff, known for his appearances on Good Morning America and NBC’s Today Show, saw that science videos in schools were decades outdated so he set out to create fresh, engaging content for today’s generation. Generation Genius quickly found traction, earning the #1 spot in the education industry on the Inc. 500 list in 2022 and landing on Time Magazine’s TIME100’s list of the most influential companies in the world in 2023. Today, Generation Genius is used in 30% of elementary schools across the U.S.

Combining Newsela’s differentiated, standards-aligned content, writing assignments, and robust assessment capabilities with Generation Genius’s engaging science and math lessons, Newsela will deliver a new experience that empowers students to read deeply, write confidently, think critically, and demonstrate their learning—all while driving measurable results aligned to educators’ goals. The company plans to share more later this year about how they’ll bring this vision to life.

The acquisition of Generation Genius continues another year of exciting updates from Newsela. Just over a year ago, Newsela acquired Formative, a fast-growing assessment tool that powers real-time feedback, standards-aligned activities, and reporting for districts. The team has continued to release updates to Formative’s standalone product including practice sets, teacher-based lessons, AI supports, and more. They’ve also expanded Formative’s offerings with a newly launched Balanced Assessment Suite, which provides everything a district needs to connect daily instruction with district-wide assessments and data, driving better insights that inform teaching, learning, and decision-making at every level.

Newsela also recently launched a new AI-powered writing solution, Newsela Writing, that enables teachers of all subject areas to support writing practice in their classrooms. With early enthusiasm for the tool’s real-time, rubric-aligned feedback, districts are already beginning to incorporate Newsela Writing into their writing initiatives for the coming year.

With this continued expansion of innovative products, Newsela is committed to bringing new solutions to support the company’s mission of meaningful classroom learning for every student.

The deal is valued at $100 million and comprises primarily cash and performance-based payments.

About Newsela
Newsela products are purpose-built to unlock student motivation, inspire teachers, and drive long-lasting learning outcomes. With a suite of products to support knowledge- and skill building, writing practice, daily instruction, and assessment in K-12 classrooms, Newsela offers solutions backed by learning science research to drive student outcomes and support teachers in their instructional goals. To learn more about Newsela, visit the company’s website. 

About Generation Genius
Generation Genius is a K-8 teaching resource that brings school science standards to life through fun and educational videos paired with lesson plans, activities, quizzes, reading material, and more. Our videos are produced in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association, and aligned to standards in all 50 states. To learn more about Generation Genius, visit the company’s website.

Los Angeles, CA — As students navigate an increasingly complex world defined by artificial intelligence, social media, and rapid technological change, the need for essential life skills has never been greater. The Edge, an innovative, research-based social-emotional and life skills curriculum, creates a dynamic and effective learning environment where middle and high school students can build the social-emotional and life-readiness skills needed to succeed in school, relationships, and life. 

Designed in collaboration with educators and aligned with the CASEL framework, The Edge is the first curriculum to meet educators’ demands for high-quality instructional materials for SEL and life-skills readiness. The curriculum helps students cultivate communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness, as well as essential life skills like entrepreneurship, negotiation, financial literacy, and networking, to boost their academic abilities.

“The Edge represents a paradigm shift in education,” says Devi Sahny, Founder and CEO of The Edge and Ascend Now. “It’s not just about helping students excel academically—it’s about helping them understand themselves, connect with others, and develop the resilience to face life’s challenges head-on.”

By combining bite-sized lessons with project-based learning, The Edge creates a dynamic and effective learning environment with ready-to-use, adaptable resources educators use to help students develop both hard and soft skills. Its advanced analytics track student progress whilesaving valuable preparation time. Designed to enable educators to adapt as needed, the curriculum is flexible and requires minimal preparation to support all learning environments—asynchronous and synchronous learning, even flipped learning.

 Key highlights include:

• Integrated Skill Framework: A robust curriculum featuring 5 pillars, 24 essential skills, and 115 modules, blending SEL with employability and life skills such as negotiation, financial literacy, and digital literacy, all aligned with CASEL, ASCA, and global educational standards.
• Educator-Friendly Design: With over 1,000 customizable, MTSS-aligned resources, The Edge saves teachers time and effort while allowing them to adapt materials to meet their unique classroom needs.
• Hard Skill Development Meets SEL: By engaging in activities like entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and leadership training, students develop technical proficiencies while enhancing communication, empathy, and resilience.
• Real-Time Analytics: Advanced data tools provide administrators with actionable insights into student progress, enabling schools and districts to measure outcomes and improve program alignment with educational goals.
• Compelling Content. The curriculum features engaging content that integrates the latest insights from learning sciences with professional writing from skilled authors affiliated with SNL, Netflix, and HBO Max. This combination guarantees that the material is educationally solid, relevant, and thought-provoking.

The Edge immerses students in real-life, complex scenarios that challenge them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and apply social-emotional learning (SEL) to everyday situations. For example, one lesson about conflict resolution uses an actual problem that Pixar faced when allocating resources for new movies. 

Early adopters of The Edge have reported remarkable results. The Edge was used by rising high school seniors during a three-week summer college immersion program (SCIP) at Georgetown University, which prepares high school students from underserved backgrounds to apply for college. At the end of the program, 94% reported learning important skills, and 84% said they discovered something new about themselves.

ABOUT THE EDGE

The Edge is the latest innovation from Ascend Now US, dba The Edge, a US-based education startup committed to increasing both college and career readiness for all students.  Sahny founded The Edge in the US after building and scaling Ascend Now Singapore, which has provided personalized academic and entrepreneurship tutoring to over 10,000 students and 20+ international schools over the last decade. 

NORTH WILKESBORO and ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — In support of North Carolina schools in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Just Right Reader recently donated 315,000 books to support students in grades K-2 throughout northwest and western North Carolina. The books, which are included in Just Right Reader’s Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs, were distributed to public school systems throughout the region in partnership with the Northwest Region Education Service Alliance (NWRESA) and Western Region Education Service Alliance (WRESA).

“Within 48 hours after the hurricane, our Just Right Reader representative reached out to us asking how they can help. And, help they have,” said Terry Worrell, executive director of NWRESA, which is located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. “This donation puts high-quality literature directly in our students’ hands and reinforces the importance of reading. We feel very blessed to receive these books and to have the opportunity to further support our students and families, especially in a time like this.”

“As our area continues to recovery, we are just so appreciative of Just Right Reader for their generous donation to our students, many of whom lost all of their school supplies and books—amongst other items—during the hurricane,” added Jan Webster, director of WRESA, which is located in Asheville, North Carolina.

Just Right Reader donated a total of 31,500 Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs, which equals 315,000 books, to NWRESA and WRESA. The organizations then distributed the packs directly to the districts in their service area.

Just Right Reader’s Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs come in multiple levels to meet students’ current reading experience. They offer structured phonics practice using texts that students relate to and enjoy anytime and anywhere, as well as several at-home support resources and practice materials that families can access online.

Just Right Reader’s Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs include: 

• Science of Reading-based literacy resources in English and Spanish to help teach students particular letter-sound relationships
• Writing resources to reinforce decoding and writing skills based on what students have read
• QR codes on each book that parents and caregivers can scan to access fun phonics lessons in English and Spanish to support reading at home
• Access to an online family hub with research-based activities that motivate students to read and keep reading

“Many families in North Carolina have been heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Some schools were closed for a month or longer and many families still do not have permanent housing. Alongside NWRESA and WRESA, we hope our literacy resources provide students and families with a little bit of normalcy and joy as they practice reading together,” said Sara Rich, founder and CEO of Just Right Reader.

To learn more about Just Right Reader, visit www.justrightreader.com. 

About Just Right Reader

At Just Right Reader, we do whatever it takes to accelerate student achievement and create joyful reading experiences through high-quality Science of Reading-based resources, an extensive family engagement platform, and a commitment to personalized learning. Our library of more than 850 English and Spanish literacy resources, aligned with all core phonics programs used in schools, offers structured and engaging phonics practice, while the Science of Reading Take-Everywhere Literacy Packs deliver personalized, data-driven practice that extends beyond the classroom for literacy success.

Visit www.justrightreader.com for more information.

Charlotte, NC. – Linewize, the North American division of global safety and student wellbeing leader Qoria, today announced the launch of EdTech Insights, a revolutionary platform designed to transform data into actionable intelligence for K-12 schools and districts. This technology comes with the recent acquisition of OctopusBI by Qoria.

Linewize EdTech Insights brings a school district’s entire app inventory into one location, giving IT leaders deeper analytics into adoption, licensing, compliance, and more. This solution will empower IT leaders to optimize costs, ensure compliance and, ultimately, drive instructional impact.

The key features of the new tool will equip district IT leaders to:
● Optimize costs and make strategic cuts with the least negative impact, by quickly identifying expired or under-utilized software licenses
● Measure ROI across app categories by grouping similar apps together to compare performance
● Ensure compliance and security with one central location to track each app’s approval status, manage Data Protection Agreements, and stay informed of app security changes
● Support adoption fidelity on critical tech by tracking usage to determine where to direct resources and training
● Drive greater instructional impact with the analytics to make smart, evidence-based decisions about technology resources

“You can’t effectively manage your tech stack without the full picture,” said Harrison Parker, executive vice president of Linewize. “EdTech Insights allows tech directors to move from patchy data to the deeper analytics they need to make efficient, informed decisions about their technology investments. Creating tools that help our partner districts navigate the complexities of technology in education is a key part of our mission here at Linewize, so we’re thrilled to be able to announce our new EdTech Insights solution.”

Linewize showcased this new tool at FETC 2025, which took place from January 14-17 in Orlando, FL. FETC is known to educators and technologists as a place to engage with thought leaders and pioneers leading change in the classrooms, schools and districts.

To learn more about Linewize and its vast suite of solutions for K-12, please visit www.linewize.com.

About Linewize
Built by a global team of education experts and former school IT administrators, Linewize offers content-aware hybrid web filtering, student threat detection, classroom management, a student wellbeing and culture platform, data analytics, and a proprietary online community program that provides resources and expert information on safety and digital wellbeing for families. Linewize’s comprehensive digital safety and wellbeing framework helps school districts address today’s digital challenges to keep students safe in their online lives.
To learn more, please visit www.linewize.com.

BrainFreeze, the world’s fastest-growing AI platform for education, is proud to announce the launch of its comprehensive suite of AI-driven tools designed to transform learning experiences for students, teachers, parents, and administrators.

The BrainFreeze platform offers a range of purpose-built products to seamlessly integrate AI into educational settings:

• AI Assistants: Automate educational tasks with AI workflows to enhance efficiency
• Tools Library: Access over 250 pre-built tools tailored for common educational workflows, with easy integration into existing systems such as SIS, LMS, Google, and Microsoft
• AI Spaces: Transform classrooms into secure, personalized learning environments powered by AI
• Responsible AI: Safeguard student privacy and ensure ethical AI use with robust security measures

BrainFreeze provides tailored solutions for every member of the school community:

• Students: Create individualized learning plans tailored to specific needs
• Teachers: Automate time-consuming tasks, allowing more time for student engagement
• Parents: Enhance communication channels to keep parents updated on their student’s progress
• Administrators: Gain efficiencies across the school system by leveraging AI to automate tasks and create better insights

BrainFreeze’s mission is to revolutionize learning by providing an intuitive, user-friendly AI platform that integrates seamlessly with existing school technologies. With customizable tools and a hassle-free setup, BrainFreeze is poised to lead the future of education.

To celebrate the launch, BrainFreeze is offering a 90% discount for one year on BrainFreeze Plus subscriptions. Educators and administrators are encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time offer to explore how AI can transform their classrooms.

For more information, to request a demo, or to sign up, visit https://brainfreeze.co/.

About BrainFreeze

BrainFreeze is dedicated to revolutionizing education through innovative AI solutions. By offering a comprehensive platform tailored to the needs of students, teachers, parents, and administrators, BrainFreeze aims to enhance learning experiences and drive educational success.

Carson City, NV and Charlotte, NC — The  Nevada Department of Education is proud to announce it has renewed its multiyear partnership with  Nevada Gold Mines, operated by Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD) (TSX: ABX), and Discovery Education. 

Renewed for a fifth year, this dynamic partnership is enhancing instruction in all 17 counties across Nevada by empowering educators to create engaging, modern learning environments for rural, urban, and suburban students.  

Since the beginning of this partnership in 2020, more than 24,000 educators and 344,000 students have logged 4.6 million interactions with Discovery Education’s dynamic, digital, K-12 resources. The renewal of this partnership for an additional 12 months ensures uninterrupted access to all students and teachers using these resources. 

“We are incredibly pleased to continue this powerful collaboration benefiting the state of Nevada,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Together with our community partners at Nevada Gold Mines, we’ve been able to create digital content that not only supports students’ academic achievement, but also connects what is learned in the classroom to potential careers right here in our state. The renewal of this impactful partnership preserves Nevada students’ access to best-in-class digital resources, and we look forward to continuing to work on our joint mission to prepare today’s learners for a bright future beyond graduation.” 

In July 2020, the Nevada Department of Education announced the initial agreement to make Discovery Education Experience – a K-12 learning platform – free for all Nevada educators and students, ensuring access for families across the state. 

Nevada is one of several states in which Discovery Education resources are used statewide. Other states include Louisiana, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Montana, and South Carolina.    

“Nevada Gold Mines is honored to continue this impactful partnership that supports students across Nevada,” said Leslie Goicoechea, Manager, Community Engagement & Development for Nevada Gold Mines. “By helping prepare students for success in both higher education and the workforce, we are contributing to the prosperity of our state. We are proud to be part of an initiative that is making a tangible difference in student achievement and are excited to see the continued positive outcomes for Nevada’s future.” 

Nevada Gold Mines’ partnership with the Nevada Department of Education and Discovery Education demonstrates a long-standing commitment to the state. In addition to supporting efforts to provide students access to best-in-class digital resources, Nevada Gold Mines has invested an additional $500,000 to aid the Nevada Department of Education’s efforts to increase the number of high-quality educators in the state.  

As a global leader in mining, Nevada Gold Mines directly invests in social and economic opportunities including education, the environment, health, economic development, and cultural heritage. To date, Nevada Gold Mines has invested nearly $5 million dollars in enhancing education across the state. 

“Recent research demonstrates the tremendous impact this powerful partnership is having on Nevada students,” said Coni Rechner, Discovery Education’s Senior Vice President of State and Strategic Partnerships. “According to preliminary findings from third-party researchers, not only did schools using Discovery Education resources see positive impacts on science achievement, but schools using Discovery Education resources also saw progress in closing achievement gaps. We look forward to continuing to work alongside Nevada Gold Mines and the Nevada Department of Education to ensure these encouraging trends continue.” 

All educators using Discovery Education’s digital resources have access to the Discovery Educator Network.  

A global community 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. 

For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.      

Learn more about Nevada Gold Mines’ sustainability and philanthropic efforts  here.  

Nevada educators, parents, and students seeking more details about this partnership can visit the partnership resources page here.  

About the Nevada Department of Education 

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at  https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on  X (formerly Twitter),  Facebook and  Instagram. 

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, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, 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. 

Burnsville, MN – January 16, 2025 – Mackin, a leader in providing print and digital
educational resources for PK-12, is proud to announce that its free digital content management platform, MackinVIA, has earned the Platinum Award in LibraryWorks’ 10th annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs). This prestigious accolade marks MackinVIA’s 10th consecutive win, solidifying its position as a top choice for digital content management in schools worldwide.

The MLAs, which celebrate the best products and services in the library industry, are awarded based on an unbiased voting process involving over 80,000 librarians from public, K-12, academic, and special libraries. Judges evaluated submissions on a range of criteria, including functionality, value, and customer service. MackinVIA received an outstanding score of 9.25, a testament to its continued excellence and innovation.

“We’re honored to receive the Platinum Award for the 10th year in a row,” said Troy Mikell, Director of Marketing and Communications at Mackin. “Since launching MackinVIA over a decade ago, we’ve continually focused on creating a powerful, user-friendly platform for educators and students. Our relentless drive for improvement and exceptional customer service has fueled MackinVIA’s success, and it’s thrilling to see that effort recognized once again.”

MackinVIA is accessible by more than 9 million students worldwide, providing access to over 4 million eBooks, audiobooks, read-alongs, databases, and video resources. Its digital platform offers a dynamic and comprehensive solution for PK-12 schools looking to streamline content management and improve student engagement.

Jenny Newman, Publisher and MLA Program Manager, noted, “MackinVIA’s consistent excellence in functionality and service is what has kept them at the forefront of the industry for over 40 years. Their innovative approach continues to break barriers and set new standards.”

About Mackin
For over 40 years, Mackin has provided PK-12 grade libraries and classrooms with access to nearly 4 million printed and digital titles. The 24-time, multi-award-winning, digital content management system, MackinVIA, along with divisions Mackin Classroom, MackinMaker, Mackin Learning, and the brand-new, whole school resource management system, MackinVision, help to create a truly unique and robust educational resource company that schools and educators have relied on, year after year. For more information, visit www.mackin.com or call 800-245-9540.

About LibraryWorks
LibraryWorks helps library administrators make informed decisions regarding technology, automation, collection management, staffing, and other key areas that support efficient library operations. Their resources empower libraries to implement best practices, monitor trends, evaluate products and services, and more.

About the Modern Library Awards (MLAs)
The MLAs recognize outstanding products and services that enhance library operations and improve the user experience. Entries are judged by library professionals based on their relevance, functionality, and impact on the library sector.

PARAMUS, N.J. /PRNewswire/ —  Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is pleased to announce that the Alabama State Board of Education has approved its evidence-based, standards-aligned K-12 science programs for statewide adoption.

Savvas science programs are aligned to the 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science, which provides the framework for the study of science in Alabama’s public schools and the standards that support equitable, innovative, and creative learning. Designed to provide students with engaging, three-dimensional learning experiences that integrate science engineering, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in a real-world, scientifically based setting, the company’s high-quality instructional materials for Alabama’s K-12 science classrooms include:

• Alabama elevateScience – The K-8 curriculum inspires students to explore phenomena and encourages active learning through hands-on and digital lab activities, literacy integrations, and science quests, helping students make connections to the world around them.
  
• Alabama Miller & Levine Biology – The best-selling science curriculum immerses students in inquiry-based learning through interaction with real-world biology phenomena, giving purpose to what students learn and keeping them interested to explore further.
  
• Alabama Experience Chemistry – The modern program engages students as they investigate real, compelling chemistry phenomena that fuel questions about everyday life and capture students’ interest with the thrill of discovery.
  
• Alabama Experience Physics – The interactive curriculum organizes learning around phenomena and real-world storylines, engaging students in scientific inquiry and showing them how physics is relevant to their lives.
  
• Alabama Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn – The engaging program immerses students in high-interest, real-world content and hands-on inquiry investigations that help them understand environmental issues and be part of the solutions.
  
• Physical Science: Concepts in Action – The curriculum uses relevant content, lively explorations, and a wealth of hands-on activities to help students make the important connection between the science they read and what they experience every day.

“Our Alabama science programs, developed in collaboration with educators and science experts, immerse students in the exploration of real-world phenomena and help to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Alabama district and school leaders can be confident that our high-quality instructional solutions provide the rigorous content and hands-on learning that not only deepens students’ understanding of scientific principles, but also inspires them to pursue STEM careers.”

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY
At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry’s most innovative portfolio of  college and career readiness solutions — all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit  Savvas Learning Company. Savvas Learning Company’s products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary,  Rubicon.

SOURCE Savvas Learning Company

BEAVERTON, Oregon — Vernier Science Education recently launched the Go Direct ^® Soil Moisture Sensor to help high school and college-level students easily and accurately collect data during soil science, agricultural science, environmental science, horticulture, botany, and biology investigations. This wireless sensor, which connects directly to student devices using the award-winning Vernier Graphical Analysis ^® Pro app, is designed to engage students in hands-on learning as they measure the volumetric water content of soil.

“The versatility and durability of the new Go Direct Soil Moisture Sensor makes it a great addition to any science or STEM classroom,” said Jill Hedrick, CEO of Vernier Science Education. “Whether conducting investigations in the lab or in the field, students can use this sensor to easily analyze soil samples and understand the real-world impact of soil on the climate and the living ecosystems around them. For example, by analyzing soil moisture levels, students can explore how different soil conditions affect plant growth and water retention, providing insights into sustainable agriculture practices, urban planning, and environmental conservation efforts.” 

The rugged Go Direct Soil Moisture Sensor uses the relationship between moisture content and soil electrical properties to determine the volumetric water content of the soil. Students simply insert the sensor into the soil they are testing at the proper angle and observe the real-time volumetric water content of the soil, reported in percent, in the Vernier Graphical Analysis Pro app.

Like all Go Direct sensors, the Go Direct Soil Moisture Sensor connects directly to students’ mobile devices, Chromebooks, or computers using the Vernier Graphical Analysis Pro app. Go Direct Soil Moisture can be used wired via USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth^® wireless technology, enabling educators to choose the solution that fits best for their classroom or laboratory.

The sensor includes a rechargeable battery, providing always-ready operation when the sensor is being used wirelessly. It is also backed by the Vernier product support and warranty.

To learn more about the Go Direct Soil Moisture Sensor, visit https://www.vernier.com/product/go-direct-soil-moisture-sensor/.

About Vernier Science Education

For more than 40 years, Vernier Science Education has been committed to using our experience, knowledge, and passion to create the best and most reliable solutions for STEM education. Our comprehensive solutions include hardware, software, content, assessment, professional development, and technical support. At the heart of Vernier is our deep commitment to being an authentic and trusted partner to STEM educators. We are dedicated to partnering with educators and communities to build a STEM-literate society where students grow up to become knowledgeable citizens who can solve problems, fully contribute to their communities, and drive innovation. For more information, visit www.vernier.com.

COSTA MESA, Calif. — BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of visual display and collaboration solutions, today announced that Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska, selected and installed two BenQ LK936ST 4K HDR short-throw golf simulator projectors for its golf sim Golf Training Lab at the Marian Athletic Center. In 2024, the Marian girls’ golf team became the undefeated Nebraska State Champions in Class A golf. Designed to help analyze and improve the golfers’ swings and give them the ability to practice in all weather conditions, the Marian Golf Training Lab provides the girls’ high school and junior teams with an immersive and realistic golf course environment. Based on research and recommendations from golf simulation experts, Marian High School chose the BenQ LK936ST for its exceptional color accuracy, powerful brightness, and maintenance-free operation.

Head Coach Robert Davis led the effort to build the Golf Training Lab, which includes two golf simulator bays featuring Carl’s Place 16×10 impact screens and ProTee VX launch monitors. Seeking a high-performance projector that could deliver realistic course visuals, bright images in a well-lit environment, and long-term, maintenance-free operation, Davis consulted with golf simulator manufacturers and reviewers. After thorough research, BenQ’s LK936ST emerged as the top choice.

“Our athletes benefit from an experience that’s as close as you can get to being on an actual course,” said Davis. “When we pull up courses, you can see distinct leaves on the trees. That level of realism not only makes training more effective but also more enjoyable.”

The BenQ LK936ST’s 4K UHD resolution, combined with BenQ’s exclusive Golf Mode, ensures a highly detailed, true-to-life golfing experience. Its 5,100 lumens of brightness allow it to perform exceptionally well in the Marian Athletic Center’s brightly lit environment, ensuring clear visuals even without dimming the lights. Additionally, its short-throw lens and advanced installation tools — such as digital shrink, lens shift, and keystone correction — allow for a flexible and seamless setup within the limited space of the simulator bays.

“The golf simulation market has grown rapidly as more schools, athletes, and enthusiasts seek ways to improve their game year-round,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ America Corp. “With the LK936ST, we’ve provided everything a golf simulator needs to deliver a truly immersive experience. Its 4K resolution, high brightness, and laser-powered color accuracy ensure that golfers can see every detail with precision, whether it’s the grain of the greens or the clear blue sky. By combining these features, we’ve created a projector that meets the high standards required for today’s golf training environments.”

The BenQ LK936ST is engineered to provide a truly immersive and precise golf simulation experience, making it an ideal choice for Marian High School’s Golf Training Lab. With a 4K UHD resolution powered by Texas Instruments’ DLP chip technology, it delivers razor-sharp visuals and a stunning 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, which allows for enhanced graphics and a lifelike recreation of the world’s top golf courses. Its exclusive Golf Mode, designed specifically for golf simulation, reproduces the vivid greens and brilliant blues of fairways and skies, offering 92% of the Rec. 709 color gamut for true-to-life color accuracy. This unprecedented visual fidelity helps golfers maintain their focus and engagement, simulating real-world conditions to perfect their game.

In addition to its color and image quality, the LK936ST is designed to excel in challenging environments. The projector’s short-throw lens (0.81-0.89) and 1.1x zoom capacity make it easy to install outside of the swing zone, projecting a large image without casting shadows on the screen. Digital shrink, offset, lens shift, keystone correction, and corner fit provide advanced installation flexibility, enabling perfect alignment with the screen, even in tight or unconventional spaces like garages, basements, or smaller training rooms.

Built for long-lasting, maintenance-free operation, the LK936ST features a sealed IP5X-rated dustproof optical engine, eliminating the need for filter changes and ensuring optimal performance even in dusty environments. Its laser light source guarantees 20,000 hours of use with consistent color and brightness, far outlasting traditional lamp-based projectors. The projector also offers instant power-up without the need for warm-up or cool-down times, allowing golfers to jump straight into their training. With multiple HDMI inputs and networking options, it integrates easily with other entertainment or training components, making it a versatile centerpiece for not only golf simulations but also home theater and gaming setups.

More information on the BenQ LK936ST 4K HDR short-throw golf simulator projector is available at bit.ly/3na585n.

About BenQ America — Business & Education Solutions
The No. 1 selling global projector brand powered by TI DLP technology, according to Futuresource, the BenQ digital lifestyle brand stands for “Bringing Enjoyment and Quality to Life,” fusing ease of use with productivity and aesthetics with purpose-built engineering. BenQ is a world-leading human technology and professional solutions provider serving the enterprise, education, and entertainment markets. To realize this vision, the company focuses on the aspects that matter most to users, redefining traditional technology with innovative capabilities that increase efficiency, enhance learning, and amplify entertainment — all while ensuring a healthy, safe, and intuitive user experience. BenQ’s broad portfolio of professional installation solutions includes digital, laser, and interactive projectors; premium flat panels; and interactive large-format displays that take visual enjoyment to new heights in corporate offices, classrooms and lecture halls, and home theaters. The company’s products are available across North America through leading value-added distributors, resellers, and retailers. Because it matters. More information is available at www.BenQ.com.

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Image Caption: Marian High School Chooses BenQ’s LK936ST Golf Simulator Projector for New Golf Training Lab

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FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Gale, part of Cengage Group, is pleased to announce that it has received four platinum awards in LibraryWorks’ eleventh annual Modern Library Awards (MLAs) for its adult learning and youth large print resources. The MLAs were created to recognize the top products and services in the library industry in a truly unbiased format. This is the fourth consecutive year Gale has been recognized by the MLAs for product excellence.

“Being recognized for the fourth year running is a testament to Gale’s unwavering commitment to innovative learning resources,” said Paul Gazzolo, senior vice president and general manager at Gale. “Customer motivation is at the heart of everything we do to provide the best accessible learning and reading experiences for learners of all ages. This recognition is more validation that our products continue to break barriers and reach new heights in education, and we are thrilled to receive such an honor.”

Products and services were submitted to LibraryWorks in the fall of 2024 and sent to more than 90,000 librarians at public, K-12, academic and special libraries. Only customers experienced with these products/services in their facilities were permitted to judge them, resulting in a truly unbiased score. 

Each judge scored the products on a numeric basis from 1-10, based on a series of questions regarding functionality, value, customer service experience and overall satisfaction.

Gale’s 2025 MLA platinum award winners include:

• Gale Presents: Peterson’s Test and Career Prep (platinum award): offers a comprehensive set of tools to support individuals on their educational and professional journeys. Whether for high school students preparing for standardized tests, working adults seeking career changes, or those pursuing further education, the platform provides resources for success.

“This is the best database relating to college and career preparation for teens that we use at our library! It has so many resources and the patrons love it!” –MLA judge

• Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School (platinum award): A 21.5-credit, self-paced online high school completion program that allows public libraries to offer accredited high school diplomas to adults who wish to prepare for entry into the workforce, further their careers, or attend college.

“Our patrons have overcome significant challenges to achieve their goal of earning a high school diploma through the Gale Presents: Excel Adult High School. I cannot emphasize enough just how impactful this program is and how it improves the lives of our graduates. Gale has helped our library system further our mission to provide services that have a truly positive impact on our community.” –MLA judge

• Thorndike Press – Youth Large Print (platinum award): A viable reading intervention tool, similar in size as standard print with the same cover art. These books have been proven to improve decoding, increase comprehension, and reduce anxiety in developing, below-grade-level, and emerging bilingual readers.

“Thorndike Large Print books for youth have been instrumental in helping me reach students who are struggling with reading, students who don’t enjoy reading and students who have no issues with reading! These books are for ALL my students, and because they are so accessible, ALL students can enjoy them and reap the benefits. I couldn’t highly recommend them enough.” –MLA judge

• Gale Presents: Udemy (platinum award): Public libraries can connect patrons to nearly 30,000 on-demand video courses for upskilling or reskilling in business, technology, and personal development. Thousands of courses are taught by native speakers in 14 different languages, helping libraries reach their diverse communities.

“(Our) Public Library is proud to offer Udemy Business as a valuable resource for our community. It provides access to a wide range of professional development courses. It helps equip our patrons with educational tools so that they are able to be successful in their career and beyond.” –MLA judge

Jenny Newman, publisher and MLA program manager noted, “It’s hardly a surprise that Gale continues to score high. The strong partnerships they have established with libraries are what differentiate and drive their industry leadership. The quality and innovation of their adult learning and youth large print resources are truly impacting and changing the lives of all learners, keeping the company at the forefront of the market.”

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, provides libraries with original and curated content, as well as the modern research tools and technology that are crucial in connecting libraries to learning, and learners to libraries. For more than 65 years, Gale has partnered with libraries around the world to empower the discovery of knowledge and insights – where, when and how people need it. Gale has 500 employees globally with its main operations in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For more information, please visit  www.gale.com.

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About LibraryWorks

LibraryWorks helps administrators to make informed decisions about library technology, automation and software, collection development and management, facilities and furnishings, staffing, purchasing, and other areas that drive effective strategic planning and day-to-day operations. Our family of resources can enable you to identify best practices, monitor trends, evaluate new products and services, apply for grants and funding, post or find a job, and even enjoy some library humor. https://www.libraryworks.com/

About the Modern Library Awards program The Modern Library Awards (MLAs) is a review program designed to recognize elite products and services in the market which can help library management personnel enhance the quality-of-experience for the library user and increase the performance of their library systems. https://www.modernlibraryawards.com/

LOS ANGELES (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lingokids, the #1 early learning app trusted by over 100 million families worldwide, has teamed up with Moonbug Entertainment, the creators of global preschool favorites like Blippi and CoComelon. This exciting partnership means families using Lingokids can now enjoy exclusive content featuring Blippi, one of the world’s most popular preschool characters, designed to make learning even more fun for kids ages 2-8.

A First for Lingokids: Welcoming Outside Characters

For the first time, Lingokids is welcoming beloved characters from outside the app. “We are so excited to bring Moonbug’s characters to Lingokids,” said Cristóbal Viedma, CEO of Lingokids. “Blippi’s curiosity and love of exploring everyday life align perfectly with our mission to inspire kids to learn essential skills through play.”

Unique Content That Kids Will Love

This collaboration is aimed to blend Lingokids’ award-winning Playlearning methodology with Moonbug’s engaging storytelling. Parents can expect interactive games tailored to meet each child’s needs at their different developmental stages – all inside an environment where characters like Blippi, Meekah, and D.Boo, among others, become learning guides, promoting the development of skills such as vocabulary, creativity, logic, emotional intelligence, and many more.

Each piece of content is designed to respond to kids’ interests and learning pace, allowing them to immerse themselves in a universe of activities such as:

• Interactive storytelling
• Memory challenges and puzzles
• Creative expression activities
• Runner games featuring sports vocabulary
• Emotional learning through interactive photo experiences

“I’ve been a fan of Lingokids for a long time and was really excited to be able to bring the first ever third party IP to the app as they continue to expand. We know kids love Blippi and the curiosity he brings to everyday learning. It’s great seeing this come to life in the Lingokids app,” added Ed Barton, Moonbug’s Vice President of Gaming and Interactive.

Why Families Love Lingokids

Lingokids has become a go-to app for parents looking for 100% safe screen time that kids enjoy and parents trust. With its focus on developing both academic and life skills, Lingokids makes learning an adventure for children while giving parents peace of mind.

The new content featuring Blippi is already available on the Lingokids app with 10 new games to spark curiosity and learning in young minds. More games are expected to be added later this year. Furthermore, the company will continue exploring with Moonbug Entertainment, as well as other children’s media companies, more opportunities to build Lingokids app games around existing popular IP.

About Moonbug Entertainment

Moonbug Entertainment inspires kids everywhere to laugh, learn, and grow through its globally loved characters like Blippi and CoComelon. With shows available on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube Kids, Moonbug is committed to making enriching content accessible to children worldwide.

Moonbug is part of Candle Media, an independent, creator-friendly home for cutting-edge, high-quality, category-defining brands and franchises. By bringing together elite talent operating at the intersection of content, community, and commerce, it helps to position leading entertainment businesses for accelerated, sustainable growth in the current market and beyond. Candle is run by its Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, leading entertainment executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, and backed by investment capital from funds managed by Blackstone’s flagship private equity business.

About Lingokids

Lingokids is an innovative educational platform committed to reimagining early learning. By integrating traditional education with essential life skills, Lingokids’ Playlearning approach places children at the heart of an expansive educational ecosystem. Through +1,700 interactive activities across various media formats, the app empowers children to navigate topics such as engineering, empathy, literacy, and resilience. Lingokids is dedicated to preparing children for a well-rounded future that balances academic excellence with personal growth.

Discover more about Lingokids at www.lingokids.com or follow us on social media @Lingokids.

ATLANTA, GA – Visix, Inc., a leading provider of digital signage, wayfinding and space management solutions, is celebrating 45 years in business. Over four and a half decades, the company has grown to serve more than 4000 clients across three continents, evolving its software, hardware and services to help organizations create, manage and deliver more engaging communications to their audiences.

Visix’s mission is simple: “help people communicate better.” By developing products that are easy to use and access, the company aims to improve the quality and reach of visual messaging for a more dynamic user and audience experience.

“Our journey has been one of constant transformation and innovation,” says Sean Matthews, president and CEO of Visix. “We’ve grown from manufacturing AV hardware tools back in the ’80s to providing a  full portfolio of visual communication solutions today. It’s been a joy to grow with our clients, partners and employees over the last 45 years, navigating so many technological and communication advances together. What hasn’t changed is our focus on serving our clients’ needs through both groundbreaking product development, and exceptional support and service.”

Founded in 1980 as Tech Electronics, Inc. (TEi), the company initially offered black box products such as programmable video controllers and media retrieval systems. In 2000, it launched AxisTV, its first digital signage content management software. Under the leadership of Sean Matthews since 2004, the company shifted its focus to software development. By 2006, all non-AxisTV products were retired, and the company rebranded as Visix to reflect its new direction.

From the start, Visix has partnered with a broad network of AV/IT resellers, bringing its products to corporate, education, government, healthcare and hospitality customers across the globe. Over time, the company has become the preferred digital signage vendor for higher education, serving over 1,000 colleges and universities with software features tailored to campus environments.

Visix has continuously expanded the reach and impact of its solutions, redefining the concept of digital signage by extending visual messaging to room signs, websites, desktops and mobile devices. The company has also incorporated interactive design services and space booking solutions, establishing itself as a comprehensive visual communications provider. Visix has been recognized as one of Inc.’s Best Workplaces and has garnered dozens of product awards and over 130 awards for content and interactive designs.

“At Visix, we’ve helped redefine the digital signage experience,” says Trey Hicks, CSO and COO of Visix. “We don’t just spec and sell products – we partner with clients to shape their communication strategies, offering expert advice on content, design and emerging trends in organizational messaging. This approach not only drives our clients’ success, but has inspired the industry at large. Many competitors have followed our lead, and we take pride in having steered our industry toward adopting a more holistic approach to digital signage.”

That broader mindset has led to numerous Visix breakthroughs in the digital signage space. Visix was the first to:

• focus on organizational communications versus retail environments.
• consult on communications strategy, content planning and success measures.
• integrate common alerting protocol (CAP) for emergency notifications.
• extend digital signage content playback to desktops and mobile devices.
• develop a voice user interface for digital signs and room signs.
• incorporate room signs into the digital signage ecosystem.
• introduce epaper room and desk signs to facilities managers in North America.
• launch augmented reality space booking for smartphones.

Visix has also established itself as a thought leader in the digital signage industry, offering the  largest library of free resources for digital signage users and communications professionals, including expert articles, guides, white papers, videos and the award-winning Digital Signage Done Rightpodcast.

Looking ahead, Visix remains focused on innovation. In 2025, the company plans to further enhance its AxisTV Signage Suite software with expanded data-mapping and analytics capabilities, as well as support for BrightSign players. Visix also aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable space management practices with smartphone booking and e-paper signs for office hoteling environments.

“The next chapter of Visix will be defined by next-generation ideas, creative market solutions and an unwavering commitment to our clients and partners,” says Matthews. “We’re just getting started.”

To learn more about Visix’s mission, products and services, visit  www.visix.com.

About Visix

Visix, Inc. offers a robust suite of digital signage software, content designs and space booking solutions for any organization wanting to engage, excite and inform their audiences. Our products work separately or together, are competitively priced and scalable, and have powerful interactivity and data integration features for a unified, enterprise signage solution. Our award-winning service and support teams consistently rank the highest in client satisfaction for fast, professional responses and solutions. 

SAN JOSE, Calif. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iterate.ai, whose AI solutions enable enterprises to  build production-ready applications and ready-to-use products for private AI requirements and the AI PC era, today announced a strategic partnership with jp.ik, a global leader in educational technology solutions. Through this collaboration, Iterate.ai’s Generate platform will be included within jp.ik’s comprehensive educational technology ecosystem—bringing secure, private AI capabilities to students and educators across more than 100 countries.

“Our new partnership with jp.ik is a significant step in bringing secure AI technology to classrooms worldwide,” said Jon Nordmark, CEO, Iterate.ai. “By combining Generate’s offline-capable, private AI technology with jp.ik’s extensive global education reach, we’re creating new possibilities for AI-enhanced learning in environments where traditional cloud-based AI solutions aren’t viable.”

Generate’s integration within jp.ik’s educational technology network will provide institutions with secure, private AI capabilities that operate entirely on local PCs, tablets, and other devices. The solution enables powerful document analysis, content generation, and AI-assisted learning tools while ensuring student data remains private and secure. Generate’s ability to function without internet connectivity also makes these advanced AI capabilities accessible to educational institutions in regions with limited connectivity.

“The integration of Iterate.ai’s Generate platform aligns with our mission of making transformative technology accessible to all,” said Jorge Castilho, Product and Solutions Director of jp.ik. “This partnership enhances our ability to deliver cutting-edge AI capabilities while maintaining our commitment to security, privacy, and equal access to educational technology.”

About Iterate.ai

Iterate.ai is at the forefront of empowering businesses with state-of-the-art AI solutions, like Generate and its AI low code platform, Interplay. Interplay is cloud-agnostic and can run AI on the edge and in secure private environments. With six patents granted (including “drag-and-drop AI”) and nearly a dozen more pending, Iterate.ai’s platform offers corporate innovators a low-risk, speedy, and systematic way to scale in-house, near-term digital innovation initiatives. With its largest offices in San Jose, CA and Denver, CO, Iterate.ai has a global presence with other offices in North America (Texas, Washington, Arizona), Europe (Stockholm), and Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Singapore).

About jp.ik

JP inspiring knowledge (jp.ik), as its name suggests, is fully committed to inspire, be inspired and spread knowledge. Innovation is at the forefront of jp.ik’s creations. JP inspiring knowledge strives for continuous improvement with a strong emphasis in social corporate responsibility.

Founded in 2008 by two visionary brothers in Portugal, jp.ik quickly became one of the leaders in the edtech ecosystem worldwide. Ever since then, jp.ik has established itself as a global benchmark on educational and human development technologies, standing out as one of the most successful and respected Edtech companies both nationally and internationally.

As demonstrated throughout our projects around the world, sustainable and inclusive human development has been jp.ik longstanding commitment driven and upheld by the team’s passion, adaptability and ever evolving approach.