Teaching Matters Announces Expanded Partnership with Carl C. Icahn Charter Schools

NEW YORK, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of growing concerns about failing schools and increased accountability, the U.S. Department of Education's Charter Schools Program (CSP) sought to increase national understanding of the charter school model and expand the number of high-quality charter schools available to students. In an effort to provide New York City school children with the best possible educational services, the Carl C. Icahn Charter School received a CSP Grant for Replication and Expansion of High-Quality Charter Schools. Icahn will replicate its existing model in four new Icahn Charter Schools over five years. Teaching Matters is pleased to be among the providers included in the expansion--offering their 21st century standards-based writing and civics curriculum and on-site coaching support to innovate instructional practices.

"Front and center in the Icahn Charter School is accountable school leadership and a cohesive, core curriculum," says Lynette Guastaferro, Executive Director of Teaching Matters.  "We see that students develop strong foundational skills in the early years.  Through our partnership, teachers increase their emphasis on critical thinking, writing, research and applications of technology that are key to college readiness. We believe that urban schools have to strike a careful balance between core academic content and 21st century skills--ensuring that children master basic content and higher order application and thinking skills."

According to Danny Garcia, principal of Icahn Charter School, "Teaching Matters is unique in their ability to customize the professional development discussion at our school, by matching the pedagogical needs of the teacher to improved student outcomes." The Carl C. Icahn Charter School, located in the Bronx, NY, was founded by financier Carl C. Icahn in 2001. On average students at the Icahn Charter School achieve significantly higher scores on all New York State proficiency exams, making it one of New York City's highest performing schools

About Teaching Matters

Teaching Matters, a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with educators to ensure that all students can succeed in the digital age. In collaboration with front line educators, content experts and technologists, Teaching Matters develops innovative and engaging educational content that pursues a new standard, striking a balance between core academic and 21st century learning environments to prepare students for the future.

SOURCE Teaching Matters