Teaching Quality, Community and Parent Partnerships Drive Student Success, EdisonLearning Principals Report

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Sep 07, 2010, 01:12 ET

NEW YORK, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- High quality teaching and strong partnerships with parents and community groups are key components in improving student achievement, a survey of EdisonLearning principals found.

EdisonLearning, the nation's leading public school innovator and partner for school districts and charter schools, released the results of a Reinvention of Education survey of its 130 partner principals about the current state of K-12 education and EdisonLearning's own reform efforts today.

The survey found that 80 percent of the principals selected "teaching quality" as the top factor in improving student achievement. Also, a majority of principals cited partnerships with community groups and work with parents as important factors in improving school culture and student achievement.

Overall, the principals were optimistic about the impact of their schools' efforts, with 68 percent of respondents saying that K-12 education is heading in a positive direction.

"Helping our students excel is a team effort. Our principals and teachers recognize it is critical to create a support network with school staff, parents and the community to give them the best chances for success," said Jeff Wahl, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning. "Because our teachers are on the front line of providing our students the tools to succeed, we make it a priority to provide them world-class training and support."

EdisonLearning's professional development for teachers includes ongoing training at the school level and regular conferences where they learn the latest best practices. EdisonLearning is also focused on creating partnerships on a broader scale to assist schools. For example, the organization is partnering with 100 Black Men of America to open charter schools across the country. One of the schools, Possibility Prep, in Prince Georges' County, Maryland opened last week with full enrollment and a waitlist.

Additional key findings from the survey include:

When asked what trends will have the most positive impact in education, the most frequent responses referenced standards followed by data-driven instruction.

The principals indicated that the impact of poverty on students and high mobility are among the largest challenges facing schools across the country.

Fifty-two percent of EdisonLearning's partner principals rated their classroom management and discipline at average or above average, and the same number rated teacher collaboration average or above.

When asked about EdisonLearning's biggest contribution, most pointed to professional development and data assessment, while many also cited research and development regarding best practices.

When asked what their own schools are doing to improve achievement, most referenced improving the school culture, teacher support and professional development and data-driven instruction.

About EdisonLearning

EdisonLearning is the nation's leading public school innovator and partner for school districts and charter schools serving more than 400,000 children in 25 states, the United Kingdom and Abu Dhabi. The organization works with school leaders and communities to provide solutions that inspire students to think, learn, and succeed – and prepare them to meet their full potential and the expectations of the 21st century workplace. Visit www.EdisonLearning.com for more information.

SOURCE EdisonLearning