Pearson Creates Alliance with FLVS

Private/Public Alliance to Accelerate Reach of Online Learning Opportunities
Orlando, FL and New York, NY – Nov. 17, 2010.  A private/public alliance between Pearson and Florida Virtual School (FLVS) will accelerate virtual learning opportunities around the world for millions of school students who have grown up smack in the middle of the technology revolution.
Announced at the close of the Virtual School Symposium in Glendale, Arizona, Pearson Virtual Learning powered by Florida Virtual School will offer schools throughout the US and across the globe more than 100 FLVS courses in all subject areas for grades 6-12, including advanced placement and career and technology courses. The virtual courses will be aligned to the new Common Core state standards.
Pearson CEO for Schools Peter Cohen said, “Our agreement with Florida Virtual School is one more step in recognizing the cosmic effect of technology in revolutionizing education. Digital learning allows teachers to customize education for each individual student.  Through this alliance, we will expand Pearson’s existing virtual offerings and move forward with our commitment to transform education through technology and set each child on the path to success in school and in life.”
FLVS President & CEO Julie Young said, “The opportunity to partner with Pearson is a monumental step forward in accomplishing our long-standing goals and mission at FLVS — to provide every child an engaging, personal, and unique learning experience.” Young noted that FLVS will retain its existing operation as a Florida public school.
Impressive data from an independent research study confirms that students learning through Florida Virtual School dramatically increased their performance, including a high student completion rate with passing grades, and improved scores on state tests. These results have proven to be a cost-effective model for delivering instruction.
Cohen said the new agreement will make it possible for schools to provide a variety of new or advanced courses that they might otherwise not have the resources to offer.  These new virtual courses will allow educators to customize offerings for students’ individual interests and abilities. The courses provide online learning opportunities for students who live in rural areas, who are homebound, or who may need an online summer school option.  The online school is also a valuable resource for those who are homeschooling their children.
The Pearson and Florida Virtual School agreement provides the opportunity to reverse the school dropout rate by providing learning recovery credits for students who have to make up coursework in order to graduate.  These courses are available at any time of the year and provide students with pre-tests, instruction, discussion-based assessments and post-tests.
In addition to full course availability, schools have the option to purchase courses for their own teachers to use or modify, and the courses will integrate with their existing learning management systems. Comprehensive services in customized teacher professional development, student management and systems integration services are available through Pearson Virtual Learning powered by Florida Virtual School. For more information, visit www.pearsonschool.com/virtuallearning.
About Pearson
As the world’s leading education company and leader in learning, content, technology, assessment and education services, Pearson is committed to improving the lives of people everywhere.  We do this by providing support to build a stronger education system and offer personalized opportunities for students of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. Our success is founded in partnering with education stakeholders to deliver innovative products, technologies and services that respond to challenges to education and help improve student achievement. Pearson is making unprecedented levels of investment in new models for education and supporting key elements of the reform agenda:  Common Core standards, college and career readiness, teacher effectiveness, school improvement, and custom solutions for schools and colleges.  Visit www.pearson.com.

About Florida Virtual School (FLVS)
Florida Virtual School (FLVS) is an established leader in developing and providing virtual K-12 education solutions to students all over Florida, the US and the world. A nationally recognized eLearning model and recipient of numerous awards, FLVS was founded in 1997 and was the country’s first, state-wide internet based public high school. Today, FLVS serves full-time and part-time students in grades K-12 and provides a variety of custom solutions for schools and districts to meet student needs. FLVS aims to deliver a high quality, technology-based education that provides the skills and knowledge students need for success in the 21st Century. Its vision is to transform education and create possibilities for learners worldwide.  For more information, go to www.flvs.net.
Contact:
Pearson – Kate Miller, [email protected] – 800.745.8489
Florida Virtual School – Star Kraschinsky, [email protected] – 407.513.3456
(discl: Revolution has a commercial relationship with Pearson)

Tom Vander Ark

Tom Vander Ark is the CEO of Getting Smart. He has written or co-authored more than 50 books and papers including Getting Smart, Smart Cities, Smart Parents, Better Together, The Power of Place and Difference Making. He served as a public school superintendent and the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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