Pearson to Advance Learning Systems in Six California Schools

Pearson, an education and technology services company, will now be offering six California schools dubbed the “Model Innovation Schools” an innovation strategy for maximizing and improving technological education services. 

Partnering with the six model schools – Valadez Middle School Academy, VanderMolen Fundamental Elementary, Rosebud Academy Charter School, Ecademy, Woodridge Elementary and Rio Terra Junior High School – Pearson will work with the six educational facilities to have an e-learning system where students can have an alternative route to learning.

Vicky Bush, Pearson's vice president for California, said that the Pearson Model Schools program represents a bold new step in the school systems efforts to bring the latest digital technology and best practices into the state's classrooms. 

The schools were selected for their technologically advanced educational systems, as well as reflecting a wide variety and diverse grouping, as the schools are throughout the entire state. 

“These schools are intended to be centers of innovation that will lead the way for all of our schools to become more effective with the integration of technology, intervention, and research-based instruction in the classroom,” Bush said. 

“Furthermore, these schools represent leadership in our state in embracing new learning models to meet the needs of all students - whether they at on level, advanced, at-risk or struggling learners or the 25 percent of California's students who are learning English at the same time they are working to master subject area content,” Bush said. 

And, by harnessing technology to “do school differently,” Pearson’s hopes to have these six academic facilities focused on personalizing learning, developing innovative assessments aligned with data systems that inform instruction and investing in effective teacher and leadership development. 

Focusing on various core subject areas, Pearson will model and track school activities, collect data and monitor progress in the following areas: 

For the next academic year, Pearson will work with these schools to integrate the instructional materials for the students, while advancing the abilities of the teachers’ professional development. 

“We also will offer grant writing assistance and an opportunity for schools to participate in a wide range of Pearson Foundation programs and activities such as the global Read for the Record Campaign held each fall to bring awareness to the importance of early literacy,” Bush said.