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Our multi-year campaign will identify and promote specific improvements in the procurement transactions between K-12 school district buyers and private sector sellers, focusing on ed-tech and instructional support services that help districts attain superior student outcomes. These two segments are growing rapidly as the result of adoption of Common Core States Standards, school/district accountability and personalization of instruction.
As result of this work, EIA and our partners, intends to help make K-12 procurement more cost-efficient for both district buyers and sellers. For buyers, we hope the project will result in lower transaction costs, shortened timelines, an easier process to work with diverse providers and boost student outcomes. For sellers, including those new to the market, we hope the campaign will enable them to better navigate the procurement system and integrate their proprietary solutions into the classroom.
To join the 2013 PVPG Procurement Campaign Agreement, please click here. 
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EIA Rebuts FL Press Slam of SES |
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In an OpEd published in the Tampa Bay Times, on February 20, 2013, EIA's Steven Pines, corrects the reporting, "No cash left behind: Tutoring for profit in Florida," Feb. 10 and 11.The Tampa Bay Times regrettably chose to cite a handful of anecdotes and point to our sector's quite proper use of public advocacy to smear dozens of tutoring companies that have provided an educational lifeline to tens of thousands of Florida students and their families for nearly 10 years. Notably, not one parent or student was quoted on record regarding their experience with Supplemental Education Services tutoring.
On behalf of the members of the Education Industry Association, some of whom include providers of Supplemental Educational Services, I feel compelled to restore some semblance of balance to the story of how federally funded tutoring has lifted the academic skills of tens of thousands of Florida's low-income students — and why the alleged and (if true) inexcusable actions of a few should not be considered representative of all SES providers.
SES was the result of a bipartisan proposal crafted by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, the scion of the Democratic Party. About five years into SES, in a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, Kennedy staunchly defended the value of tutoring, recounting how it personally benefited the Kennedy family.
He then made the same civil rights argument that seemed to have been ridiculed by the Times, by saying that low-income students should have access to the same high-quality tutoring services that affluent families use every day. Kennedy's words inspired SES providers, working with school districts around the country, to redouble their efforts on behalf of those kids.
Yes, the federal No Child Left Behind law passed during President George W. Bush's administration expressly allowed education businesses to compete with one another to provide tutoring, but these businesses certainly do not dominate the SES tutoring market in Florida or elsewhere — despite the Times' consistent reference to all providers as "companies." In fact, about half of all tutoring is provided directly by public school districts, faith-based groups and nonprofit organizations.
Regarding the state's grading system of provider effectiveness, Florida has developed an approach to SES evaluation that serves as a national model, used by Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee, which includes a mix of state standardized testing, attendance, customer satisfaction surveys and provider pre/post testing. State and local education officials have given themselves every tool to ensure that tutoring organizations were delivering high-quality SES services.
With the exception of the few that allegedly gamed the system, I believe the vast majority of Florida-approved tutoring companies have served their students, their families and U.S. taxpayers honorably and ethically.
EIA does not condone criminal acts or malfeasance on the part of any SES providers, anywhere, and we would be among the first to call for strong sanctions against these organizations if the allegations reported by the Times are found to be true.
Florida (like 30 other states) adopted the EIA Code of Ethics for SES Providers, which provides industry guidance to government regulators on standards of best practice. I am encouraged that in the wake of the Times series, the Florida commissioner of education, Tony Bennett, announced new measures to expose and sanction those tutoring organizations that do not abide by the EIA code or related state regulations.
EIA makes no apologies for standing up for its tutoring company members, and on behalf of the tens of thousands of students that its members have so ably served in Florida. Access to quality educational services is a civil right that should continue to be enjoyed by students and their parents who cannot afford private tutoring like their wealthier counterparts.
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Hopkins Dean David Andrews Honored with EIA's Friend of Industry Award |
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The Education Industry Association (EIA) named David Andrews, dean, Johns Hopkins University School of Education, as the recipient of its 2013 “Friend of the Education Industry” Award.
“Dean Andrews is most deserving of this award, which for nine years has put an appreciative spotlight on educators, policymakers and businesspeople who don’t know what status quo means. Who do not shy away from education’s most vexing problems. And who above all dedicate themselves to reforming education for the betterment of our schools, our teachers, and our students,” said Michael R. Sandler, chairman of Education Industry Group and author of Social Entrepreneurship in Education: Private Ventures for the Public Good, who presented the Award today on behalf of EIA during its 13th Education Industry Days conference here. “Dean Andrews has done all of that and then some, and he is setting the Johns Hopkins School of Education on a courageous path that is producing transformative leaders in all sectors – public, private and corporate.”
Andrews has led a series of bold initiatives since he was named dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Education in 2010. He has created collaborations with EIA, Teach for America (TFA), and other highly regarded education reform organizations; developed a unique partnership with Laureate Education to provide an online Masters in teaching; is working with EIA to undertake program evaluations for proprietary education firms; and established a Visiting Fellows program of leaders and experts representing a range of educational sectors.
Before joining Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Andrews served on the faculty of Ohio State University and was the founding dean of The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. Andrews earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Auburn University. He holds a master's degree from Kansas State University and a doctorate from Florida State University, both in child development.
The EIA Friend of the Education Industry Award is the Association’s highest and most prestigious honor since its inception in 2005. It is presented annually to an individual who, fosters and demonstrates vision, entrepreneurship, a dedication to quality, and the spirit of public-private partnership in advancing education reform. Previous recipients have included noted education entrepreneur Christopher Whittle; Jeanne Allen, Founder and President, Center for Education Reform; Toru Kumon, founder of Kumon Math & Reading Centers; and Margaret Spellings, former U.S. Secretary of Education.
“It’s an honor for me to receive such a prestigious award from the Education Industry Association,” Andrews said. “I strongly believe that schools of education must be involved with all components of the education sector if we are to achieve real education reform. Our partnership with EIA is helping us accomplish that goal.”
About the Johns Hopkins School of Education
Established in 2007, the Johns Hopkins University School of Education (SOE) prepares educational leaders and develops research-based models of instruction that are making lasting improvements in student achievement – from early childhood to the adult learner. Ranked in the top ten graduate schools of education by US News and World Report, the SOE offers doctorate and graduate programs, and is engaged in a variety of research and development activities, external partnerships, and collaborative connections to the broader Johns Hopkins community. For more information: www.education.jhu.edu.
The “Friend of the Education Industry” Award
The “Friend of the Education Industry” Award is EIA’s highest and most prestigious honor, presented annually to the individual who, in the view of the EIA Board of Directors, fosters and demonstrates extraordinary vision, entrepreneurship, a dedication to quality, and the spirit of public-private partnership in advancing education reform.
Since 2005, EIA each year has recognized an individual whose leadership and achievements have also contributed to the development, growth and success of the education industry in its service to students, families, schools and teachers.
Conceived of and sponsored by noted education entrepreneur and author Michael R. Sandler, the EIA “Friend of the Education Industry” Award has been bestowed on these noteworthy education leaders:
2013 David Andrews, Ph.D., Dean, Johns Hopkins University School of Education
2012 Christopher Whittle, CEO, Avenues: The World School and founder, Edison Learning
2011 Jeanne Allen, Founder and President, Center for Education Reform
2010 Toru Kumon, Founder, Kumon Math & Reading Centers
2009 Margaret Spellings, Former U.S. Secretary of Education
2008 Howard “Buck” McKeon, Former Ranking Member, U.S. House Committee on Education & Labor
2007 Guilbert Hentschke, Ph.D., Professor, University of Southern California
2006 David Kearns, former Chairman & CEO, Xerox Corporation (award presented by U.S. Senator (and former
U.S. Secretary of Education) Lamar Alexander
2005 George Miller, Former Chairman and Current Ranking Member, U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor
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Rep. Todd Rokita Named Chairman of K-12 Panel |
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Rep. Todd Rokita, a conservative Republican from Indiana, has been tapped to oversee the House education subcommittee on K-12 policy."In recent years, Indiana has helped lead the way with groundbreaking education reforms that have set an example for the rest of the nation. I'm excited to serve as chairman of the subcommittee with oversight over K-12 education, where I will have the opportunity to take what we've learned in Indiana to Washington, and also to ensure that states like Indiana have the flexibility and help they need to deliver top-quality education for students and families."
That puts him in a powerful position for education policy—particularly if Congress surprises everyone and somehow makes significant headway on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act this year. In fact, back in the winter of 2012, when the House education panel marked up bills to renew the ESEA law, Rokita stood out as one of the most conservative members of a very conservative bunch of lawmakers. He introduced an amendment to reduce the number of employees in the U.S. Department of Education, which was added to the bill. What's more, he put forth—then withdrew—a game-changing provision that would have basically repealed the entire decades-old ESEA law—not just the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The legislation would have essentially allowed states to opt out of federal education programs and return the money to taxpayers. Rokita, who as the former secretary of state in Indiana, has a lot of political experience, was elected to Congress in 2010, as part of the big, "tea party" wave. And he was seen as emblematic of his freshman class. This report came from EdWeek's Alyson Klein on Jan. 3, 2013.
SES in 2012-13 Is Like "Where is Waldo" now that the USDE has acted on most of the ESEA waiver applications formally submitted. Here is the headline--18 States and their school districts will provide continued access to the academic life-line program known as SES to low-income/low achieving students. The complete list and EIA's analysis of the ever-changing landscape is found here.
Even in a state like New York which recently received approval for its waiver (that did NOT continue SES), New York City did announce its intention to continue some version of tutorial support empowering school principals to make procurement decisions specific to their own needs. Details on NYC's plans remain murky as of this date but Federal officials are closely monitoring the situation urging the City to release more information asap.
And EIA has learned from its contacts with the US Department of Education that California's unique waiver request will not be approved, resulting in the status quo for all NCLB accountability requirements, including SES and Choice.
The 8 states that received approval for the "AMO waiver", will also continue all NCLB accountability provisions, freezing schools identified as in need of improvement at their 2011 levels. This means that interventions like SES will be in place for those previously identified schools for the upcoming school year.
This still is a transitional environment and education entrepreneurs are urged to look beyond SES for new ways to support struggling students and schools. That is why EIA has launched its New Opportunities Series showcasing 11 business opportunities in PreK-12. For more details, see the announcement on this series in this newsletter and at http://www.educationindustry.org/webinar-series.
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