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"Discovery Communications To Launch New Multimedia, Multi-Year Science Initiative, "Be The Future," Supporting Obama Administration STEM Priorities -- DirecTV Boosts Support of Science Literacy with Move of Science Channel to Total Choice, Offering Millions of Additional Subscribers Access to Quality Science Programming -- November 23, 2009 (Silver Spring, Md.) Underscoring its commitment to leading in science-related programming and education, and answering President Obama's call to action to encourage science literacy, Discovery Communications today announced a new multimedia, multi-year nationwide initiative called "Be The Future." Over the next five years, Discovery will launch a programming block, education curriculum and tools to inspire student learning and careers in the sciences and support the White House's efforts behind science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. "Lifting American students from the middle to the top of the pack in STEM achievement over the next decade will not be attained by government alone," said President Obama. "I applaud the substantial commitments made today by the leaders of companies, universities, foundations, non-profits and organizations representing millions of scientists, engineers and teachers from across the country." "The exploration of science, technology and the natural world is central to the mission and DNA of Discovery Communications and we are incredibly proud to put the full muscle of our content and resources behind this critical White House initiative," said John S. Hendricks, founder and chairman, Discovery Communications. "Through 'Be the Future' we will spark the innate curiosity in school-aged viewers and people of all ages, help drive interest and leadership in science-related careers and inspire a lifelong interest in how science shapes our everyday lives." A sweeping, multi-platform initiative, "Be the Future" will be built on two primary Discovery businesse

"netTrekker is a leader in the delivery of digital K-12 educational content and is dedicated to enhancing the education of today's youth with highly effective technologies that deliver rich educational content to every child in a safe, relevant, easy-to-use format. With the mission to help every child learn and a belief that technology can transform education, netTrekker was first to market with a standards-based educational search tool. The netTrekker mission to enhance the education of youth with highly effective technologies flows directly from the company's Leadership Team , each of whom has a strong personal commitment to significantly impact and improve the educational process. The team's philosophy permeates all areas of the company and is a guidepost for all corporate decision making. To support the corporate mission and ensure that the company continues to develop products that meet the changing needs of their users, netTrekker staff is in constant communication with customers. Customer feedback drives the company's product development, resulting in award-winning products that truly serve educators, students and parents. netTrekker is the #1 educational search tool in K-12 schools and is currently used in thousands of schools nationwide. Peers, educators, and parents have honored netTrekker over 25 times for its contribution to education. In 2007, netTrekker was named the Best Education Solution in SIIA's CODiE award competition, and was named to the 2007 Inc. 5000 and 2006 Inc. 500 lists as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. netTrekker, also known as Thinkronize, Inc., was founded in 1999 and currently serves millions of students worldwide."

"Discovery Education provides engaging digital resources to schools and homes with the goal of making educators more effective, increasing student achievement, and connecting classrooms and families to a world of learning. Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications, LLC the leading global nonfiction media company. The leader in digital video-based learning, Discovery Education produces and distributes high-quality digital resources in easy-to-use formats in all core-curricular subject areas. Discovery Education is committed to creating scientifically proven, standards-based digital resources for teachers, students, and parents that make a positive impact on student learning. Through solutions like Discovery Education streaming, Discovery Education Science, Discovery Education Health and more, Discovery Education helps over one million educators and 35 million students harness the power of broadband and media to connect to a world of learning."

"A consortium of individuals, institutions and organizations committed to quality online education Online Learning Report Learn what Chief Academic Officers in US Higher Education have to say about online learning. Staying The Course - Online Education in the United States, 2008 is now available as a free download The Sloan Consortium is an institutional and professional leadership organization dedicated to integrating online education into the mainstream of higher education, helping institutions and individual educators improve the quality, scale, and breadth of online education. Membership in the Sloan Consortium provides knowledge, practice, community, and direction for educators. Originally funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Sloan-C is now a non-profit, member sustained organization. Join with Sloan-C to lead higher education in meeting social needs for affordable access, quality innovations, and teaching and learning excellence."

"Welcome to the School for Ethical Education (SEE)! SEE is a not-for-profit teaching organization that provides classes, creates programs and offers consultation services to promote strategies for comprehensive ethics and character education. Our work is based in the research of the modern character-education movement and anchored in the practices published by the Character Education Partnership in their 11 Principles of Effective Character Education. Annual Report Now Available. The School for Ethical Education (SEE) has successfully completed 14 years of activity to put ethics in action. Review our Annual Report in PDF format. You are encouraged to browse and search this website to learn about our support for comprehensive character education that include strategies to: (1) advance caring classroom communities through classroom meetings, (2) develop expectations, procedures and rules to support moral discipline and academic integrity, (3) integrate the instruction of core values into academic lessons to promote higher-order thinking and writing, (4) practice cooperative learning strategies in support of academic lessons and service-learning, (5) learn a character-based decision-making strategy to advance ethical choices and actions, (6) recognize important social skills to teach in support of conflict resolution and (7) be familiar with strategies to implement and measure effective character education."

"About Redu - What is Redu? REDU stands for rethinking, reforming and rebuilding US education. Powered by people and technology, REDU is a movement designed to expand and encourage the national conversation around education reform by providing information and resources to learn, a community platform to connect, and tools and initiatives to act. Following the belief that education will not be solved through a single bill passing or by policy makers alone, our goal is to create a destination where educators, parents, students, and everybody who cares about the issue have the means to engage in the ongoing conversations, be inspired by reform stories, and make a difference in their own way. It's a platform for everyone. REDU was developed by Bing from Microsoft in partnership with CAA, GOOD, Staple Design, Task Force, and Roadtrip Nation. United in the belief that "every child deserves a great education", REDU is powered by Bing's commitment to empower people through knowledge with our founding partners' ability to creatively drive positive social changes through its powerful content, unique network, and expertise in education. REDU supports Microsoft's vision for improving education by using technology to connect, engage, explore and create. To learn about Microsoft citizenship work in education and beyond, visit Microsoft Corporate Citizenship."

"Focusing on the K-12 community In the late 1990s, the State of Michigan founded Michigan Virtual University to support the state's economic development efforts by providing convenient and cost-effective education and training to Michigan's current and future workforce. After redefining its mission and vision in 2004, MVU now serves the K-12 education community exclusively through the Michigan Virtual School and Michigan LearnPort. As one of the largest virtual schools in the U.S., Michigan Virtual School offers more than 150 online courses, including unique courses like Chinese and CareerForward®, an online career exploration course. Michigan LearnPort brings professional development to the K-12 educational community. Hosting a broad catalog of courses and collaborative tools, Michigan LearnPort provides online learning resources and solutions for educators. MVU provides powerful and engaging online career development tools for high school and middle school students, parents and K-12 educators, including a no-cost online course called CareerForward that helps all Michigan schools meet the state's online learning graduation requirement. MVU's web-based application called myDreamExplorer® gives students an opportunity to explore different career pathways, take personal interest surveys and build a personalized education development plan. The MVU organizational values represent a set of core beliefs that continue to build a high performance team environment. These value statements serve as the foundation for MVU's vision and mission statements. MVU is committed to the following values: High standards for quality, ongoing research and the use of data to improve operational decisions; Use of innovative technologies to address persistent educational challenges; Listening to customer and stakeholder feedback to guide product and service evelopment plans; Excellence in the design, development and delivery of online educational

"A Legacy of Education Education has always been a core value of the Walt Disney Company. Since 1945, when Disney became the first studio to bring educational films into schools, educators have turned to Disney Educational Productions for award-winning classroom media that enhances learning and unlocks student creativity. We believe that kids who succeed at learning grow to love learning, and it's that life-long celebration of curiosity and innovation that built the Walt Disney Company. Building Thinkers Every Day...For more than 60 years, our programs have been receiving numerous awards and accolades -- among them Oscars, Emmys, and honors from organizations such as the National Safety Council and Learning Magazine. Today we are harnessing the timeless power of immersive storytelling with the new possibilities of dynamic multimedia to provide teachers with the tools they need to engage, inform, and inspire learners of all types. We collaborate with educators, curriculum specialists, scientists, mathematicians, historians, writers, musicians, artists, and many other skilled and passionate experts to create compelling content based on national curriculum standards. Our classroom edition DVDs include public performance rights, educator's guides, exclusive educational bonus features, and assessment tools to reinforce key lessons."

"Doing What Works (DWW) is a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of DWW is to create an online library of resources that may help teachers, schools, districts, states and technical assistance providers implement research-based instructional practice. DWW is led by the Office of Planning, Evaluation & Policy Development (OPEPD) at the U.S. Department of Education. OPEPD relies on the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) at the U.S. Department of Education (and occasionally other entities that adhere to standards similar to those of IES) to evaluate and recommend practices that are supported by rigorous research. Much of the DWW content is based on information from IES' What Works Clearinghouse (WWC). The WWC evaluates research on practices and interventions to let the education community know what is likely to work. For each practice, it issues a guide and/or an intervention report that describes what the practice involves and what the research says. In addition, some DWW content is based on other information and materials from IES. Then, DWW provides examples of possible ways educators might apply those research findings, but these are not necessarily the only ways to carry out these teaching practices. It's important to note that the examples provided on DWW - including any products named in school materials or found on websites referenced on DWW - should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any products, programs, or curricula."

"Excerpt from the Covenant with Black America Without question, education is the key to progress and prosperity in the United States today. Whether fair or not, educational opportunity and academic achievement are directly tied to the social divisions associated with race, ethnicity, gender, first language, and social class. The level and quality of educational attainment either open the doors to opportunity or close them. Education starts at home, in neighborhoods, and in communities. Reading to children, creating time and space for homework, and demonstrating-through words and deeds-that education is important are the key first building blocks for high educational achievement. While schools are responsible for what children are taught, reinforcement at home is essential. As members of the black community, we must take responsibility for educating all our children-whether ours by birth or otherwise-to uplift our people as a whole. - excerpt from Edmund W. Gordon's essay in the Covenant with Black America"

"NASA's journeys into air and space have deepened humankind's understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. These accomplishments share a common genesis: education. As the United States begins the second century of flight, the Nation must maintain its commitment to excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education to ensure that the next generation of Americans can accept the full measure of their roles and responsibilities in shaping the future. NASA will continue the Agency's tradition of investing in the Nation's education programs and supporting the country's educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will be the workforce of tomorrow. In 2006 and beyond, NASA will continue to pursue three major education goals: Strengthening NASA and the Nation's future workforce; Attracting and retaining students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, disciplines; Engaging Americans in NASA's mission"

"The Institute for Library and Information Literacy Education (ILILE) is federally funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the U.S.Department of Education. ILILE was established to provide local, regional and national leadership in fostering successful collaboration among K-12 teachers and school library media specialists who are concerned with advancing library and information literacy in the PK-12 school curriculum. As part of the 2004 Omnibus Appropriations Act passed January 22, Kent State University received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the Institute for Library and Information Literacy Education (ILILE). In addition to this grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Kent State received a $1,975,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in July 2003. U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-OH), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education recognized the benefit of additional funding for ILILE. "I am pleased to have been able to include federal funding for Kent State University to demonstrate how school librarians and classroom teachers can work together to enrich the curriculum of students. I am hopeful that the demonstration of this collaborative work will be used as a model to enhance the learning environment."-- U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula."

"CALL (Campaign Alliance for Life long Learning) Category: Common Interest - Current Events: Why CALL? Why now? Rising charges and course cut backs have seen two million learners' places lost from further and adult education in England since 2005. Now groups representing students, staff and local communities have come together to campaign for the right of everyone to access to learning irrespective of class, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, asylum status or employment. We have founded CALL, the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning because we believe that affordable access to the life changing opportunities provided by education is the hallmark of a civilised society. CALL is a non-party political alliance. The only qualification for joining is commitment to our six founding principles below. CALL believes our education system should provide: equality of access to high quality education for all learners (regardless of: class, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, asylum status or employment status), including a statutory right to learning in the workplace universal access to basic skills, ESOL and ICT courses and a first level three qualification regardless of age learner, teacher and community involvement in all levels of decision-making about their learning wherever it takes place learning for personal wellbeing and development and the maintenance of local authority adult education a path out of poverty and disadvantage including widening participation in higher education and the provision of a second chance later in life a stable, motivated and rewarded workforce of professional practitioners."

"The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. Together, we generate lasting positive change. History: Chartered by Congress in 1990 to advance environmental knowledge and action, our ultimate goal is to activate environmentally responsible behavior in the general public. The National Environmental Education Act of 1990 established the National Environmental Education Foundation as a complementary organization to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), extending its ability to foster environmental literacy in all segments of the American public as well as leveraging private funds that EPA, as a federal agency, could not access. In the almost two decades since then, the annual appropriation we receive from the EPA's Office of Environmental Education has enabled us to tap millions more in private and other governmental funding. The strong relationship we've built with the EPA has allowed us to multiply our resources and deliver innovative education programs which encourage environmentally responsible behavior. Our strategy is to reach the public through a powerful network of trusted professionals who can help Americans make everyday choices for a healthy life and healthy environment. Working with a network of health professionals, weathercasters, land managers and teachers our programs reach hundreds of thousands of households and translate in to direct actions, saving millions of dollars as well as reducing energy use, protecting nature, and improving the health of thousands of children."

"About iNACOL: iNACOL, The International Association for K-12 Online Learning, is a non-profit organization that facilitates collaboration, advocacy, and research to enhance quality K-12 online teaching and learning. What we do: Facilitate the sharing, collection, evaluation, and/or dissemination of information resources and materials; Facilitate and disseminate research, and identify research needs; Advocacy and public policy that supports activities and legislation that removes barriers and supports effective online teaching and learning without respect to space and time; Develop and facilitate national K12 online learning standards; Create the voice of K12 within the larger education community with effective marketing, communications, and public relations activities; Assist and facilitate funding efforts for online K12 learning; Facilitate professional development for teachers and administrators; Identify and drive future directions in K-12 online education; Network and identify collaborative opportunities with other professional K-12 organizations; Drive educational initiatives that incorporate online learning and ways that transform positive learning outcomes for students; Mission: iNACOL strives to ensure all students have access to a world-class education and quality online learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success. Vision: Online learning is a powerful innovation that expands education opportunities. iNACOL supports access to high-quality online learning for all students. The International Association for K-12 Online Learning Believes: Online learning is a viable option that allows every learner to achieve a quality education; Models of reform in public and private education should incorporate online learning as a viable tool for change; Online learning is a viable path for educating children throughout their primary and secondary education years.

"The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation. A nonprofit membership organization, ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS), the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology ( CARET), and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC), ISTE represents more than 85,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities, and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education."

"ALISON is a for-profit social enterprise based in Galway, Ireland. We are a resourceful and determined multi-national team of socially-aware technologists, educationalists and marketers who understand that today, we have the opportunity to make universal education free to access via the Web. Through ALISON, we believe we have a sustainable and scalable business model to make education free online. Our starting point is basic skills for the workplace, and for that, we provide a range of high-quality courses. We have a range of courses to be launched over the next few months. Since our launch in April 2007, we have developed relationships with some of the largest and most prestigious institutions involved in promoting education and learning. We believe ALISON can make a profound impact on people's lives and livelihoods around the world. We cannot however succeed in this on our own. To learn more about how you might be able to assist the ALISON mission, click here. We believe that the ALISON model of education can save governments and educational institutions billions of dollars every year if adopted. Read how ALISON can help you as an individual learner, a teacher or trainer, or as an organization. Across the world, billions of people do not have access to high-quality skills-based interactive learning. The reason for this is usually distance and cost. The Internet changes this dynamic, and now ALISON can provide an educational opportunity like none before. Cost and distance need not be a barrier to universal learning. Through your use and support of ALISON, we can break down these barriers to learning permanently!"

"The Nation's Report CardTM informs the public about the academic achievement of elementary and secondary students in the United States. Report cards communicate the findings of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a continuing and nationally representative measure of achievement in various subjects over time. Since 1969, NAEP assessments have been conducted periodically in reading, mathematics, science, writing, U.S. history, civics, geography, and other subjects. NAEP collects and reports information on student performance at the national, state, and local levels, making the assessment an integral part of our nation's evaluation of the condition and progress of education. Only academic achievement data and related background information are collected. The privacy of individual students and their families is protected. NAEP is a congressionally authorized project of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) within the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education. The Commissioner of Education Statistics is responsible for carrying out the NAEP project. The National Assessment Governing Board oversees and sets policy for NAEP"

"Applied Scholastics International is a non-profit, public benefit organization formed in 1972 by educators from colleges, universities, and both public and private schools. The mission of Applied Scholastics International is to provide effective education services, training and materials to educators, parents and students to enable individuals to learn how to learn and become self-motivated lifelong learners. In countries throughout the world, from urban centers in Europe and America to the townships of South Africa, Applied Scholastics is helping both children and adults learn how to learn, utilizing methods that have proven to be effective at all levels of educational development. These methods, known as Study Technology, were developed by author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. Applied Scholastics™ educational programs utilize and teach Study Technology, producing routinely excellent results. It has been established repeatedly that these results can be replicated by students, parents, teachers and business trainers from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds. Study Technology enables students to understand and apply what they have studied and to retain this ability throughout their lives. Applied Scholastics delivers effective teacher training programs that teach teachers about Study Technology and how they can use it in teaching their students. Teachers can come to the Applied Scholastics campus in St. Louis, Missouri or Applied Scholastics can come to you!"

"Welcome to the convenience and flexibility of an online education at Kaplan University. Earn a college degree on your terms. You control the schedule. There are no travel expenses, or hours spent searching a campus map. Simply attend our online classes anytime, anywhere, virtually 24/7. Our Mission: Kaplan University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and continuing professional education. Our programs foster student learning with opportunities to launch, enhance, or change careers in today's diverse global society. The University is committed to general education, a student-centered service and support approach, and applied scholarship in a practical environment. Who We Are: Kaplan University is a part of Kaplan Higher Education Corp., which is a part of Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. Today, Kaplan comprises half of the Post Company's revenue and is its fastest-growing division. Purposes: To accomplish its mission, Kaplan University has established the following purposes: Provide academic programs that have been developed and assessed by faculty, staff, and members of educational, professional, and business communities; Provide intensive and comprehensive instruction using both onsite and online modes of delivery that strengthens student academic achievement; Instill in its students the value of lifelong learning by stimulating intellectual curiosity, creative and critical thinking, and awareness of culture and diversity; Plan and provide facilities and resources that respond to the needs of students, faculty, and staff; Assist students in developing professional attitudes, values, skills, and strategies that will foster success in their careers and in life; Prepare students to meet the ever-changing needs of their communities now and in the future."