Group items tagged

"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"

"The Movement: Roadtrip Nation exists to empower people to define their own roads in life. We encourage people to engage in self-construction and actively participate in defining their futures by hitting the road and hearing stories from Leaders who have resisted the Noise of conformity and stayed true to themselves. We believe that when people listen to themselves and are honest about who they are and what they love, they are able to seek out their own path and contribute to the world with their unique talents and passions. Roadtrip Nation believes that by helping others discover their own paths, there will be a significant positive change in the world - the world needs people who are in tune with who they are and what they care about. At Roadtrip Nation, we believe that living a life fueled by authenticity and passion allows people the ability to offer their creativity, ingenuity and enthusiasm towards their goals, and, in turn, will build a better global community. The Roadtrip Nation Movement exists to support, empower, and encourage individuals who want to define their own roads in life."

"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."

"On the air. On the Web. Around the world. American Public Media, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is the largest owner and operator of public radio stations and a premier producer and distributor of public radio programming in the nation. It is also the largest producer and distributor of classical music programming in the United States. 780 stations reaching 16.5 million listeners carry our programs each week. Among its portfolio of more than 20 national programs are such public radio staples as A Prairie Home Companion®, Saint Paul Sunday®, Marketplace®, Marketplace Money®, The Splendid Table® Speaking of Faith® and special reports produced by our national documentary unit, American RadioWorks®. Learn more about American Public Media programs» American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida, operating 42 public radio stations and 32 translators in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho, California and Florida. American Public Media's subsidiary, Minnesota Public Radio, owns and operates the historic Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul, home of the live broadcasts of A Prairie Home Companion®. Also under the American Public Media umbrella is the for-profit Greenspring, the parent company of Greenspring Media Group, a diversified regional and national magazine publishing and event management company. American Public Media is also a co-founder and major partner of Gather.com, a social networking Web site that invites the public radio audience to share with others their observations, thoughts and perspectives with others"

"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

"PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing economic and social equity by Lifting Up What Works.® Founded in 1999, PolicyLink connects the work of people on the ground to the creation of sustainable communities of opportunity that allow everyone to participate and prosper. Such communities offer access to quality jobs, affordable housing, good schools, transportation, and the benefits of healthy food and physical activity. Guided by the belief that those closest to the nation's challenges are central to finding solutions, PolicyLink relies on the wisdom, voice, and experience of local residents and organizations. Lifting Up What Works is our way of focusing attention on how people are working successfully to use local, state, and federal policy to create conditions that benefit everyone, especially people in low-income communities and communities of color. We share our findings and analysis through our publications, website and online tools, convenings, national summits, and in briefings with national and local policymakers. Our work is grounded in the conviction that equity-just, fair, and green inclusion-must drive all policy decisions."

"The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…" With an annual budget of about $6.06 billion, we are the funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America's colleges and universities. In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing."

Founded in 1998, Quantum develops artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring, assessment and professional development software for K-12, higher education, distance learning and adult education. Our software is designed to be affordable and accessible to all students, including those with special needs. Quantum is the only AI company capable of integrating cutting-edge technology for textbook publishers, educational software providers or distance learning organizations. For the first time, the production costs and long lead times associated with content development and manual coding are eliminated. Not only do our partners experience tremendous production savings, they can offer uniquely-integrated AI learning products scientifically proven to increase test scores by as much as 50%. A "technology think tank", Quantum has leveraged over $8.5 million in federal research funding for new product development for its partners with support from the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. As a result of its revolutionary work in AI technology, Quantum was awarded the national Tibbitts Award, the highest recognition given by the federal government for exceptional small business achievement in leading-edge research, technology innovation and economic impact.

"About the National Cyber Security Alliance NCSA's mission is to empower and support digital citizens to use the Internet G securely and safely, protecting themselves and the cyber infrastructure. NCSA, a 501 c (3) founded in 2001, is the pre-eminent public private partnership, working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), corporate sponsors(Symantec, CISCO, Microsoft, SAIC, EMC, McAfee), and nonprofit collaborators to promote cyber security awareness for home users, small and medium size businesses, and primary and secondary education. NSCA partners with DHS and the MS-ISAC as a primary driver of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, now in its sixth year. NCSAM (October) is a multi-faceted effort to disseminate security messages and information through grassroots, traditional and social media channels. In 2008, NCSA's efforts alone (not including partner activities) reached an estimated 29,000,000 people through media and other activities. Ultimately, NCSA measures its success to the degree by which cyber security has become second nature for all computer G users. NCSA seeks to raise awareness of cyber security to the level of other cultural messaging that is universally good for citizens-healthy eating, exercise, and safe driving-by teaching skills and judgment to build a national understanding about appropriate online tools and behavior. NSCA's public facing presence is its website www.staysafeonline.org."

"My Wonderful World is a National Geographic-led campaign-backed by a coalition of national business and non-profit organizations -to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in communities. We want to give kids the power of global knowledge. Since the campaign launched, more than 80,000 people like you have signed up to show their support. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Geography is more than places on a map. It's global connections. People and cultures. Economics and environments. Our young people need to know geography in order to understand today's world-and succeed in tomorrow's. But they're not getting enough of it, in or out of school. A National Geographic-Roper survey shows half of young Americans can't locate world powers like Japan and India. Twenty percent can't even find the Pacific Ocean. Without geography, our children aren't ready for the world. With your help, we can make geography education a priority. Kids who understand our world today can succeed in it tomorrow.

"Project Tomorrow is a national education nonprofit group based in Irvine, California. The vision of Project Tomorrow is ensure that today's students are well prepared to be tomorrow's innovators, leaders and engaged citizens of the world. We believe that by supporting the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities, students will develop the critical thinking, problem solving and creativity skills needed to compete and thrive in the 21st century. We approach our mission by: Conducting national research projects such as Speak Up. Facilitating the replication of model projects in schools and communities. Providing online tools and resources for students, teachers and parents. Contributing to the national and regional dialogue about educational issues."

My Wonderful World is a National Geographic-led campaign-backed by a coalition of national business and non-profit organizations-to expand geographic learning in school, at home, and in communities. We want to give kids the power of global knowledge. Since the campaign launched, more than 80,000 people like you have signed up to show their support. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Geography is more than places on a map. It's global connections. People and cultures. Economics and environments. Our young people need to know geography in order to understand today's world-and succeed in tomorrow's. But they're not getting enough of it, in or out of school. A National Geographic-Roper survey shows half of young Americans can't locate world powers like Japan and India. Twenty percent can't even find the Pacific Ocean. Without geography, our children aren't ready for the world. With your help, we can make geography education a priority. Kids who understand our world today can succeed in it tomorrow.

"Mission Statement The National Governors Association (NGA)-the bipartisan organization of the nation's governors-promotes visionary state leadership, shares best practices and speaks with a unified voice on national policy."

"We now have an opportunity to bring hands-on, tinkering-based learning to a new level in the United States. The growing body of work supported by foundations coupled with an Administration that is highly supportive of innovation in learning makes for a powerful force. In his April 27th speech to the National Academies of Science, the President made this call to action: "I want to encourage you to participate in programs to allow students to get a degree in science fields and a teaching certificate at the same time. I want us all to think about new and creative ways to engage young people in science and engineering, whether it's science festivals, robotics competitions, fairs that encourage young people to create and build and invent -- to be makers of things, not just consumers of things." To achieve this goal we should provide students the tools to experiment and build their own tools, machines and platforms. This Administration supports hands-on experiences that allow children to learn at their own pace through discovery and building. National Lab Day (NLD) is a platform to scale hands-on learning across the country. Each NLD will encompass a year-long series of training and activities which will culminate in a day of sharing and recognition. We plan on a series of NLD's to build to our goals."

The National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) advances learning opportunities for individuals with disabilities by fostering technology innovation. Specifically, we help researchers, product developers, manufacturers and publishers to create and commercialize products of value to students with special needs. To achieve its goals NCTI offers services to: *Analyze needs, issues, trends, and promising technology innovations *Cultivate a collaborative network *Promote reliable research-based solutions *Facilitate successful commercialization approaches for the education market; Funded by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), NCTI works with a deep and supportive community of government, nonprofit, and private organizations. Our network of individuals and staff is dedicated not only to the development of powerful assistive technologies but to the commercial success that will make them viable on a large scale.

"The National Association of Independent Schools, governed by a board of trustees and staffed by approximately 40 individuals, is a membership organization and the national voice of independent education. NAIS represents approximately 1,400 independent schools and associations in the United States, and affiliates with independent schools abroad as well. We offer a broad variety of services and products.

"Our Strategy: The National Urban League employs a five-point approach to provide economic empowerment, educational opportunities and the guarantee of civil rights for African Americans. Education and Youth Empowerment ensures the education of all children by providing access to early childhood literacy, after-care programs and college scholarships. Economic Empowerment invests in the financial literacy and employability of adults through job training, homeownership and entrepreneurship. Health and Quality of Life Empowerment promotes community wellness through a focus on prevention, including fitness, healthy eating and access to affordable healthcare. Civic Engagement and Leadership Empowerment encourages all people to take an active role to improve quality of life through participation in community service projects and public policy initiatives. Civil Rights and Racial Justice Empowerment guarantees equal participation in all facets of American society through proactive public policies and community-based programs."

"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."

"Our Mission: Through its network of more than 100 CEOs, Change the Equation pledges to create widespread literacy in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as an investment in our nation that empowers us all. Our Goals: Change the Equation works towards three critical goals: Great Teaching: Improve STEM teaching at all grade levels, with a larger and more diverse cadre of highly capable and inspirational STEM teachers. Inspired Learners: Inspire student appreciation and excitement for STEM programs and careers to increase success and achievement in school and opportunities for a collegiate education, especially among females and students of color. A Committed Nation: Achieve a sustained commitment to improving STEM education from business leaders, government officials, STEM educators and other stakeholders through innovation, communication, collaboration and data-based decision making.

The mission of TI:ME is to assist music educators in applying technology to improve teaching and learning in music. The History of TI:ME - In the summer of 1995 TI:ME was formed to address the following areas: First, there was a need to codify technology into a cohesive set of standards. Next, a certification process was explored to recognize the achievement of in-service music teachers in music technology. Finally, it became clear that there was a need for a new organization, national in scope and focused on the subject of teacher training in music technology. A National Advisory board was established and met in October of 1996 setting in motion the tasks that led to the creation of a world wide web site, the publication of a book of Strategies and a Newsletter The TI:MES, the criterion for membership, and the development of a comprehensive curriculum for in-service teacher training in music technology.