Press Releases

Site Dedicated to the Needs of Nation's Five Million K-12 Students Whose First Language is Not English

Boston (PRWEB) March 22, 2010 -- Today at the annual conference for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Pearson, the education services and technology company, announced the launch of a new website designed to support educators who teach English language learners (ELLs). The site, www.pearsonELL.com, is a free online information hub where teachers, language specialists and other educators can find video clips from language acquisition experts and a wealth of ELL resources about teaching approaches, professional development opportunities, appropriate Pearson programs, and the latest news.

More than five million English language learners currently are enrolled in U.S. schools, and they are the fastest growing segment of the public school population. In the previous 10 years, the number of ELL students has increased by 57 percent, according to the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition.

"All children deserve equal access to content--regardless of language level or ability. With this website, Pearson is working to help every teacher understand how to meet the needs of ELL students, whether they are emergent English learners or fluent in social English while they speak another language at home. Our goal is to offer an equitable education for all," said Nancy Siddens, Pearson's Director of Curriculum for English Language Learners.

To assist educators serving this growing ELL population, the new website offers strategies and information from top educators, including world-renowned expert and Pearson author Dr. Jim Cummins. It details the following five research-supported principles for teaching content area subjects to ELLs, which Pearson is now implementing across its curriculum:

Dr. Cummins worked with Pearson and a panel of language acquisition experts and educators to review the research and identify these principles. He said, "When we look at the challenges that English language learners face, we see these challenges are major. There's a big gap between where they are in terms of English language knowledge and the great expectations they face. We have to focus on accelerating [their progress by motivating and engaging them."

The website also includes professional development information focused on English learners, including the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol Model (SIOP®) and A+RISE. SIOP® is the industry's only research-driven approach to teaching English learners that uses "sheltered instruction" to teach subjects such as math, science or social studies in a way that makes the concepts easier to understand, while at the same time strengthening a student's academic English language development. The SIOP series offers a collection of resources including a textbook and DVDs for teachers, staff developers and administrators.

The A+RISE (Research-based Instructional Strategies for Teachers) program delivers practical and hands-on teaching strategies, training and consulting services for all teachers who have English language learners in their classrooms. A+RISE is the only online program, tied to state standards, which gives teachers instructional strategies they can readily use in the classroom, and continue to return to with just-in-time, practical strategies, available in a searchable database. A+RISE also offers workshops, both face-to-face and online, for mainstream classroom teachers, with a strong focus on differentiated instruction.

"As an education and technology company long recognized for providing quality learning materials for English language learners and their teachers, we understand that more students than ever before are facing the challenge of learning English while they are attempting to master a variety of content and skills," said Pearson's Siddens. She added, "We launched www.pearsonELL.com because we recognize that our teachers need additional resources and training to meet the needs of these children, and help them be successful in the classroom and beyond."

All of Pearson's K-12 curriculum programs, such as Reading Street and enVisionMATH, have built-in ELL support that assists with the development of English while facilitating the mastery of subject matter. Pearson also offers Longman's Cornerstone and Keystone, programs designed to aid K-12 learners rapidly develop English language, literacy, and academic skills, enabling them to quickly transition to mainstream programs.

Additional Pearson offerings for college and university students, such as Academic Connections and North Star, and adult learner programs, such as Future, Top Notch, and Side by Side, help older learners in all aspects of everyday life.

To visit the new website, go to www.pearsonELL.com.

About Pearson Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the global leader in education services, education technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for pre-K through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, go to www.pearsonschool.com.

Press contact: Stacy Skelly, stacy.skelly@pearson.com

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3748254.htm.

New data from LifeWay Research shows Protestant pastors put high value on their seminary education and regularly integrate their learning into the way they lead and serve their congregations.

Nashville, Tenn. (Vocus) March 22, 2010 -- Protestant pastors put high value on their seminary education and regularly integrate their learning into the way they lead and serve their congregations, newly released information from LifeWay Research shows.

The telephone survey of more than 1,000 Protestant pastors shows two-thirds have obtained at least a Master’s degree, and 71 percent strongly agree that they regularly use things they learned in their seminary classes.

Among the surveyed pastors, 85 percent say they have taken seminary classes, and 96 percent of that group say they would repeat those seminary classes if “they had it to do over again.”

The survey also examined the ongoing usefulness of seminary training, education and instruction. Seventy-one percent of seminary-educated pastors strongly agree with the statement, “I regularly use things that I learned in my seminary classes,” and 24 percent somewhat agree. Just 3 percent somewhat disagree, and only 1 percent strongly disagree with the statement.

Pastors with a doctoral-level education are more likely to agree that they regularly use the things they learned in their seminary classes, with 82 percent of those pastors strongly agreeing with the above statement.

A smaller percentage of pastors of small churches have been to seminary, the survey showed. Only 74 percent of those at churches with an average worship attendance less than 50 have attended seminary classes compared to 88 percent of pastors in churches with attendance of more than 50.

“Our sample is made up of pastors who were accessible by phone – always a factor to consider in studies like this,” said Scott McConnell, associate director of LifeWay Research. “Even so, this study provides a large sample of seminary attendees (856 pastors), allowing us to examine how they view seminary education.”

Of pastors who attended seminary, 83 percent strongly agree the training and experience was worth the time and money. Among pastors with a doctoral-level education, the percentage increased – 94 percent strongly agree that the seminary training was worth their investment.

“This is encouraging news for seminaries at a time when a 2009 report from the Association of Theological Schools indicated seminary enrollment is in a slump,” said McConnell. “The lack of new students does not appear to be linked to any decline in the perceived relevance of seminary education among pastors. In fact, pastors use the seminary education they have received and value the investment it required.”

Although most of the respondents had seminary education, when considering adding staff members to lead age-group ministries in their churches, pastors are not generally inclined to make a seminary degree a prerequisite. Only 10 percent of Protestant pastors say they would require a candidate to have a seminary degree and instead place emphasis on other qualifications, such as experience and beliefs, about which the phone survey asked.

More than 60 percent of the pastors surveyed say they would require candidates to have a minimum amount of practical ministry experience (62 percent) and be members of the church’s denomination (61 percent). A third (33 percent) would require at least a year of Bible school training, and 87 percent of pastors surveyed say they would require candidates to agree with the church’s beliefs or statement of faith.

“Pastors are not as quick to see the necessity of a seminary education for leaders of age- group ministries,” McConnell noted. “Instead pastors value the beliefs and experience of these potential leaders. It is important to note that leaders of age-group ministries are volunteers or part-time staff at most churches, so it is not surprising that most pastors would not require a seminary degree for these roles.”

The research showed a difference in perceptions of various qualifications among sub-groups of church size and location:

“The Bible teaches that qualifications matter, and it goes into great depth about the character qualifications of church leaders,” McConnell said. “In addition to those biblical qualifications, pastors value indications of successful ministry in local churches. This includes half of all pastors who want to find leaders within their own churches and observe them serving before placing them in leadership.”

Methodology: LifeWay Research conducted the telephone survey on Dec. 1-6, 2008, with 1,004 randomly selected Protestant pastors. Responses were weighted to reflect the geographic distribution of Protestant churches. The sample provides 95 percent confidence that the sampling error does not exceed +/-3.2 percent.

Contact: Micah Carter 615.251.2307 micah.carter(at)lifeway(dot)com

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Lifeway_Research/Seminary_Eduction/prweb3760094.htm.

The fastest growing management consulting firm in US was selected to assist national utility with the implementation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's work hour regulations and a time tracking software application.

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) March 22, 2010 -- Charlotte-based management consulting firm NouvEON has completed two major initiatives for a leading national utility. NouvEON helped the utility achieve compliance with new and complex government work hour regulations impacting nuclear power plants. Additionally, NouvEON deployed an improved software application to provide an online dashboard of real-time power generation.

The utility selected NouvEON to assist the organization with the implementation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's work hour regulations and a time tracking software application. NouvEON's team of experienced consultants developed and managed change management activities including targeted communications, training and on-site support. Focusing on increasing worker awareness and understanding of the work hour rules, the NouvEON team helped the utility achieve compliance with the regulation before the effective date.

"Change management is critical to any major implementation," said Betsy Alley, NouvEON managing consultant. "I believe our team effectively used communications and training to help individual workers understand the regulation and the importance of compliance, which contributed to a very smooth implementation."

In addition to managing new government regulations, a team of NouvEON consultants led an improvement project for an existing data management application, which was not meeting the company's needs. The NouvEON team partnered with the utility to introduce new functionality and implement process changes to improve the user experience. As a result, the software is widely used across the company and data confidence is high.

These projects, along with many other projects and programs, illustrate NouvEON's ongoing efforts to support initiatives and partner with the leading utility and NouvEON's portfolio of energy and utility partners.

About NouvEON: NouvEON is an employee-owned management consulting firm, which specializes in delivering high-value solutions to mid-market and Fortune 1000 companies. Headquarted in Charlotte, N.C., NouvEON represents a "New Era" in consulting services. In this "New Era," NouvEON develops true client partnerships by offering strategic and project-based management consulting services including organizational change management, systems integration, strategy, process excellence and delivery management. For more information visit the company website at: www.nouveon.com

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3747934.htm.

An ending initiates a new beginning as a massive effort to pack and move millions of Colorado's historic treasures reflecting 10,000 years of human inhabitation is underway. These collections are housed in the Colorado History Museum building in Denver— the flagship museum for History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society. The Colorado History Museum's doors permanently close to the public March 28, 2010 as the buildings on the block are prepared for demolition in order to construct a new state judicial complex. The new museum will be part of the History Colorado Center, which is currently under construction one block away. Planning and construction of the History Colorado Center and the state judicial complex is generating much-needed jobs and economic stimulus to the area without drawing from state general funds.

(PRWEB) March 22, 2010 -- History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society, announces that its flagship museum building, the Colorado History Museum located at 1300 Broadway in Denver since 1976, will permanently close its doors to the public on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 5 p.m.

The building, along with the state judicial department building which shares the block, are slated for demolition in May to begin construction of the new Ralph L. Carr Justice Complex. The new History Colorado Center, designed by Tryba Architects, is currently under construction at 1200 Broadway in Denver, one block south of the current museum. The public opening date for the History Colorado Center is not yet set.

The Colorado History Museum building is the headquarters for the many functions of History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society. In early April, History Colorado staff, including curators, historians, researchers, archaeologists and administrators, will move into temporary offices at 1560 Broadway in Denver, until the new History Colorado Center is ready for move-in, scheduled for 2011.

During this interim period, the majority of History Colorado functions remain open for business at 1560 Broadway. This includes the State Historical Fund, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, and most History Colorado administrative functions. History Colorado’s network of historical museumsand sites around the state are also open, and will offer educational programming in Denver and throughout the state. History Colorado’s popular Tours and Trek series continues to be offered, as well as its lecture series—lectures will be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 1370 Grant Street.

A massive effort to pack and move millions of historic collections currently housed in the Colorado History Museum building is underway. Colorado’s priceless treasures reflecting 10,000 years of human inhabitation are being carefully packed piece-by-piece by a rotating corps of staff and volunteers working 12 hours a day, six days a week. Artifacts, objects large and small, documents and photographs—both 2-D and 3-D—will move to an off-site storage space until the collections spaces and the new Stephen H. Hart Library in the History Colorado Center are completed. Audience research, exhibition and program planning, design and construction, as well as collections management systems are the focus of History Colorado Center museum staff during this interim period.

“This is an exciting time of opportunity and change for this 130-year-old institution,” said Edward C. Nichols, History Colorado President and CEO. “We are undergoing a major transformation—one that better fulfills current audience, tourism and state educational needs. And, during this current recession, the very construction of the History Colorado Center also fills a need with the employment of vendors and contractors in the construction and creative industries.”

“As instruction time for social studies continually diminishes in our classrooms, History Colorado exhibitions and programs will ensure Colorado students have opportunities to learn about Colorado’s rich history in ways that help them understand the present in the context of the past and prepare them to become engaged citizens of this state,” said Kathryn Hill, History Colorado Chief Operating Officer. “With all new exhibitions and programs in the planning phase, we are positioning the History Colorado Center to serve as a community gathering space for civic dialogue and current events, as well as a prime destination for visitors of all ages, families, students and tourists.”

In 2006, an Urban Land Institute study concluded that both buildings on the 1300 block of Broadway were fundamentally flawed, outdated and did not effectively serve their respective audiences. In 2008, funding for the construction of the History Colorado Center and the Ralph L. Carr Justice Complex through Certificates of Participation Build America Bonds (COP BABS), which do not draw from general state funds, was passed through legislation. The COP BABS are paid for through a marginal increase in court fees as well as small percentage of gaming tax revenues derived from Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek.

To keep updated about upcoming History Colorado programs and events, as well as the History Colorado Center, the public can sign up for History Colorado Now e-newsletter and see a calendar of events at www.historycolorado.org and become a History Colorado fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/history.colorado.

About History Colorado History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society, engages people in our State’s heritage through collecting, preserving, discovering the past and providing perspectives for the future. Established in 1879, this educational institution contains statewide historical museums and sites, educational programs, volunteer and membership opportunities, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the Stephen H. Hart Research Library, and administers the State Historical Fund—a preservation-based grants program funded by limited stakes gaming tax revenues. Become a History Colorado fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/history.colorado. Visit www.historycolorado.org or call (303) 866-3682.

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/museum/move/prweb3752174.htm.

Computer literacy is a challenge in today’s schools from both students and teachers. Although most understand enough to access the Internet, download music or interact with Facebook or MySpace, that knowledge is rarely more than skin deep.

St. George, UT (PRWEB) March 22, 2010 -- Computer literacy is a challenge in today’s schools from both students and teachers. Although most understand enough to access the Internet, download music or interact with Facebook or MySpace, that knowledge is rarely more than skin deep.

LearnKey Inc., a premier global provider of self-paced multi-media training to the K-12 marketplace, announce their latest release; the IC3 Global Standard 3 (GS3) training course. Certiport, the governing body for this certification, recently accredited the LearnKey courseware, certifying that it met the rigorous standards set forth by both Certiport and the Global Digital Learning Council.

“Certiport congratulates LearnKey for the approval of their latest IC3 courseware. The IC3 Global Standard 3 (GS3) provides a roadmap for students to develop skills necessary in today’s computing environment,” said Alan Raymond, Vice President of Global Channel Sales and Chief Revenue Officer of Certiport. “This approval demonstrates that LearnKey, as a publisher, is dedicated to preparing students around the world for certification.”

Digital-learning is on the rise and this movement requires a better understanding of computers in general in order to co-exist in the new digital landscape that melds multi-media, the Internet and social interaction into a vibrant online community. For both teachers and students, having a resource that brings clarity and understanding of the technical aspects is inherent. By approving LearnKey’s training, Certiport is validating that the expert-led content is as complete, in-depth, and logically organized to prepare for the certification exam. In addition, LearnKey courses map directly to exam objectives and include pre-assessments, post-assessments, and lab environments.

IC3 Global Standard 3 (GS3) training course is available on CD-ROM, Internet or over a secured network environment. For more information, visit http://www.learnkey.com/IC3_GS3.

About LearnKey: Established in 1987, LearnKey, Inc., is a premier global provider of self-paced online and offline training solutions for corporate, education, government and personal users. For over two decades, LearnKey has focused on creating interactive, easy to use and flexible learning solutions that are accessible anywhere, anytime. LearnKey is a CompTIA, Microsoft, CIW, Certiport and Mile2 partner. LearnKey produces video based learning, compatible workbooks and study guides. Course concentration areas include Networking, IT Technical, Web & Graphic Design, Leadership, Management, Safety and Compliance, Medical CE, K12 and Character Development. ExamForce, LearnKey and Lambers are Divisions of LearnForce Partners, LLC.

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Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3755534.htm.