The EdGate Observer 

Connecting Publishers With What Works!

February 2016 correlation.edgate.com   
Greetings everyone,
   
In this month's newsletter, we focus on the most recent education news pertaining New Jersey's decision regarding Common Core Standards (Hot Topic), study of physical books vs e-readers (Client Solution), the future of "Micro Schools" (Teaching Trends), federal initiatives' impact on standards (EdGate Services) and following up with new additions to the EdGate Standards Repository (Standards Update). 
  
As always, EdGate is your source for staying current with new developments in education and the impact of educational standards.
 
Regards,
 
Gina Faulk
EdGate General Manager  

Client Solution 
Study finds that many students currently prefer physical books to e-readers

With the proliferation of Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers, not to mention tablets and even smartphones that can access and show large quantities of text, it might be predicted that traditional books will soon become obsolete - particularly given the increasing concern about limited resources and the volume of paper needed to manufacture books in large quantities. But while the day may come where physical books are no longer importan t, one recent study suggests that it's still some ways off. In a survey of over 300 college students from the U.S., Europe and Japan, conducted by Naomi Baron of American University, it was found that a full 92% of those surveyed expressed a preference for physical books over electronic means for "serious" reading (that is, reading full-length books). Baron does also note that standardized tests assessing reading comprehension of passages give about the same results no matter whether presented in print or onscreen, suggesting that preferences may change as the length of the text increases - a suggestion that is supported by some of the reasons given by the students in the survey, who cited eyestrain, battery life problems, and a desire to track how far they have gotten (or how much they have left) in the book. These preferences and their underlying reasons would be helpful information to teachers or publishers trying to determine how best to provide assignments that rely on extensive reading.  
For more details, consult http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/e-reader-book-students/ and the links within that article.
 
Mathematics Project Manager  
 
Hot Topic 
New Jersey's Decision to Keep 85% of Common Core Standards
 
Governor Christie declared that the current Common Core State Standards (CCSS) "simply are not working" for New Jersey students.  In response, New Jersey's Standards Review Committee (SRC) assembled over the last year to review their standards and ultimately proposed to keep 85% of them.  So, why so little change -- or is the change as little as it seems? The SRC concentrated on consistency, improving diction, and synthesizing public input to create targeted changes that will result in a profound educational impact on implementation of the standards, instead of choosing to re-write the standards.  Their additional goal is to unite educators and parents; they feel the two groups have drifted apart since the implementation of CCSS 5 years ago.  The result of this review is a focus on appropriate curriculum, varied use of genres to enhance reader engagement and comprehension through reflection and relevant connections, and clarification in both ELA and Math standards using examples and appropriate word choice to ensure consistency, focus and developmentally appropriate instruction across the grade levels.  As a final step, the SRC is proposing a change of name for all the content area standards, including their CCSS, to New Jersey Student Learning Standards. May of 2016 is the anticipated date for adoption of changes, to take effect in the 2017-2018 school year. 
 
For more information on the proposed changes, philosophy and organization of the SRC, please visit this link at the State of New Jersey Department of Education website.  
 
Correlator and Content Specialist

Teaching Trends 
Will "Micro Schools" Be the "Next Big Thing"?
   
A recent article in Education Week discussing the recent and growing popularity of "Micro Schools" peaked our interest. Harking back to the early days of mixed age small classrooms, these micro schools are an alternative for those who are dissatisfied with public schools, cannot afford the cost of tuition, or looking for something closer to homeschooling. While the idea may conjure up images of a classroom from our past - the education students receive is not reminiscent in the least. Incorporating a flipped classroom approach that utilizes blended learning, the students educational experience is highly personalized and allows for the integration of more than just the typical curriculum. Content providers that offer innovative online content are being utilized and results so far are positive. As people increasingly look for alternatives to public and private schooling, Micro Schools may really be the "Next Big Thing".

For additional articles on the subject please see the following:
 

 
Social Studies Project Manager
 
In This Issue
Top Stories 
Report: Kids who took Common Core test online scored lower than those who used paper

Of the 5 million students who took the new Common Core exam last year, one in five took the exam with paper and pencil. Those who took the exam the old fashion way way tended to score higher than students who took the exam online.  

The Every Student Succeeds Act prioritizes the progress of English-language learning students

With the Every Student Succeeds Act the president signed into law last month, English-language learners are given an opportunity to increase their success in school.

How career and technical education programs prepare young people for middle-class jobs

Career and technical education, properly delivered, can provide a powerful link between school, college and career.

What's New


Hewlett Packard Partnership

EdGate's Curriculum Matrix and CMX can now be accessed through Hewlett Packard's School Pack 2.0. Educators and students using HP devices can easily find thousands of standards-aligned OER resources.  Get all the details here. 

EdGate Services 

The Big Deal About Standards

Chances are as a publisher you are keenly aware of the importance that standards play in education.
 
Whether it is micro-school or private or physical books or e -r eaders, one thing is certain, standards are the foundation for student success . Initiatives such as NCLB and ESSA have made standards a critical component for educators as they are the "ruler" by which student progress is measured and provide evidence for what each student has mastered.
 
Since 1998, our team has become intimately familiar with the standards and how they have changed over the course of time. Just as standards are the foundation for student success, they are the core foundation of our business . Our knowledge and exper tise of the standards and movements such as Common Core, Career Technical Education and Early Childhood Education has been essential to EdGate's success. For over a decade our experts have aligned content to more than 2+ million standards in our repository. From the U.S. States to a host of i nternational standards such as Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, India, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and the UK England, our team has done it all!
 
On that note, February is CTE Month® which is a public awareness campaign held by ACTE each February to celebrate Career and Technical Education and the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs across the country. The theme for CTE Month® 2016 is "Opportunities for Career Success" which gives publishers like you the chance to tell stories of leadership and excellence from your local CTE programs and raise awareness of the crucial role that CTE plays in readying students for careers and our nation for economic success. Check the following link for more information on how you can get involved.   http://www.acteonline.org/ctemonth/#.Vsc-6eYerSg  
 
If you like many publishers are getting requests from schools and districts to have your content aligned to standards, please contact us to find out how our experts can help. You can reach us by phone at (866) 405-3357
or contact us online.
 
To reach our Sales and Marketing Team, choose your contact below:

Tracy_Olstad Larry_Johnson
Gina Faulk 
General Manager 
Tracy Olstad,  
Account Manager 
Larry Johnson
Client Relationship Manager
Standards Update 

Updates to The EdGate Standards Repository include:
  • Arkansas Science 2015 - Science (2015 to be implemented 2016-17 Grades K-4 / 2017-18 Grades 5-8)
  • College Board AP English Language and Composition - Language Arts (2014)
  • Georgia - Mathematics (October 2015)
  • Illinois Science 2016-2017 (2015 to be implemented 2016-17)
  • Indiana - Mathematics (2015 Quantitative Reasoning Course)
  • Louisiana - Early Childhood Education (2015 includes Infant/Toddler)
  • Texas Alternate Assessment Standards (STAAR Alternate) - Language Arts (2015)
  • Texas Alternate Assessment Standards (STAAR Alternate) - Mathematics (2015)
  • Texas Alternate Assessment Standards (STAAR Alternate) - Science (2015)
  • Texas Alternate Assessment Standards (STAAR Alternate) - Social Studies (2015)
  • Washington - Early Childhood Education (2012 Infant/Toddler)
 
Kristie
Kristie McCarley

Standards and Operations Manager
About Us 

EdGate Correlation Services works with over 200 content providers to increase the value of their products in a rapidly expanding digital world. EdGate uses its patented technology and highly skilled staff to assure client success. Employing its nearly two decades of innovation experience, EdGate has proven learning platforms, robust metadata tools and comprehensive correlation services to serve every clients unique needs.

EdGate currently focuses on correlation consulting, content and metadata development and management, media segmentation and licensing of international educational standards.
EdGate Correlation Services LLC is a division of EDmin, Inc., a learning management and instructional technology solutions company based in San Diego, California.

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