Outreach aims to temper any backlash over tests aligned with the common coreBy Andrew UjifusaEven as states begin administering new tests aligned with the Common Core State Standards, they are ramping up efforts to eliminate or minimize public backlash when the scores—widely expected to be markedly lower than results from previous assessments—are released later this year.From old-fashioned fliers designed to reach parents via students’ backpacks to webinars intended for administrators and teachers, states including Illinois and New Jersey are using a diverse set of resources and partnering with various groups to prepare school communities and the general public for what’s coming.Read the rest of the story at Education Week

F iftyThree has spent the last several years making products to increase creativity among users. Now the company has an eye on producing new tools not just for the consumer market, but that enterprise and education users could also leverage. To help with that, the company is also announcing it has raised $30 million in new financing from New Enterprise Associates.FiftyThree started out with an iPad app called Paper that was built to give users new tools to unlock their creativity. It followed that up with Pencil, a stylus designed to interact with Paper and make it easier for creators to use the app. Most recently, the company released Mix, which provides a new way for them to collaborate.Read the rest of the article on TechCrunch

Large Market and Company Traction Drive Funding

Jim Kohlmoos, Principal with Edge Consulting, discusses how he works with organizations to navigate education priorities and agendas.

Rick Russell of Optimus Education discusses professional development for school leaders and the new delivery mechanisms used for the 21st century educator.

Leaders in education technology and investment speak to the current trends and future outlooks of the industry.

A conversation with the Ministry of Education (Pueblo, MX) Antonio Arguelles.

Thought leaders share their view on the myths and misunderstandings of the Common Core State Standards.

Center for Education Reform President Kara Kerwin discusses the need for new approaches to education.

First Analysis Corp. Managing Director Clement Erbmann talks about the partnership between education companies and investors and discusses current market trends.

Teachley Co-Founder Rachael Labrecque discusses the use of apps and how they can facilitate differentiation in the classroom.

Propagate CEO and Co-Founder Frank Freeman discusses a digital approach to learning vocabulary and the role gamificaiton plays in accomplishing new goals.

Dr. Idit Harel, CEO and Founder of Globaloria, is an Israeli American entrepreneur with extensive experience in the trenches of education innovation and thought leadership. Since her days at the MIT Media Lab, and then MaMaMedia, Harel has been a pioneer in integrating computer programming in learning environments that advance students knowledge and application for what she calls the “new literacy.”  

Thought leaders in education and technology speak to the benefits of innovating for schools and across the world.

Dominic Savage, founder of the EWF, talks about its history and lessons learned as Ministries of Education join together for one powerful week in London. Savage discusses the impact one shared environment can have on Ministers as they look for commonality and shared experience amongst their colleagues.