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Chicago (February 2, 2024) — Avantis Education, creators of ClassVR, will highlight its new partnership with 360Cities, unveil its immersive scenes for Black History Month, and introduce its new CEO, Huw Williams, at the TCEA Convention & Exposition in Austin, Texas. The TCEA conference takes place February 3-7, 2024 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. Avantis is in booth #533.

ClassVR will also be featured in two presentations – one led by Avantis and one led by Texas Region One Education Service Center.

• Avantis Education’s Vice President of Educational Services Chris Klein will present “Welcome to the Eduverse: ClassVR Has Been Waiting For You” discussing the possibilities and potential of the metaverse for education. The session takes place Monday, February 5 from 1p.m-2p.m. Central Time in Room 13AB
• Texas Region One Education Service Center STEM Specialist Sylvia Escobar will present “Create Immersive Animated Storybooks with a STEM Spin” sharing lesson ideas and tips on how to use technology including ClassVR to create digital storybooks. The session takes place Sunday, February 4 from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. in Room 19B.

“Our mission is to provide teachers with access to easy-to-use, immersive content that engages students and supports instruction,” said Avantis Education Chief Executive Officer Huw Williams. “Our new partnership with 360Cities and new Black History Month Lessons – plus recently expanded content for math and language arts – give teachers access to hundreds of thousands of 360-degree photos, immersive scenes, and state standards-aligned lessons to help them take lessons to the next level.”

Avantis is the leading provider of VR and AR content and hardware for K-12 schools. Its ClassVR all-in-one VR/AR headset is designed specifically for K-12 classrooms. It includes the Eduverse content platform with access to Avantis’ award-winning library of immersive VR and AR content and standards-aligned lessons for schools.

Partnership with 360Cities

Teachers now can use ClassVR’s content hub Eduverse to access 360Cities’ massive database of 360-degree images to supplement their lessons. They can access hundreds of thousands of curated, VR-ready, panoramic photos providing stunning views of majestic canyons, lunar craters, busy city streets, ancient ruins, and more.

New Black History Month Lessons

Avantis has created new immersive VR scenes to support instruction during Black History Month. The scenes, available in the Eduverse platform, are free for anyone to access during the month of February without requiring an Eduverse subscription. Each scene includes teacher resources with background about the topic and suggested activities for students. Scenes include:

• Rosa Parks: Virtually board the bus that Rosa Parks boarded on December 1, 1955: https://edvr.se/TfR-Sdy-DTk/modern-world-rosa-parks
• Civil Rights Movement: Virtually explore the scene on the National Mall when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech about equality for Black Americans: https://edvr.se/TfR-Sdy-DTk/civil-rights-movement
• Slavery in America – Plantations: Virtually visit a plantation to observe the contrast in living conditions between enslaved people and the plantation owners: https://edvr.se/TfR-Sdy-DTk/slavery-america-plantation

New Leadership Team

Huw Williams, former managing director, has been named Avantis’ new CEO. Williams has been in the education technology industry for more than 20 years, and spent the last nine of those heading up global sales and marketing for Avantis. He helped pioneer many of the company’s market-leading innovations, including Eduverse.

Williams is one of several strategic appointments to the executive team to support the company’s continued expansion in global markets. Other appointments include Chief Revenue Officer Alistair Hayward, Chief Marketing Officer Gillian Rhodes, Chief Finance Officer David Walters and Chief Technology Officer Bruce Grove.

To learn more, visit www.classvr.com or visit Avantis at TCEA booth #533.

About Avantis

Avantis Education, the creators of ClassVR, provides simple classroom technology used by more than a million students in over 90 countries.

The world’s first virtual reality technology designed just for education provides everything a school needs to seamlessly implement VR technology in any classroom, all at an affordable price. To learn more visit www.avantiseducation.com and www.classvr.com.

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For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.  

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SAN MATEO, California —  IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, has released new research revealing the powerful impact of IXL’s SmartScore on academic outcomes. The study, “How the Dynamic Nature of IXL’s SmartScore Supports Student Learning,” found that when learners persevere through temporary setbacks on IXL, as evidenced by a fluctuating SmartScore, they ultimately achieve greater academic growth in math and English language arts.

The Impact of IXL’s SmartScore
Findings from studies across 70,000 schools in 45 states show that students using IXL outperform students using any other learning platform. The secret lies in the SmartScore, an advanced algorithm, and core feature unique to IXL that measures students’ true understanding of a concept while reinforcing learning in real-time. Unlike traditional scoring systems, the SmartScore is highly dynamic and constantly adapts to students’ performance: It recognizes how well students understand a skill and automatically adjusts to offer targeted practice that challenges them at the right level. 

Correct answers boost the SmartScore, while mistakes temporarily lower it. If the SmartScore decreases, for example, IXL presents easier questions so that learners can build confidence and continue to grow. Additionally, the SmartScore considers question difficulty, recent answers, and consistency when aligning with students’ learning trajectories. This innovative approach offers students a real-time assessment of their progress and motivates them to persist despite challenges. 

Conventional scoring methods deprive students of the opportunity to score 100% after making a single mistake. However, with IXL, students can still achieve a SmartScore of 100 by answering more questions correctly. This approach ensures that students learn from their mistakes and cultivate a growth mindset, understanding that mastery of concepts is always within reach. 

SmartScore is also a valuable tool for educators, delivering more accurate information about students’ achievements and current levels of understanding. This enables educators to make informed, data-driven decisions when individualizing day-to-day instruction. 

Growth Through Grit: The Positive Impact of a Fluctuating SmartScore
The study examined SmartScore progressions from students in grades 1-8 within a large, suburban school district as they practiced math and English language arts skills. Researchers compared two types of progressions: 1) Fluctuating, characterized by the increase and decrease in SmartScore points before students reached proficiency; 2) Increasing, marked by a steady rise in SmartScore values until learners reached proficiency. 

The findings revealed that students who pressed on through temporary SmartScore setbacks achieved greater learning gains later. Reaching skill proficiency through a primarily fluctuating SmartScore progression had a stronger impact on students’ academic growth than reaching skill proficiency through a steadily increasing progression: 

• For each skill in which students reached proficiency through a fluctuating progression, their end-of-year diagnostic scores in math and ELA were predicted to increase by approximately 60 and 113 points, respectively.
• By contrast, for each skill in which students reached proficiency through an increasing progression, their end-of-year diagnostic scores were predicted to increase by approximately 3 and 9 points in math and ELA, respectively.

These findings suggest that struggling with challenging material and making mistakes can benefit learning, as long as students receive appropriate feedback and support.

“Taking a step back isn’t the same as failing, but it can be difficult for students to recognize that their productive struggles are incredibly important building blocks toward growth. This new research clearly demonstrates that when students persevere through temporary SmartScore setbacks, they ultimately achieve greater academic gains than when they have a steady, upward trajectory, ” said Christina Schonberg, Senior Research Scientist at IXL Learning. “IXL’s SmartScore is a precise measure of progress and a powerful motivator that helps cement knowledge, build grit and determination, and show that mastery is always attainable.” 

The Science Behind SmartScore
The design of IXL’s SmartScore incorporates key principles from learning sciences research, including:

• The perfect challenge: Summiting a mountain without any struggle may bring a sense of accomplishment, but it doesn’t guarantee the development of hiking skills. Grappling with difficulties is essential for growth. For students, making errors during practice indicates that they are pushing themselves by learning new concepts at the edge of their understanding. 

As a student’s SmartScore fluctuates, IXL adapts to their knowledge in order to provide the right balance of challenge and support so that when faced with adversity, they can always succeed. A steadily increasing SmartScore provides a clear signal to students that they are ready for a new challenge. 

• Productive struggle: Embracing mistakes is a vital part of the learning process, leads to greater retention, and is a key indicator of perseverance. When students practice skills on IXL they engage in activities grounded in productive struggle. IXL provides learners with immediate support after each answer, helping them build lasting knowledge. This support encourages learners to become more comfortable with making mistakes and seeing their SmartScore fluctuate.
• Motivation and mastery orientation: The SmartScore is designed to motivate students to achieve mastery. Even when learners miss questions and their SmartScore decreases, they can always reach their goal by answering more questions correctly. Success builds on success, creating positive momentum toward their SmartScore goal and instilling a sense of pride in overcoming temporary setbacks. This process taps into students’ intrinsic motivation, propelling them forward in their learning journey and demonstrating that they always have an opportunity to master skills.

About IXL
Currently used by 15 million students and in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an all-inclusive educational platform that provides a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum and instructional resources, actionable analytics and a state-of-the-art assessment suite. IXL’s end-to-end teaching and learning solution supports personalized instruction in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. With more than 140 billion questions asked and answered around the world, IXL is helping schools and parents successfully boost student achievement. The IXL Learning family of products also includes Rosetta Stone, TPT, SpanishDictionary.com, inglés.com, Wyzant, Vocabulary.com, ABCya, Education.com and Emmersion. To learn more about IXL, visit www.ixl.com, facebook.com/IXL and twitter.com/IXLLearning.

Press Contact

Eric BatesI
XL Learningpress@ixl.com

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Vector Solutions’ efficacy study shows digital training has a positive impact on bullying and youth suicide prevention outcomes 

TAMPA, FL, February 1, 2024 – Today, Vector Solutions, the leading provider of training and software solutions to help schools make their operations and communities safer, smarter, and better, released new efficacy data for its courses on Youth Suicide Risk and Bullying and Cyberbullying within the K-12 Student Safety & Wellness Course Library. These courses address key issues students are facing when it comes to mental health, interpersonal relationships, and how to seek help when they or classmates are experiencing challenges.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety both rose significantly for K-12 students. Today’s youth need the support of parents, school faculty, and staff to ensure they are educated and supported when it comes to mental health and building respectful relationships. Schools are in a unique position to address the critical youth mental health crisis and bullying as they can provide both the education and prevention resources to help issues from escalating. By using evidence-based solutions to address student mental health and well-being, schools can provide students with the knowledge and skills to identify issues, seek help for themselves, and support one another during instances where they encounter bullying or suicidal ideation.  

To identify the efficacy of critical and sensitive lessons like Youth Suicide Risk and Bullying and Cyberbullying, Vector Solutions conducted an exploratory study measuring the impact of the two training courses on high school students’ attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions. Integrated surveys in the courses measured training impact while simultaneously collecting demographic information to more deeply analyze student sub-populations.

Upon completion, the Bullying and Cyberbullying course impacted students in the following ways:

• 72% said that the course provided them with the skills to support someone who is being bullied.
• 70% expressed a greater willingness (as a result of the course) to help someone who is experiencing bullying. 
• 13% reported an increased confidence in their ability to intervene when someone is being bullied (comparing pre-course to post-course survey responses).

Similarly, the Youth Suicide Risk course impacted students in the following ways:

• 70% said that the course provided them with skills to support someone who is struggling with thoughts of suicide.
• 69% said that the course increased their willingness to help someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts.
• 32% reported an increase in feeling part of a caring community that looks out for one another at their school (comparing pre-course to post-course survey responses). 

“Today’s students are facing unprecedented challenges to their well-being. Teaching them the skills to identify situations and take action when a classmate may be struggling is essential to managing the mental health crisis and bullying in schools,” said Rob Buelow, General Manager Education at Vector Solutions. “At a time of great need and limited resources, schools have to be investing in programs that work. This data demonstrates that online education on these critical topics can have a meaningful impact on student’s ability to create positive change and seek help for themselves and others when needed.” 

To download the report, click here. To learn more about Vector Solutions’ K-12 Student Safety & Wellness Course Library, click here.

About Vector Solutions

Vector Solutions is the leading provider of impactful technology solutions dedicated to driving safer, smarter, better decision-making in the world’s most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, risk communication, operational readiness, and more. Vector’s unique combination of information and technology – delivered when and where it is needed – is integral to our more than 24 thousand clients looking to achieve better outcomes and safeguard lives. Vector is committed to providing resources to support those who need them most and launched a collection of free courses on critical mental health and safety topics through Vector Cares. For access to free Vector Cares courses visit https://www.vectorsolutions.com/about-us/vector-cares/. For more information, visit www.vectorsolutions.com.

About Vector Solutions for K-12 Education

Vector Solutions for K-12 Education is a leading provider of training, software and professional development solutions committed to creating safer, smarter and better school environments. Trusted by more than 5,000 K-12 districts in the United States, Vector’s award-winning suite of products saves administrators time, improves compliance, and streamlines administrative processes. Vector trainings on imperative topics like safety and compliance; inclusive instruction; mental health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and cybersecurity enable students and teachers alike to make schools safer, more inclusive, and more effective places to work and learn. For more information about Vector Solutions for K-12 Education, visit www.vectorsolutions.com/k12. 

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Virtual professional development event takes place February 14 -15, 2024 and features experts and district leaders discussing digital records management processes and more

Charlotte, North Carolina – January 30 2024 –  Scribbles Software, a leading provider of K-12 software solutions for document management, records processing, enrollment, and lottery management, will host its ScribCon 2024 virtual professional development conference from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15, 2024.  The event is free to attend.  For information and to register, visit: https://hubs.ly/Q02djY460.

Scribbles Software launched its first professional development event in 2019 to serve as a resource for schools looking to make the shift to electronic records management. The free, virtual gathering of K-12 administrators and records managers from across the country gives attendees the opportunity to discuss the latest updates in K-12 document management, records processing, enrollment, and lottery solutions and hear success stories from others in the field.

“Enrollment and records management are often considered behind-the-scenes work. But these processes – and the teams that handle them – are critical to supporting a school’s or district’s success,” said Matthew Hancock, director of customer success and support for Scribbles Software. “From making sure lotteries run smoothly and keeping sensitive student records safe, to providing fast responsive service to families, our products have helped thousands of schools and districts streamline records management. ScribCon 2024 provides a free opportunity for attendees to hear directly from our customers and partners about technology and best practices that can make their jobs easier and more efficient. It’s a must-attend event for anyone in this field.”

ScribCon 2024 features engaging talks and thought-provoking panel discussions by education and technology leaders on the topics of data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, records management, data-based decision making, and encouraging equity and access between K-12 and higher education.

School district presenters include:

• Bulloch County Schools in Georgia
• Fairmont Prep Academy, a private school in Anaheim, California
• Lee Christian School, a private school in Sanford, North Carolina
• Harnett County Schools in North Carolina
• Greeneville City Schools in Tennessee
• Wake County Public Schools in North Carolina

School system leaders will discuss their transition from paper to digital records, provide tips for optimizing digital records management processes, and share best practices for PreK-12 enrollment management. They will also discuss data privacy, the intersection of records management and college and career readiness, disaster prevention, document recovery strategies, and more. Sessions will be recorded for those who can’t attend live.

The conference also includes sessions from Scribbles Software executives, as well as technology providers and experts, including Amazon Web Services, Charter Impact, cybersecurity and data privacy experts, and more.

Sessions will address topics relevant to K-12 school districts, charter schools, and private schools. The event will also have opportunities for attendees to participate in games and win prizes.

About Scribbles

Scribbles Software empowers education systems to provide life-changing opportunities to students and alumni. Since 2012, the company has partnered with K-12 educational communities to enhance, streamline, and simplify the student and family engagement experience through online student records management, enrollment systems, choice programs, lottery management, and reporting solutions. Scribbles Software helps district and charter school partners provide equitable, open access to administrative resources to students, families, and community organizations– beginning with PreK enrollment and continuing with digital transcript orders post-graduation.  Learn more at scribsoft.com.

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