Improvements Top District and State Gains by Wide Margins
NEW YORK, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edison Schools (Nasdaq: EDSN),
the nation's largest private manager of public schools, announced today that
achievement scores across all of its New York based schools improved
dramatically on the New York Statewide Testing Program (NYSTP) in English
Language Arts (ELA). These strong achievement gains are in comparison to much
lower gains across New York State.
Every tested grade at all five Edison New York schools, with more than one
year of data, saw its scores rise on the NYSTP. The average overall increase
of students meeting or exceeding standards among Edison fourth graders was
over five-times the increase in fourth graders across the state -- 17 percent
for Edison fourth graders in comparison to a 3 percent increase for elementary
schools across all of New York. The gains made by Edison eighth graders saw a
16 percent overall average increase in percent of students meeting or
exceeding standards, in comparison with a one percent increase in the state
overall.
"We could not be more thrilled with these New York results," said Chief
Education Officer John Chubb. "These NYSTP gains by our Edison New York
schools mean that many more children are meeting all state standards and
continuing to make substantial progress against difficult odds. Achievement
progress requires very hard, diligent and focused work, and we applaud our New
York students, teachers, and administrators, for their dedication to
achievement."
Edison schools consistently outperformed, in terms of gains, the districts
where they are located. Among Edison's top performing New York schools,
Riverhead Charter School fourth graders achieved a 19 percent one-year gain
versus a 9 percent gain by the Riverhead School District. Stepping Stone
Academy Charter School fourth graders made a substantial 12 percent one-year
gain and Charter School for Applied Technologies achieved an 8 percent one-
year gain versus unchanged scores in the Buffalo District. New Covenant
Charter School fourth graders made an extraordinary 25 percent one year gain
versus a decline of two percent by the Albany school district. Finally, the
Charter School of Science & Technology in Rochester posted exceptionally
strong gains of 21% at grade 4 and 16% at grade 8 -- all the more exceptional
considering the declines shown by the Rochester Public School District (-4%
and -1% at grades 4 and 8 respectively).
The gains made by students at Edison-operated schools in New York are a
strong testament to the achievements of the charter school movement. With
approximately 3,200 students enrolled in its New York public charters,
Edison's enrollment represents over 30% of charter school students in the
state (New York has approximately 11,000 charter school students). "The
progress of these schools is another example of how the choice,
accountability, and innovation of charter schools is making a difference in
the lives of children," said Chubb.
About Edison
Founded in 1992, Edison partners with school districts and charter boards
to raise student achievement through its research-based school design, aligned
assessment systems, interactive professional development, integrated use of
technology, and other proven program features. Edison students are achieving
annual academic gains well above national norms. Edison Schools now serves
more than 110,000 public school students in more than 20 states through four
different business channels: (1) the management of schools for school
districts, (2) charter schools, (3) summer and after-school programs, and (4)
achievement management solutions for school systems. The company operates 149
full-year schools and 178 summer schools.
Between 1992 and 1995 and in ongoing efforts, Edison's team of leading
educators and scholars has conducted intensive research to develop its school
design and support systems. Edison opened its first four schools in August
1995 and has grown rapidly in every subsequent year. For more information,
please visit http://www.edisonschools.com .
Any statements in this press release and any other press release issued by
Edison on or about the date hereof about future expectations, plans and
prospects for Edison, including statements containing the words "believes,"
"anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from
those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various
important factors, including the risk factors discussed in our most recent
annual report on form 10-K/A filed with the SEC. The forward-looking
statements included in this press release represent Edison's estimates as of
May 27, 2003. Edison anticipates that subsequent events and developments will
cause its estimates to change. While Edison may elect to update these
forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Edison specifically
disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should
not be relied upon as representing Edison's estimates or views as of any date
subsequent to May 27, 2003.
SOURCE Edison Schools
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Related links:
http://www.edisonschools.com
CONTACT:
John Chubb, Chief Education Officer,
+1-212-419-1641, or Adam Tucker, VP Communications,
+1-212-419-1602, both of Edison Schools
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