Edison Agrees on the Need for More Scientific Research
On Impact of Education Reforms
NEW YORK, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edison Schools (Nasdaq: EDSN),
the nation's largest private manager of public schools, announced today that
according to a report issued on October 29 by the United State General
Accounting Office (GAO) there is "Insufficient Research to Determine
Effectiveness of Selected Private Education Companies." In fact, of the five
studies that addressed student achievement, the GAO report found that only one
study, of only one school, was conducted in a way that allows an assessment of
the effect the company's program had on student achievement. It also found
the remaining studies had methodological limitations that precluded such
assessments. The report reviewed relevant research on charter and traditional
public schools managed by for profit management companies.
"It is not a surprise to us that GAO found these so-called studies
insufficient and unscientific," said John Chubb, Edison's Chief Education
Officer. "We have known for years that many organizations have tried to
discredit Edison and our gains in student achievement in the name of research,
when in truth they were simply serving their own political ends."
Chubb continued: "Hopefully this will discourage people in the future from
letting their politics cloud their judgment and taking pot shots at the hard
work, dedication and achievement of so many of our committed teachers,
students and their parents across the country."
The GAO report confirms that company managed schools have demonstrated
academic progress, however it goes on to say that more research is needed.
Chubb said: "We agree with the GAO report that more independent studies of
Edison are needed. That is why in the summer of 2000, we commissioned RAND, a
nonprofit research organization that has evaluated education reforms, in a
three-year, independent evaluation of our schools. This study will serve as a
complement to Edison's own annual report on student performance, which is a
straightforward reporting of our improving achievement data from year to year.
"RAND's evaluation employs methods that can go beyond what can be
accomplished in an annual report. When that evaluation is complete, RAND will
release public reports indicating their findings, whether favorable or
unfavorable to Edison."
RAND already reviews data on Edison schools. In a cover letter to
Edison's Fourth Annual Report on Student Performance, RAND noted its review of
the data, analysis and discussion in that report. RAND's letter states,
"Prior to publication we examine the data and the text of Edison's 2001
Achievement Report. Where possible, for all tests that are part of statewide
accountability systems, we have confirmed that Edison's reported achievement
data for 2000-2001 are consistent with data from state sources or from test
publishers."
Chubb commented: "We don't know of another education management company or
school system that has welcomed an independent reviewer to fully examine and
analyze its achievement.
"Edison is focused on managing great schools. We know this; our teachers
know it, as do our students and their parents. Edison looks forward to the
time when there are a variety of independent, reputable, and scientific
studies that measure the gains in achievement that our students have made year
in and year out at our schools across the country."
About Edison
Edison Schools manages 150 public schools with a total enrollment of
approximately 80,000 students. Through contracts with local school districts
and public charter school boards, Edison generally assumes educational and
operational responsibility for individual schools in return for funding that
is comparable to that spent on other public schools in the area. Over the
course of three years of intensive research, Edison's team of leading
educators and scholars developed an innovative, research-based curriculum and
school design. 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
October 30, 2002. 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 October 30, 2002.
SOURCE Edison Schools
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.edisonschools.com
CONTACT:
Adam Tucker, VP Communications of Edison
Schools, +1-212-419-1602
|
