Classworks Proves to be a Smart Investment
Tighter District Budgets Raise The Bar For Publishers
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – August 13, 2012 – With increased focus on student achievement and budget shortfalls over the past few years, districts are demanding more proof of efficacy and a higher return on investment from their educational partners. Curriculum Advantage, Inc., provider of Classworks online instruction and assessment, is proving the clear choice for discerning buyers.
In a time when other providers are struggling, Curriculum Advantage has had unprecedented growth – over 40% YTD. Among the many new or expanding partners are Clark County School District, Nevada; Ector County Independent School District, Texas; Muscogee County Schools, Georgia; Bay County School District, Florida; Tuscaloosa City Schools, Alabama; and Tupelo Public School District, Mississippi.
Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fifth largest district in the nation, started with 53 sites last year and just expanded to over 100 sites in June. Key to the expansion was proof that the targeted students had stronger academic growth than students not using Classworks.
“Clark County puts every software provider through a rigorous review process to ensure their investments have a high impact on student growth,” explained Melissa Sinunu, President of Curriculum Advantage. “Their total focus is to ensure that students are ready to graduate. Clark County, like most districts, has to meet the needs of a diverse student population. We are proud that Classworks has been able to demonstrate that consistent use increases student growth.”
Tuscaloosa City Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, recently purchased Classworks for 22 schools. They are starting with a Response to Intervention focus but plan to expand to more students after completing a successful summer school intervention. “Classworks stands behind their software – their whole model centers on increasing student achievement – and it works. They are true partners in our students’ success,” asserted Dr. Paul McKendrick, Superintendent of Tuscaloosa City Schools.
Muscogee County Schools in Columbus, Georgia, which purchased Classworks district-wide, is also focused on a strong return on investment. They instituted a semester-long analysis before they fully rolled out Classworks to all 50 schools. “We wanted to ensure we had a strong implementation, so we started out with approximately 22 schools doing a full rollout. In only one semester, we were able to see measurable gains in the students who used Classworks. It’s amazing to see results in such a short period of time,” said Ronie Collins, Chief Academic Officer of Muscogee Schools.
Districts no longer have the luxury of buying a variety of software. Buying patterns have changed as districts demand their own proof that software leads to measurable results. “We stay focused on what we do best – delivering quality instruction tied to each student’s specific needs as shown through internal or external assessments. Districts have to show results, and we help deliver those. We have seen over and over again that when students use Classworks, student achievement increases,” explained Lindsey Cook, CEO of Curriculum Advantage.
Another example is Tupelo Public School District in Tupelo, Mississippi. Superintendent Dr. Gearl Loden purchased Classworks for 10 schools after a successful implementation at his previous district, Amory School District. “Classworks was one of the great tools we had to increase student achievement. I am looking forward to getting the same results in Tupelo,” said Dr. Gearl Loden.
Ector County Independent School District in Ector, Texas also required a demonstrable return on investment prior to expansion. Starting with six schools and one subject, they did an eight-month review before purchasing Classworks for 27 schools, all subjects. They cite Classworks strong implementation plan and measurable student achievement as key reasons they expanded to more schools.
A recent, year-long study of 20,000 students in Georgia demonstrated that students working in Classworks have a higher percentage of increase in students who Met/Exceeded on the state-wide CRCT compared to their peers from 2011 to 2012. Visit www.classworks.com to download the full report.