Technology

New Analysis of School Accountability Policies Finds Most States Now Measuring Chronic Absenteeism, College and Career Readiness

Published

3 months ago

October 3, 2024

Education Commission of the States Releases 50-State Comparison and Assessment Resources for Education Leaders and Policymakers

DENVER, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Education Commission of the States, a national nonpartisan organization that informs, counsels, and convenes education leaders to create effective education policy, today released a 50-state analysis that found about 75% of states now include chronic absenteeism and college and career readiness as performance indicators in their state systems of school accountability. The inclusion of these measures reflect the shared priorities of policymakers across the nation, regardless of political affiliation.

Federally-mandated school accountability systems serve many purposes, including sharing information, measuring progress toward state and local goals, highlighting gaps in performance between student groups, and identifying schools for support and additional resources.

“In the wake of the pandemic, as schools continue to recover from interrupted instruction and look for ways to support student success, it’s more important than ever for state education leaders and policymakers to capture and communicate a complete picture of student and school performance,” said ECS President José Muñoz. “Our 50-State Comparison aims to equip education leaders with an objective nationwide view of accountability policies and emerging trends that may help inform effective education policy. It also serves as a launching point to convene leaders, across political party lines, to share best practices that lead to excellent education experiences for all students.”

The 50-State Comparison comes as many states update their plans to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Since state ESSA plans were approved, COVID-19 pandemic school closures resulted in a two-year pause on state accountability. Additionally, states have amended their ESSA plans to account for shifting priorities and legislative changes, challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and implementation lessons. Among the key takeaways from this year’s comparison:

At least 37 states and the District of Columbia include a measure of college and career readiness in their accountability system. Every student should graduate high school prepared for their next step in life, whether that is enrolling in college or entering the workforce. States are measuring how well schools prepare graduates in different ways, ranging from achieving cut scores on college entrance exams to completing early postsecondary opportunities or work-based learning experiences. Georgia captures students entering postsecondary institutions without requiring remedial or developmental coursework in their college and career readiness indicator, while Delaware includes credit accumulation for 9th graders to credit schools for keeping students on track to graduation.

At least 36 states include chronic absenteeism in their accountability system. Chronic absenteeism—students missing 10% or more of school—was a challenge for schools even before the pandemic but has since been exacerbated, reaching a rate of about 31% in 2021-22. Research shows chronic absenteeism can have a major impact on student performance. Earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration urged states to adopt strategies to increase attendance, including by adding chronic absenteeism as an indicator in their statewide accountability and improvement systems. Iowa recently adopted an indicator of chronic absenteeism that credits schools for improving attendance rates for students identified as chronically absent in the previous year.

At least 16 states operate a unique state accountability system separate from the accountability system outlined in the state ESSA plan. State plans utilize different metrics, rating systems, and reporting mechanisms. A geographically and politically diverse group of states, like California and Missouri, operate separate state accountability systems that address concerns specific to the state’s unique education context and goals.

States are evolving the way they label and communicate overall school performance, with some shifting away from A-F ratings. States most commonly rate school performance using Descriptive Ratings, like “below expectations” or “meets expectations” (13 states), Index Ratings (12 states and the District of Columbia) and Federal Tiers of Support (14 states). Six states use A-F ratings and four states use 1-5 star ratings. The most notable change over time is a shift away from using A-F ratings. This year, for example, two fewer states—Indiana and Michigan—are using A-F ratings.

You can view the full findings of the comparison here.

In addition to the 50-State Comparison, ECS has published key information for state leaders on student assessment and a Special Report that explores federal assessment requirements, flexibilities and ways that states use assessment as a measurement tool to inform policy.

You can view all resources here.

About Education Commission of the States

Education Commission of the States (ECS) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a partner to state policymakers by providing personalized support and opportunities to learn from one another. Through their resources and services, policymakers gain the insight and experience needed to create effective education policy. Learn more at ecs.org.

CONTACT: Thomas Rodgers, 601-334-6655, thomas@whiteboardadvisors.com.

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SOURCE Education Commission of the States

Technology

The Week in Canadian Press Releases: 10 Stories You Need to See

Published

17 minutes ago

December 27, 2024

A roundup of the most newsworthy press releases from Cision Distribution this week

TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2024 /CNW/ – With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on Cision. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week’s most newsworthy and popular releases, here’s a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn’t be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

MNP WELCOMES 21 BDO CANADA OFFICES, PARTNERS, TEAMS, ACROSS FOUR PROVINCES
MNP and BDO, two of Canada’s leading professional services firms, announced today that MNP will acquire a select number of BDO’s Canadian offices, partners and team members, effective December 31, 2024. In total, 21 BDO Canada offices, with more than 40 partners and 420 team members will join MNP. The transaction will include selected locations in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and P.E.I.; provinces where both firms have offices. A list of the selected offices can be found below. MNP’s business model is designed to support its clients, team members and communities with a locally focused approach. National Bank receives final approval to proceed with the acquisition of Canadian Western Bank
“This is a fantastic outcome for our clients, our teams and the communities in which we operate. We’re excited to join forces with National Bank to offer our clients access to a more comprehensive product and service platform on a national scale. We look forward to continuing to support our clients with the same highly personalized service and regional expertise we’ve always been known for,” said Chris Fowler, President and CEO of CWB. Following this last remaining approval, National Bank and CWB will work together to ensure a smooth transition to National Bank for CWB clients and employees, who will receive additional information shortly, as both banks work towards completing the transaction.BC Ferries Announces Discussions with Bondholders
Following its conversations, BC Ferries has received feedback from such bondholders and is considering the launch of a formal consent and proxy solicitation to amend the MTI which would be conducted pursuant to the process required by the MTI. It is also expected that if such a consent and proxy solicitation were to be launched, it would likely include the offering of a work consent fee in accordance with standard market practice for such transactions. This notice does not represent a notice of the launch of a consent solicitation, proxy solicitation or bondholder meeting and does not provide any assurance that such a process or transaction will be executed.Payfare Enters into Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by Fiserv
“Our Board conducted a thorough strategic review process together with our financial advisors, having evaluated numerous acquisition, commercial partnership, and other opportunities, and concluded that the Transaction is in the best interests of the Company, its various stakeholders and its shareholders with certainty of value with an all-cash offer,” said Marco Margiotta, Payfare CEO, and Founding Partner. “This Transaction represents tangible recognition of the value and strength of what Payfare has built as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”UHN Announces Purchase of 522 University Avenue
University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s leading research hospital, is growing to meet the health care needs of the future. Today, UHN announced the purchase of 522 University Avenue, a 15-storey building located at the southwest corner of University Avenue and Elm Street in the heart of Toronto’s Discovery District. The newly acquired property will support the expansion of UHN programs in cancer care, research and education at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Toronto General Hospital. The building will also serve as another important training ground for health care learners from UHN’s Michener Institute of Education and partner academic institutions.Tentative agreement reached between UCCO-SACC-CSN, the Treasury Board and Correctional Services Canada
After a long and arduous bargaining round that has lasted for just over 2 years, the UCCO-SACC-CSN bargaining committee has managed to register some significant gains for the members it represents. Salary wise, the members of UCCO-SACC-CSN will receive a 15,73% over 4 years. Additionally, our members will be receiving a pensionable 6365$ yearly allowance beginning June 1st, 2025, and a prorated 6240$ allowance on the date of signature. The total monetary package represents approximately a 23% monetary increase for our members working within the institution. Paladin Completes the Acquisition of Fission Uranium Corp.
Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: PDN) (OTCQX: PALAF) (“Paladin”) and Fission Uranium Corp. (TSX: FCU) (OTCQX: FCUUF) (FSE: 2FU) (“Fission”) are pleased to announce the successful completion of Paladin’s acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Fission (the “Fission Shares”) by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act (“Arrangement”) pursuant to the terms of the arrangement agreement among Fission, Paladin, and 1000927136 Ontario Inc. (the “Purchaser”) dated June 24, 2024, as amended on July 25, 2024 and August 29, 2024.Ontario Teachers’ Makes Investment in Omega Healthcare and Joins Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives as Co-Lead Investor
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (“Ontario Teachers'”) makes investment in Omega Healthcare Management Services (“Omega” or “the Company”) and joins Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives as Co-Lead investors. Omega is a leading technology-enabled healthcare management solutions provider. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Omega Healthcare works with healthcare institutions to empower them to deliver exceptional care while enhancing financial performance. Omega aims to help its clients increase revenues, decrease costs, and improve the overall patient experience through their comprehensive portfolio of technology-enabled and clinically-led solutions.Vermilion Energy Inc. Announces Strategic Deep Basin Acquisition
The Acquisition enhances depth and quality of Vermilion’s Deep Basin inventory and complements the Company’s high-growth, liquids-rich Montney asset. Vermilion’s Canadian liquids-rich gas assets, combined with over 100 mmcf/d of high-netback, low-decline European natural gas production provides the Company with a premium realized natural gas price. Vermilion is committed to strategically growing its international assets both organically, as demonstrated by recent successes in Germany and Croatia, and via acquisitions. EDC welcomes new President and CEO Alison Nankivell
Ms. Nankivell has more than 25 years of experience in international investments and finance, strategic planning, and leading high performing teams through transformation, all of which will be invaluable as EDC continues evolving to meet Canadian businesses’ changing needs. She joins EDC from MaRS Discovery District, where she served as CEO. Prior to her role with MaRS, Ms. Nankivell held progressively senior investment and leadership roles at EDC and EDC’s sister financial crown corporation, BDC.

Read more of the latest releases from Cision, see our resources for journalists, and stay caught up on the top press releases by following @cnwnews.

About Cision Canada

Cision is a comprehensive communications platform enabling more than 100,000 public relations and marketing professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of communication professionals to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including Newswire, Brandwatch, Cision Communications Cloud® and Cision Insights. To learn more, visit www.cision.ca and follow @CisionCA on Twitter.

SOURCE Cision Canada

Technology

Fangzhou Inc. Honored as an “Outstanding Innovation Firm” by Yangcheng Evening News

Published

1 hour ago

December 27, 2024

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Fangzhou Inc. (“Fangzhou” or the “Company”) (06086.HK), a leader in Internet healthcare solutions, was honored as an “Outstanding Innovation Firm” at the “Precision Engineering: 2024 Technology Pioneers Gala” held by Yangcheng Evening News on December 13th. Fangzhou garnered recognition for its significant milestones in 2024, including a successful listing on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and its role in spearheading the ongoing digital transformation of China’s healthcare sector.

Dr. Xie Fangmin, founder, chairman, and CEO of Fangzhou, remarked, “We are thrilled to receive this award from Yangcheng Evening News as an ‘Outstanding Innovation Firm’. Adhering to our corporate mission of ‘Better Health for All’, we will continue to cultivate a bold vision for the future of the Internet healthcare sector.”

2024 has been a significant year in Fangzhou’s development journey. Following its IPO in July 2024, the Company received commendation from the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government for its contributions in advancing the digital transformation of the healthcare industry and enhancing public health. In October, Fangzhou was featured on the 2024 Guangdong “AI Catalyst” Enterprise Billboard at the 2024 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Artificial Intelligence Industry Conference. More recently, the Company launched its ” AI Agent Solution” in November 2024 in partnership with Tencent Healthcare and Baidu Health, providing more efficient access to healthcare information and analysis for both consumers and healthcare professionals.

About Fangzhou Inc.

Fangzhou Inc. (06086.HK) is China’s leading online chronic disease management platform. With 45.6 million registered users and 217,000 registered doctors on its platform (as of June 30, 2024), the Company provides tailored medical care and precision medicine for a growing population of chronic disease patients. For more details, visit https://investors.jianke.com.

About Yangcheng Evening News

Yangcheng Evening News, first published in October 1957, was among the first broadly distributed evening newspapers established after the founding of People’s Republic of China. Produced in Guangzhou as the flagship publication of the Yangcheng Evening News Group, the newspaper has built a strong reputation for its critical and independent perspective, delivering engaging news coverage on a variety of topics that resonate with people’s daily lives.

Media Contact

For further inquiries or interviews, please reach out to:
Xingwei Zhao Associate Director of Public Relations Email: pr@jianke.com

Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements

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SOURCE Fangzhou Inc.

Technology

XCMG Launches Used Equipment Certification to Drive Sustainable Development in Construction Machinery

Published

1 hour ago

December 27, 2024

XUZHOU, China, Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — XCMG Machinery (“XCMG”, SHE: 000425) has officially launched the XCMG Certified Used Equipment brand, marking a significant milestone in the development of its circular business. This initiative reflects XCMG’s commitment to addressing industry challenges, promoting green circular economy principles, and accelerating the transition toward sustainable development and carbon neutrality.

In recent years, China’s construction machinery industry has made remarkable strides. Leveraging its deep technological expertise, extensive manufacturing experience, and well-established brand influence, XCMG has established its official certified used equipment brand. This initiative aims to empower industry transformation, enhance the lifecycle value of signature equipment, and offer customers comprehensive quality and service guarantees across the value chain.

At the recent bauma China Exhibition, XCMG and Ritchie Bros. co-hosted a used equipment auction, showcasing over 300 fully inspected and refurbished units from 16 XCMG product categories, including cranes, excavators, mining equipment, compactors, loaders, concrete machinery, and piling equipment. These units were launched on the Ritchie Bros. website, symbolizing a new chapter in the used equipment market.

In line with its vision to become the world’s premier service brand, XCMG also introduced the XCMG TrueCare (“TrueCare”) service brand. TrueCare embodies XCMG’s unrelenting pursuit of integrated solutions, aligning with the Solid to Succeed brand philosophy. The service brand is designed to deliver cutting-edge innovations, stringent quality control, and efficient services, empowering customers to maintain a competitive edge in global markets.

“This initiative will extend the value chain, foster innovation, and elevate XCMG to new heights as a globally recognized brand,” said Liu Jiansen, vice president of XCMG.

The five core missions of XCMG TrueCare are:

Swift: A global service network ensures rapid response to customer needs to minimize downtime.Optimal: Integration of XCMG’s five advanced digital management systems delivers tailored solutions to enhance operational efficiency.Long-term: TCO service models, including extended warranties and certified pre-owned programs, provide full lifecycle care and build lasting customer relationships.Intelligent: Comprehensive smart solutions address customer-specific requirements through the integration of R&D, production, supply, sales, and service.Dedicated: A global call center and a professional team provide 24/7 support, ensuring efficient equipment operation and 100% customer satisfaction.

With these strategic advancements, XCMG is poised to redefine industry standards, driving the adoption of sustainable practices and reinforcing its leadership in the global construction machinery market.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2588046/XCMG_Launches_Used_Equipment_Certification_Drive_Sustainable_Development_Construction_Machinery.jpg

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