KickUp, a Philadelphia company focused on professional learning, raises $1.54 Million in a seed round; and the educational network EduRev, based in India, lures Pre- Series A money.
How to Get Past Districts’ Fondness for Incumbent Companies
Hal Friedlander, the former chief information officer of the nation’s largest school district, talks about how new and emerging digital providers can compete with established players for K-12 contracts.
Tracking Ed-Market Deals: Districts Seek Assessment Apps, Professional Development
The Shawnee Mission district is Kansas is looking for an online assessment tool to perform a variety of functions; and the Garland ISD has created an approved list of professional development providers.
N.Y. State Awards $45 Million for Classroom Technology, Connectivity, Security
A review board met for the first time to approve funds under the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, and 52 districts will receive funds.
AFT Rejected in Attempt to Force Pearson ‘Business Strategy Review’
The global education company reported revenues that were down for the first quarter, but shareholders rejected a challenge to the company’s business strategy brought by a union affiliate.
Education Industry Mergers, Acquisitions Jumped Significantly in 2015
There were 418 mergers and acquisitions in the education industry in 2015, up from 329 in 2014, a rise triggered in part by consolidation in K-12, according to investment bank Berkery Noyes.
EduStar Platform Promises Quick, Randomized Ed-Tech Trials
A platform that does quick, randomized-controlled trials of ed-tech apps, games and videos on PowerMyLearning Connect shows promise and is ready to scale up, its co-founders say.
Market for Social-Emotional Learning Underdeveloped, Report Says
Products that weave social-emotional learning into core academic subjects, as well as those using newer technologies, are likely to be in demand, according to a recent analysis.
‘A Threat and an Opportunity’ for Testing Companies
States and districts are under mounting pressure from parents and policymakers to cut the number of tests students take, but also to make assessments more meaningful.
SXSWedu to Kick Off as Schools Weigh Big Tech Challenges
The South by Southwest education conference, which last year drew more than 6,000 registrants, opens Monday as district officials face major opportunities, and perils, in trying to choose the right ed-tech products.