Edgenuity - Business Development Achievement of the Year

Company: Edgenuity, Scottsdale, AZ
Company Description: Edgenuity is a leading provider of online curriculum and instructional services for K–12 schools. More than 20,000 schools nationwide, including 20 of the 25 largest districts, partner with Edgenuity to meet academic goals and improve student outcomes. Edgenuity’s full suite of solutions is aimed at helping students, educators, and districts achieve success in their online learning programs.
Nomination Category: Business Development Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Business Development Achievement of the Year - Technology Industries

Nomination Title: Weld North Education Partners with Louisiana to Offer Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum

Purpose Prep, a leading online course provider focused on social and emotional learning (SEL), was founded by entrepreneur Daniel Budzinski in 2014 with the aim of transforming students and teachers worldwide through evidence-based and relevant SEL curricula. The Purpose Prep curriculum—offered through 1,000+ hours of SEL content, 600+ engaging instructional videos, and 60+ topical intervention modules—focuses on personal, character, and leadership development as well as the development of healthy social and emotional skills, mental health and wellness, and readiness for life beyond school.

In July 2020, Purpose Prep became a part of Weld North Education (WNE), the leading pure-play digital education company in the U.S. Over the last decade, WNE has expanded its mission by investing broadly in the development of best-in-class digital curriculum capabilities to engage, support, and productively challenge students and educators across the entire PreK–12 landscape.

With the added stressors and interrupted routines across many aspects of student life today, the combination of WNE’S solutions with Purpose Prep’s premier SEL curriculum is an especially effective means of creating well-rounded, citizens in the classroom and in the world.

Outline the department’s achievements since July 1, 2019 that you wish to bring to the judges’ attention (250 words maximum)

On July 21, 2020, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards provided all of Louisiana’s middle- and high-school students access to online SEL courses through Purpose Prep and Edgenuity—a K–12 online curriculum and blended learning solution provider also owned by WNE—in recognition of the critical role that SEL plays in promoting student success and well-being.

As students faced continued disruption to their school routine—due not only to COVID-19, but to widespread social justice and civil rights demonstrations and the three fatal hurricanes that touched down in the state in 2020—the social and emotional support and skills provided by the Purpose Prep curriculum were vital.

Taught by over 80+ content experts, mental health professionals, educators, and global leaders coming from all walks of life, the Purpose Prep courses made available to Louisiana students were designed to educate the whole learner, create a safe place for students to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve students’ communication and academic performance.

Throughout the course, students are taught about healthy emotional responses and strategies, building and maintaining relationships through chaos, and defining purpose through uncertain times.

Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible, compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (250 words maximum)

K–12 schools have long been sources of support, community, socialization, and security for their students. The multimedia-rich lessons made available through WNE’s deal with the state of Louisiana were directly responsible for removing barriers to entry for students to access resources that could help meet their social and emotional needs––remotely, any time they need.

Studies have shown how vital SEL is to the development of children and young adults, and that it is essential to academic achievement and future career success. For instance, a survey of 762 educators from 15 countries by The Economist Intelligence Unit found that 80% of educators believe that emotional well-being is crucial for developing foundational literacies and communication skills. Additionally, a 2017 PDK Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools found the public believes teaching skills such as cooperation, respect, and problem-solving are the most important factor in school quality.

Purpose Prep’s courses are furthermore unique for their research-backed foundations and alignment with industry best practices. Each of Purpose Prep’s SEL courses aligns to the five core competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—as well as best practices outlined by the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks. The material is approved and delivered by mental health professionals, content experts, and global leaders with a diverse range of experience.

More information about the Purpose Prep SEL curriculum can be found here:

https://www.edgenuity.com/solutions/social-and-emotional-learning/
https://www.purposeprep.com/

And more information about this deal between Louisiana and WNE is available here: https://www.edgenuity.com/louisiana-to-provide-sel-courses-statewide/