Alternatives Unlimited and EdisonLearning Partner to Increase High School Graduation Rates in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Because 1 million of the 4 million students who enter high school each year drop out before they graduate, two of the nation's leading education organizations – Alternatives Unlimited and EdisonLearning – have established dedicated "Drop Back In" learning centers in Cleveland and Columbus. These centers are helping high school dropouts complete their education, earn their high school diplomas, and be prepared to either enter college or receive the necessary credentials to get a job upon graduation.

Alternatives Unlimited, a provider of effective education support services to school districts throughout the United States and EdisonLearning, one of the nation's leading providers of educational solutions for public school districts and charter schools, have opened a total of eight Drop Back-In Centers in Ohio – four each in Columbus and Cleveland.

The eight centers are located in neighborhood churches or community centers and have been sponsored as charter schools by Educational Resource Consultants of Ohio, an organization founded in 2005 that specializes in the creation of community schools.

"Too many students drop out of school because the traditional approach to learning no longer keeps them interested and focused, or because their lives call for a more flexible approach to class scheduling," said Stuart Berger, Chief Executive Officer of Alternatives Unlimited. "Our partnership provides students, who are at risk of not reaching their full potential, the opportunity to earn a diploma in a setting that is both engaging and flexible."

Jeff Wahl, President and Chief Executive Officer of EdisonLearning said: "America's drop out rate is an epidemic. Thirty years ago the United States led the world in high school graduation rates. Today we rank 18th among industrial nations. The success of our children and the nation depend on an educated and skilled workforce. That is why EdisonLearning is proud to partner with Alternatives Unlimited to offer a solution to this problem. We look forward to expanding the partnership to help other communities in Ohio and nationally."

Cleveland and Columbus not only have the highest drop out rates in Ohio, but are among the highest in the United States, making them ideal locations for the Drop Back In Centers.  Of the students who have attended Alternative Unlimited's other drop back in centers in four states, 87% have completed the program and received their high school diplomas.

Unlike a traditional school setting, the Drop Back-In Centers' program is a blend of one-on-one and group instruction, infused with interactive online offerings. Each Center is staffed with on-site education teams to assist students in their daily studies. Two-thirds of the student's instruction is provided by EdisonLearning's eCourses and eSchoolware.

EdisonLearning's more than 100 eCourses cover all key academic subjects. Its eSchoolware includes an electronic gradebook that enables instructors to monitor student progress.

"Our experience tells us that today's students progress academically when they are truly engaged. The modular design of our eCourses provides a learning experience that matches their education with their individual learning styles," said Becky Mazzanobile, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer for EdisonLearning. "They want to learn the way they live."

Alternatives Unlimited

Since 1997, Alternatives Unlimited (AU) has partnered with urban and suburban school districts throughout the United States to provide high quality, cost-effective educational opportunities to the most challenging students. Schools now serve diverse populations in 10 states; providing small classes, individual instruction and the use of quality resources, including online computer labs. For more information: www.alternativesunlimited.com.

EdisonLearning

EdisonLearning is the nation's leading public school partner and innovator, serving more than 450,000 children in 25 states and the United Kingdom and Abu Dhabi. We are a national education learning solutions company with nearly 20 years of experience partnering with school districts, governments, organizations, and charter authorizers and boards.  For more information: www.edisonlearning.com.

SOURCE EdisonLearning