Sopris Announces Launch of New Professional Development Curriculum Model for LETRS® Louisa Moats Literacy Academy

LONGMONT, Colo., June 16, 2011 - Sopris, a business unit of Cambium Learning Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ABCD) in collaboration with the American College of Education announced today the launch of a new model for its professional development program, LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Louisa Moats Literacy Academy. The new online model enables participants to receive professional development, earn a Concentration in Literacy, and/or a Master's degree, thereby helping teachers professionalize their work in reading.

Developed by literacy expert, Louisa Moats, Ed.D., the new LETRS Louisa Moats Literacy Academy model is an affordable, accessible, professional development program. Educators can now complete the modules either in-person using curriculum delivered by certified LETRS trainers or entirely online through the American College of Education (for CEUs, graduate credit, a concentration, or a master's degree). In addition, educators who choose either the online or in-person track can become a LETRS Online Facilitator by simply taking the Online Facilitator Course offered by American College of Education. The updated model not only responds to the need for high-quality literacy educators at all levels, but in addition, provides deep foundational knowledge and:

• Is research-based
• Supports common core standards
• Provides strategies and activities that can be implemented immediately
• Increases effectiveness of any core or supplemental program
• Helps teachers become better teachers who in turn get better results
• Provides graduate credit model for knowledge gained

"Through LETRS, we honor the teacher's need to understand and make judgments – about programs, methods and students – and to know why and for whom certain practices are effective. Intellectually engaged teachers are more likely to be committed, collaborative and effective," says Louisa Moats, Literacy Expert and Lead Author of LETRS.

"LETRS continues to reach thousands of teachers who, in turn, reach thousands of students—making a significant, lasting impact on literacy achievement," states George Logue, President of Sopris. "Bringing together the gold-standard content of LETRS professional development with the innovative, online capabilities of ACE enables educators to develop the deep, foundational knowledge needed as they grow professionally with graduate-level courses."

The online options offered by American College of Education are in addition to those offered by Cambium Learning and  fit into any school system or state-level implementation and support any educator pursuing a great depth of literacy knowledge for professional development or graduate-level studies.

Online course dates begin September 5, 2011, October 17, 2011 and November 28, 2011. To sign-up for an upcoming online course or for more information, call 1.800.280.0307.

About Sopris

For over 35 years, Sopris has focused exclusively on moving all students to their full academic potential. With a firm commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice, Sopris supplemental products focus on the full spectrum of academic support—including assessment, supplements, intervention, positive behavior supports, and professional development.  Whether implemented in a single classroom or school-/district-wide, Sopris supplements have been proven to strengthen core instruction and to quickly and positively impact the academic achievement of students in literacy, math, and spoken language. Sopris is a business unit of Cambium Learning Group, Inc. [Nasdaq: ABCD] based in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit soprislearning.com.

About American College of Education

The American College of Education is solely dedicated to providing the best possible educational opportunities for practicing and aspiring educators through its online education degree program. The mission of American College of Education is to deliver affordable, online degree programs that provide evidence-based content and relevant experiences to improve educators' knowledge, skills, and performance. American College of Education is committed to improving the academic achievement of preK–12 students, especially in high-need, urban areas. The college provides, monitors, and adjusts results-oriented curriculum. Candidates receive coursework designed to raise student achievement through evidence-based teaching and learning.

Media and Investor Contact:
Shannan Overbeck
Cambium Learning Group, Inc.
214.932.9476
[email protected]

Media Contact:
Kerry Goldstein
American College of Education
214.210.4066
[email protected]

SOURCE Sopris/Cambium Learning Group, Inc.