ÿþ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/strict.dtd"> <html> <head> <meta content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <title>EdOptions News</title> <meta content="Home page for Educational Options, Inc., featuring innovative web-based programs for middle, high school, and adult learners." name="description"> <meta content="education, educational technology, web-based curriculum, software, curriculum, learning technology, edoptions, novel, novelstars, testpak, high school prep, ged duo, college prep, middle school, high school, web-based educational software, corrections programs, correctional programs, k-12 school, credit recovery, summer school, remediation, dropout reduction." name="keywords"> <meta content="all" name="robots"> <meta content="Ty Largo" name="author"> <link href="../CSS_Main.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"> <script src="../switchcontent.js" type="text/javascript"> /*********************************************** * Switch Content script- ? 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(EdOptions"!), an award-winning education technology firm based in Falls Church, Va., to enhance its comprehensive portfolio of education solutions. PLATO Learning is backed by leading middle market private equity firm Thoma Bravo, LLC.</p> <p><a href="press/PLATO-Acquires-Educational-Options.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>November 9, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Orchard Now"! Releases Correlation to Common Core Standards</sup></strong></p> <p><b><i>Math and Language Arts Assessment and Instruction are Aligned to Ensure Appropriate Preparation and Remediation</b></i></p> <p> Educational Options, Inc. (EdOptions"!) announced today the release of the Common Core Standards correlation for its online elementary and middle school product line, Orchard Now. With this correlation, educators can be assured that Orchard Now s instructional activities, assessment, and practice cover the skills and knowledge found within the standards.</p> <p><a href="press/Orchard_Now_Releases_Correlation_to_Common_Core_Standards.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>September 8, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Orchard Now"! Releases Math Concepts for Grades 4-6 Instruction</sup></strong></p> <p><b><i>New Activities Offer Multimedia, Web-Delivered Content Aligned to NCTM Standards</b></i></p> <p>EdOptions"! elementary division product, Orchard Now, released today new Math Concepts instructional activities for grades 4-6. The new Math Concepts activities provide practice with number sense; basic operations and order of operations; geometry and spatial sense; graphing and managing data; probability; measurement; algebra, patterning, and logic; and fraction concepts. This is the third product release from Orchard Now this year.</p> <p><a href="press/Orchard_Now"!_Releases_Math_Concepts_for_Grades_4-6_Instruction.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>August 22, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Launches New Classroom Management System</sup></strong></p> <p><b><i>Math and Language Arts Assessments and Curriculum are Aligned to Ensure Appropriate Instruction, Remediation, and Practice</b></i></p> <p>Educational Options, Inc. (EdOptions"!) announced today significant new features and functionality launching in its online curriculum product Stars Suite®. The new Classroom Management system offers educators a streamlined experience with more control when managing their online classes. From a real-time, big picture view of each class to customizing curriculum at the student and class level, users will find the new system simple and efficient.</p> <p><a href="press/EdOptions_Launches_New_Classroom_Management_System.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>August 2, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Orchard Software® Releases Correlation to Common Core Standards</sup></strong></p> <p><b><i>Math and Language Arts Assessments and Curriculum are Aligned to Ensure Appropriate Instruction, Remediation, and Practice</b></i></p> <p>EdOptions<sup>&trade;</sup> announced today the release of the <a href="http://orchardsoftware.com/corrs/CommonCore-Rev_A.pdf" target="_blank">Common Core Standards correlation</a> for its elementary product line, Orchard Software®. With this correlation, educators can be assured that Orchard's instruction, assessment, and remediation cover the skills and knowledge found within the standards.</p> <p><a href="press/Orchard_Software®_Releases_Correlation_to_Common_Core_Standards.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>June 3, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Orchard Now<sup>&trade;</sup> Releases Language Concepts for Grades 1-2 Instruction</sup></strong></p> <p><b><i>New Activities Offer Multimedia, Web-Delivered Content Aligned to NCTE Standards</b></i></p> <p>EdOptions<sup>&trade;</sup> elementary division product, <a href="http://www.orchardnow.com/" target="_blank">Orchard Now,</a> released today new Language Concepts instructional activities for grades 1-2.  The new Language Concepts activities provide practice with the alphabet, basic keyboarding skills, exposure to forming new words using consonant and vowel sounds, and an introduction to using rhyming to complete couplets.  This is the second product release from Orchard Now since the beginning of the year.</p> <p> Orchard Now s Language Concepts activities cater to all students, from nonreaders to fluent readers, by progressing through incremental stages and using multiple instructional methods, said Janice Wilder, vice president of academics and curriculum for EdOptions.</p> <p><a href="press/Orchard-Now-Releases-Language-Concepts-for-Grades-1-2-Instruction.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>April 21, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Named Finalist in 2011 CODiE Awards</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.edoptions.com/" target="_blank">EdOptions</a> has been named as a finalist in the <a href="http://www.siia.net/codies/2011" target="_blank">Software & Information Industry Association s 26th Annual CODiE Awards</a>. <a href="http://edoptions.com/products/stars/index.html" target="_blank">Stars Suite®</a>, EdOptions Web-based instructional program, is one of four products recognized in the <a href="http://www.siia.net/codies/2011/finalist_detail.asp?id=33" target="_blank">Best K-12 Course or Learning Management Solution category.</a></p> <p>The CODiE Awards recognize excellence in the business software, digital content, and education technology industries. Winners are selected from products submitted by technology companies around the world. </p> <p><a href="press/EdOptions-Named-Finalist-in-2011-CODiE-Awards.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>April 12, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Wins Two 2011 BESSIE Awards</strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.edoptions.com/" target="_blank">EdOptions</a> has been honored with two 2011 Best Educational Software (BESSIE) Awards.  BESSIEs are awarded by <a href="http://computedgazette.com/" target="_blank">ComputED Learning Center</a>, San Diego s leading computer education resource. Stars Suite®, EdOptions Web-based instructional program, is the winner of the Multi-Level Multi-Subject Website category. <a href="http://www.orchardnow.com/" target="_blank">Orchard Now"!,</a> the elementary division s Web-delivered program with activities, practice, and state standard-aligned assessments, is the winner of the Early Elementary Math Assessment Website category. EdOptions has now received BESSIE Awards for four consecutive years.</p> <p><a href="press/EdOptions_Wins_Two_2011_BESSIE_Awards.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>April 7, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Orchard Now<sup>&trade;</sup> Releases New Remedial Math Instruction</sup></strong></p> <p><b><i>Web-Based Activities Provide Remediation Students Need in an Age-Appropriate Format</b></i></p> <p>Only five months after the debut of <a href="http://www.orchardnow.com/" target="_blank">Orchard Now</a>, the Web-based assessment, instruction, and practice program releases a new remedial version of its Math instructional activities for grades 1 to 3.  The new Math activities mirror the current Orchard Now on-grade level content but provide a graphic presentation that is age-appropriate for older students working at a lower grade level.</p> <p> When choosing software for remediation, it is critical that particular attention is paid to the presentation of material in an age-appropriate manner, said Janice Wilder, vice president of academics and curriculum for EdOptions<sup>&trade;</sup>.   Orchard Now s new remedial Math instruction provides curriculum that the student needs within an environment that the student can relate to, thereby creating an excellent resource for educators. </p> <p><a href="press/Orchard Now_remedial math_release 031711.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>March 17, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Blue Ridge International Academy<sup>&trade;</sup> becomes EdOptions Online Academy<sup>&trade;</sup></strong></p> <p>EdOptions is rebranding its virtual secondary school division from Blue Ridge International Academy to EdOptions Online Academy. The Academy will continue to provide online middle- and high school curriculum with certified teacher support, along with some new educational solutions for students and schools.  Information about all that EdOptions Online Academy has to offer is available at the new website, <a href="http://www.edoptionsacademy.com/" target="_blank">www.edoptionsacademy.com</a>.</p> <p><a href="press/EOA_PR_Rebranding_030211.pdf" target="_blank"> -View complete press release</a> <p>March 2, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions"! Introduces New English and Science Courses</strong></p> <p>EdOptions is thrilled to announce the release of two new courses: English I (2011) and Middle School Earth Science.  English I represents a completely new version of ninth grade language arts.  Interesting reading selections, exercises that call for self-reflection  such as a journal  writing feature for students to try their hand at writing in different genres and styles  and extension activities that apply what is learned to real-world situations combine to keep students actively involved in this standards-based course.  Middle School Earth Science combines clearly stated, comprehensive text and exciting interactive elements to keep students engaged and facilitate their mastery of required concepts and skills in the four areas of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy.</p> <p><a href="press/FINAL EO_PR_EnglishandEarthScience_022311.pdf"> -View complete press release</a> <p>February 23, 2011</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions and Orchard Learning win 2010 EDDIE Awards</strong></p> <p>EdOptions and its elementary division, Orchard Learning, have been honored by ComputED Gazette’s 15th Annual Education Review (EDDIE) Awards.  Stars Suite®, the Web-based instructional program from EdOptions, is the winner of the Best Multi-Subject Website category.  Orchard Software™ Language Arts Grades 7-9 is the winner for the Middle School Language Arts category.  EdOptions has now received EDDIE awards for three consecutive years.</p> <p><a href="press/EdOptions and Orchard Learning 2010 EDDIE Award.pdf"> -View entire article </a> <p>September 27, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Helps Students Recover Credits in Texas</strong></p> <p>Credit recovery are buzz words around the country as state education agencies struggle to increase graduation rates.  Texas is no different and large and small school districts alike are employing educational technology to assist in this effort.  There are several software and web-based programs used in schools for credit recovery, but not all of them cater to the needs of the type of student that would most likely need credit recovery.  Stars Suite® by EdOptions is an online curriculum that meets the needs of these students.</p> <p><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-49336-Houston-Public-Schools-Examiner~y2010m8d1-EdOptions-helps-students-recover-credits?cid=email-this-article"> -View entire article </a> <p>August 1, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Stars Suite® Saves Schools Money with Online Summer School, CNN Money Reports</strong></p> <p>“School has truly been out for the summer this year, as thanks to budget woes, many districts across the country have been forced to cut their summer school programs down to the bare minimum, or cancel them altogether”… “After an 80% summer-school budget cut, 320 Floyds Knobs summer school students will be clicking their way through subjects like algebra, history, and chemistry using an educational software program called the Stars Suite.”</p> <p><a href="http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/07/27/summer-school-goes-online/"> -View entire article </a> <p>July 27, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Helps Rappahannock County High School Succeed in Summer School</strong></p> <p>Susan Fox, RCHS alternative education teacher, sees many advantages of EdOptions summer school program.  “It was designed as a recovery summer school for students who failed the SOL or failed a class.  This program can keep them on track for graduation.  But some students simply take advantage of the opportunity to improve a grade or enrich their transcripts.  There are various reasons for attending.  There are social benefits for the students, too.  This isn’t the normal social dynamic of regular school.  There aren’t as many distractions.  They can focus and do their work.  It gives them another venue to be successful academically.”</p> <p><a href="http://www.rappnews.com/2010/07/22/learning-doesnt-take-a-break-for-summer/4935/"> -View entire article </a> <p>July 22, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Clinton Students Get a Boost from Online Technology</strong></p> <p>Summer vacation for most students includes rest and a whole lot of fun.  But a growing number of Mississippi students are back in the classroom in hopes of improving their performances in math, English, science and social studies.  Clinton High School Assistant Principal Kelly Heath says what makes these classes so appealing is the nontraditional setting.  The program has become so popular that the district has extended it to all students beginning with 6th grade. Director Angel Olinger says the summer online program is especially beneficial to students at high risk of dropping out.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mpbonline.org/news/story/online-and-classroom-summer-school-numbers-are-rising"> -View entire article </a> <p>July 13, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; and Orchard Learning&#8482;  honored with 2010 AEP Awards</strong></p> <p>EdOptions and its elementary division, Orchard Learning, have  received three 2010 Distinguished Achievement Awards from the Association  of Educational Publishers (AEP). EdOptions won best World Language  Curriculum for grades 9-12 for its Spanish II course. Orchard Learning&#8217;s  Orchard Software won best Administrative Tools for grades K-5 and  best Mathematics Curriculum for grades 6-8. The Distinguished Achievement  Awards recognize the year&#8217;s top educational products.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions%20and%20Orchard%20Learning%20honored%20with%202010%20AEP%20Awards.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>June 10, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; and Orchard Learning&#8482;  honored with 2010 BESSIE Awards</strong></p> <p>EdOptions and its elementary division, Orchard Learning, have  been honored with six 2010 Best Educational Software (BESSIE) Awards.  The BESSIE Awards target innovative and content-rich programs and  websites that provide parents and teachers with the technology to  foster educational excellence.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions-OrchardLearning-honored-with-2010-Bessie-Awards.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>April 20, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; CEO Dr. Tom Sawner Selected  for 2010 Smart100 </strong></p> <p>Washington SmartCEO magazine announced today its 2010 Smart100  CEOs, an exclusive group of the region&#39;s top executives, as selected  by an independent selection committee. Dr. Thomas Sawner, CEO of  Educational Options, Inc. is among those selected. </p> <a href="press/EdOptions-CEO-Tom-Sawner-Selected-2010-Smart100.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>Febuary 2, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; Receives Tempe Chamber  2010 Business Excellence Award </strong></p> <p>The Tempe Chamber of Commerce presented EdOptions with the 2010  Business Excellence Award at the 13th annual Breakfast for Chamber  Champions at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel. Recipients must demonstrate  a record of business success and growth, community involvement,  dedication to employees, leadership, reliability and commitment  to customer service. </p> <a href="press/EdOptions-Receives-Tempe-Chamber-2010-Business-Excellence-Award.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>February 10, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; Salutes African American  History Month with Release of New Course</strong></p> <p>EdOptions is very pleased to announce the release of its newest  course offering to coincide with African American History Month.  African American Studies (2010) is a semester-long course that traces  the experiences of Africans in the Americas from 1500 to the present  day. </p> <a href="press/EdOptions-Salutes-African-American-History-Month-with-Release-of-New-Course.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>February 1, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; Introduces New Course:  Spanish II</strong></p> <p>EdOptions is launching a new Spanish II course today for middle  and high school students that will build upon the introductory language  and culture material covered in Spanish I and expand students&#39; knowledge  of grammar and vocabulary.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions-Introduces-New-Spanish-II-Course.pdf">-View  Complete Press Release </a> <p>January 12, 2010 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Stars Suite© Algebra 1 Wins EDDIE  Award</strong></p> <p>EdOptions announced today that it has been awarded an Education  Software Review (EDDIE) award by the ComputED Learning Center for  its Math Course, Algebra 1. EdOptions is extremely proud to be recognized  for its Algebra 1 course, given its importance in today&#39;s education.  National Mathematics Advisory Panel research shows that students  who do well in algebra are more likely to succeed in college and  to be ready for better career opportunities in the global economy.</p> <a href="press/Stars-Suite-Algebra-1-Wins-EDDIE-Award-100609.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>October 6, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>U.S. Rep. James Moran (D-VA) Highlights  Importance of Providing Education to Inmates</strong></p> <p>Rep. Moran visited Offender Aid and Restoration&#39;s headquarters  in Arlington, VA on Sept. 21st to thank Sheriff Beth Arthur for  implementing OAR&#39;s education program at the county jail. Sheriff  Arthur views inmates&#39; time spent in jail as an opportunity to access  education and learn life skills. &quot;That&#39;s the thing we ought to be  doing all over the country,&quot; Moran said. Tom Sawner, CEO of EdOptions,  explains that Arthur pioneered a first-in-the-nation program that  allows access to a Web-delivered education system in a strict, Internet-prohibited,  secure environment.</p> <a href="press/U.S-%20Rep.-James-Moran-Highlights-Importance-of-Providing-Education-to-Inmates.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>October 3, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; Offers Schools Affordable  Solution to Ensure Continuity of Learning</strong></p> <p>EdOptions (www.edoptions.com), an award-winning educational technology  company, announced today that it will offer schools a built-in disaster  recovery plan to provide an affordable, accessible strategy for  educators to help ensure the continuity of learning. In case of  a disaster, natural or otherwise (e.g. H1N1), all students in a  school could quickly be added to the Web-delivered system and continue  classes from home or another secure location with an Internet connection.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions-Offers-Schools-Continuity-of-Learning.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>September 17, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Educational Options Foundation  and MCSO Graduation</strong></p> <p>Six students received their high school diploma along with others  who were recognized for earning their General Education Development  (GED) diploma at a very special graduation ceremony at the Lower  Buckeye Jail in Tempe, Arizona. These achievements are as a result  of a partnership between Arizona&#39;s Maricopa County Sheriff&#39;s Office  (MCSO) and The Educational Options Foundation. As a result of the  partnership, MCSO began offering incarcerated juveniles the opportunity  to use secure Internet-delivered content to prepare for a GED diploma,  the state standardized test (AIMS), or earn high school credits  for a diploma. The Educational Options Foundation grant addresses  the unique needs of jail students through the use of EdOptions&#8482;  Stars Suite&#8482; content delivery system.</p> <a href="press/MCSO%20Graduation%20091509.pdf">-View Complete Press  Release </a> <p>September 15, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Alachua County&#39;s Online CROP Helps  Cultivate Learning, Grow Student Success</strong></p> <p>Gainesville, Fla. - Alachua County Public Schools Curriculum  Supervisor Charles Wise is in the business of saving students -  his program does it several hundred times a year.</p> <a href="press/Success-FL-gainsville-credit-090909.pdf">-View Complete  Press Release </a> <p>September 9, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; Approved Provider for  Florida Virtual Instruction Program</strong></p> <p>Arlington, VA, Sept. 1, 2009 &#8211; Educational Options, Inc. announced  today that it has been chosen as an approved provider for the new  full-time grade 9-12 component to the Florida School District Virtual  Instruction Program. This new component will be implemented in the  2009-10 school year through EdOptions&#8217; virtual school division &#8211;  Blue Ridge International Academy. EdOptions is also an approved  provider for the dropout prevention, Department of Juvenile Justice  and career education components of the Florida VIP.</p> <a href="press/WEB-Approved-Full-time-FL-Provider-083109.pdf">-View  Complete Press Release </a> <p>September 1, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions High School Brings New  Learning Model to the Valley</strong></p> <p>Prescott Valley, AZ, July 13, 2009 &#8211; The Educational Options  Foundation, a Tempe, Ariz. nonprofit corporation, will open their  first independent public high school this fall at a location in  Tempe, Ariz., it was announced today. EdOptions High School (EOHS)&#8212;a  Next Generation independent public school&#8212;will provide high school  students with a 21st-century approach to learning by merging highly  qualified classroom teachers and an award-winning Web-based educational  curriculum in a school setting. In addition to the classroom and  learning labs, students can also access coursework 24/7 from any  computer with an Internet connection.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions-High-School-Opening.pdf">-View Complete  Press Release </a> <p>July 13, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions Foundation Provides Virtual  Education Solution for Maricopa County Jail System</strong></p> <p>Phoenix, AZ, July 6, 2009 &#8211; The Educational Options Foundation  and Arizona&#8217;s Maricopa County Sheriff&#8217;s Office (MCSO) Education  Program have partnered to begin offering incarcerated juveniles  the opportunity to use Web-based content delivery to prepare for  a GED, standardized test or earn high school credits. Supported  by a grant provided by the EdOptions Foundation, the project is  headed up by Dr. David Reed, Director of Educational Research for  the Foundation and Ms. Debra Miller, Principal of the MCSO Education  Program. </p> <a href="press/MCSO-Education-Program.pdf">-View Complete Press  Release </a> <p>July 6, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Orchard Software&#8482; and PracticePlanet&#8482;  Win 2009 AEP Awards</strong></p> <p>St. Louis, MO., June 15, 2009 &#8211; EdOptions partner company Orchard  Learning, Inc. announced today that Orchard Software and PracticePlanet  have won in five 2009 Association of Educational Publishers&#8217; (AEP)  Awards program categories, the most wins by any submitting educational  company this year.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions-AEP-2009-Award-Winners-061509.pdf">-View  Complete Press Release </a> <p>June 15, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; CEO Tom Sawner Keynote  Speaker At Venture Capital in Education Summit 2009</strong></p> <p>Stanford, CA, May 29, 2009 &#8211; Tom Sawner, CEO and President of  EdOptions&#8482;, was the featured keynote speaker at the inaugural Venture  Capital in Education Summit 2009 sponsored by investment bank Berkery  Noyes and Stanford University. The Summit brought together an elite  group of leaders,innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to learn  more about the K-12 and postsecondary education sectors and to build  stronger bridges between the early-stage investment community and  the dynamic businesses transforming the education landscape.</p> <a href="press/Tom-Sawner-Keynote-Speaker-Education-Summit-061109.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>May 29, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions High School Principal  Jim Taylor Dyes Hair Blue for Commencement Address</strong></p> <p>Stanford, CA, May 21, 2009 &#8211; Prescott Valley, AZ, May 21, 2009  &#8211; Mr. Jim Taylor, Principal of EdOptions High School in Tempe, Arizona,  has a reputation for going above and beyond for his students. While  principal of Yavapai County High School, Mr. Taylor showed his commitment  by making a promise to a student that if she graduated, he would  dye his hair blue for the graduation ceremony. The student graduated;  Mr. Taylor showed up with blue hair. Not only did Mr. Taylor attend  graduation, but his students invited him to be their commencement  speaker.</p> <a href="press/EdOptions-Principal-Jim-Taylor-Commencement-Address-061109.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>May 21, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <div style="display: none;"> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Virtual School Solution for  Emergency Pandemic Closures</strong></p> <p>Educational Options and the non-profit Educational Options  Foundation are committed to working with you, our valued clients,  to implement a pandemic recovery program to insure students  can continue their education if your school is closed due to  a flu pandemic or other disaster. As your partners in education,  we are dedicated to student success and can be counted on to  help your school during times of need or disaster. Through a  grant from the Educational Options Foundation, this emergency  program is being provided at no cost for every client school.  Additionally, as a current client with a trained system administrator,  implementation should be relatively straightforward.</p> <a href="press/Pandemic_Offer_050109.pdf">-View Complete Press  Release </a> <p>May 1, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> </div> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Blue Ridge International Academy  and Dr. Tom Sawner Featured on Designing Spaces</strong></p> <p>Arlington, VA, April 24, 2009 &#8211; Tom Sawner, CEO of EdOptions,  and Yetanda Massey, Blue Ridge International Academy Science Department  Head, are featured guests on a special-interest edition of Designing  Spaces which begins airing Friday April 24th. Designing Spaces,  currently in its sixth season, aims to inform and inspire viewers  to enhance the spaces that surround them. In this episode, Designing  Spaces correspondent Jamie Jacobs explains that online curriculum  is one of the solutions that educators are using to curb alarming  dropout statistics.</p> <p>&#8220;Blue Ridge harnesses technology to bring parent, teacher, and  student together to enhance student success,&#8221; said Dr. Sawner, CEO  of parent company EdOptions. Blue Ridge&#8217;s approach enables students  to learn at their own pace in a traditional or non-traditional environment.  &#8220;Curriculum is available to our students 24/7 which means they can  truly work at their own pace and have the flexibility that they  need&#8221; explains Yetanda Massey, Science Department Head at Blue Ridge.</p> <a href="press/Tom-Sawner-Designing-Spaces-042409.pdf">-View Complete  Press Release </a> <p>April 24, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>CEO Tom Sawner Celebrates Sixth  Anniversary With EdOptions&#8482;</strong></p> <p>Arlington, VA &#8211; On April 23rd, 2009, Dr. Tom Sawner was proud  to commemorate the six-year anniversary of his purchase of the company.  EdOptions&#8482; has grown from modest beginnings into an award-winning  educational technology firm with an international presence.</p> <a href="press/Tom-Sawner-EdOptions-Celebrates-Anniversary-061109.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>April 23, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; Stars Suite? Wins 2009  Best Educational Software Award</strong></p> <p>Arlington, VA, April 20, 2009 &#8211; EdOptions&#8482;, an education technology  firm, announced today that its Stars Suite? software was awarded  a 2009 Best Educational Software Award (BESSIE) by ComputED Learning  Center (http://www.computedgazette.com/), San Diego&#8217;s leading computer  education resource.</p> <a href="press/Stars%20Suite%20Wins%202009%20BESSIE%20Award%20061109.pdf"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>April 20, 2009 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>CEO Tom Sawner Featured Guest on  The Leaders Spot with Rebecca Blacksmith</strong></p> <p>Arlington, VA, April 8, 2009 &#8211; Tom Sawner, CEO of EdOptions,  was a featured guest on The Leaders Spot with Rebecca Blacksmith  which airs on Washington Business Talk Radio. Dr. Sawner&#39;s interview  aired during the program on April 8, 2009 from 11am-noon on <a href="http://www.TheLeadersSpot.com" target="_blank">www.TheLeadersSpot.com</a>  and WDMV am 700. The interview is available on-demand 24/7 as a  podcast on <a href="http://theleadersspot.com/archives/1152" target="_blank"> http://theleadersspot.com/archives/1152</a>.</p> <p>The Leaders Spot with Rebecca Blacksmith features top business  leaders discussing their respective leadership styles, philosophies,  challenges, successes and industry trends.</p> <a href="press/leadersSpot2009.pdf" target="_blank">-View Complete  Press Release </a> <p>April 8, 2009</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Dr. Tom Sawner, CEO of EdOptions  Participates in President Obama&#8217;s &#8220;Open for Questions&#8221; Town Hall</strong></p> <p>On Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. EST, Tom Sawner of  EdOptions was delighted to attend President Obama&#8217;s &#8220;Open For Questions&#8221;  special online town hall. Dr. Sawner was invited to attend the administration&#8217;s  first virtual town hall as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce  Small Business Council. As one of the select attendees invited to  participate, Dr. Sawner posed a question to the President about  small business owners and their associated tax implications. &#8220;I  was happy to represent business leaders and share the concerns that  many small business owners are faced with during this difficult  economic climate,&#8221; said Dr. Sawner.</p> <a href="press/Dr_Sawner_at_White_House.pdf" target="_blank">- View  Dr. Sawner&#39;s personal pictures </a> <p>March 26, 2009</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Educational Options&#8482; and Orchard  Learning Partner for Complete Pre- K-12 to Adult Education Solution</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, VA, March 30, 2009 &#8211; Siboney Learning Group announced  today its acquisition under a new company name, Orchard Learning,  Inc., by an affiliate of Educational Options Inc., an Arlington,  Va. middle and high school online education technology firm. The  new partnership will create a comprehensive pre-K &#8211; Adult curriculum  solution.</p> <p>&quot;The synergy between Educational Options and Orchard Learning  delivers a powerful single-source solution for educators of pre-K  through adult students nationwide,&quot; said Tom Sawner, Ed.D., president  and CEO of Educational Options and the new president of Orchard  Learning, Inc. &quot;By combining the strengths of both companies, the  partnership of Orchard Learning and Educational Options under one  ownership positions us to deliver a full range of leading curriculum  products using advanced technologies that meet the ever-changing  needs of today&#8217;s schools for the entire K-12 and basic adult education  markets.&quot;</p> <a href="press/orchard_learning_release_2009.pdf" target="_blank"> -View Complete Press Release </a> <p>March 30, 2009</p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Dr. Tom Sawner, CEO of EdOptions  to Present in Webinar Sponsored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce</strong></p> <p>On Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. EST, Tom Sawner  of EdOptions will present at a special webinar. As 2006 Small Business  of the Year Award winner, Dr. Sawner will discuss key areas critical  to organizational performance specific to small and medium-sized  businesses. </p> <p>Learn what you can do to improve your long-term business strategies  by following along with Dr. Sawner&#8217;s <u> <a href="Lessons_For_Leaders.pdf" target="_blank">Lessons for Leaders</a></u>  and the <u> <a href="Organizational_Self_Assessment.pdf" target="_blank">Organizational  Self Assessment</a></u>.</p> <p>November 3, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EDOPTIONS&#8482;&#8217; STARS SUITE&#8482; WINS 2008  EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE REVIEW AWARD</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; EdOptions&#8217;, a premier educational software provider,  announced today that its <a href="http://www.edoptions.com/products/">Stars Suite&#8482;</a> was  awarded a 2008 Educational Software Review Award (EDDIE). A Web-based  suite of learning and assessment tools, Stars Suite won for its  innovative and user-friendly multi-subject Web site, novelstars.com. </p> <a href="press/eddie_award.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>October 23, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EDOPTIONS&#8482; FURTHER EXPANDS ITS  COURSE OFFERINGS</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; With already impressive Web-based course offerings,  EdOptions has added two more courses to its list: <em>Spanish I</em>,  the company&#8217;s first foreign language course, and <em>Pre-Calculus</em>.  Both courses are available for the 2008-2009 school year;</p> <a href="press/span_precal.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>September 26, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong><br>EDOPTIONS&#8482; MAPS OUT THE WORLD </strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; EdOptions just added another geography course  to its social studies curriculum. Geography: A Comprehensive Study  is a full-credit offering that builds upon Geography: An Introduction,  which was released during the 2008 term.</p> <a href="press/aug_27_08_geography.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>August 27, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>BLUE RIDGE RECOGNIZED AS DISTANCE  EDUCATION SCHOOL</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; The Commission on Accreditation, created by  the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE), has recognized  Blue Ridge International Academy as a private school in the state  of Virginia. Blue Ridge is one of only three distance education  schools recognized in Virginia by VCPE.</p> <a href="press/081908.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>August 19, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EDOPTIONS&#8482; SCIENCE COURSE GETS  PHYSICAL</strong></p> <p align="left">New Physical Science course engages students with  real-world applications</p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; EdOptions introduces another important addition  to its Web-based Stars Suite&#8482; courses: Middle School Physical Science.  The new course will replace Middle School Physical Science version  1. </p> <a href="press/edoptions_science.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>August 15, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>BLUE RIDGE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY  BRINGS ENGLISH EAST</strong></p> <p align="left">The online school helps broaden student course options  from 7,000 miles away</p> <p>ARLINGTON, Virginia &#8211; Blue Ridge International Academy enrolled  its first two South Korean students this July. Ninth-graders at  Global Vision Christian School (GVCS) in Eumseong, Chungcheongbuk-do  will take freshman English classes through the American-based online  school.</p> <a href="press/blue_ridge_english_east.html">-View Complete Press  Release </a> <p></p> <p>August 8, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>BLUE RIDGE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY&#8482;  OPENS NEW LEARNING CENTER IN TEMPE</strong></p> <p>TEMPE, Arizona &#8211; Blue Ridge International Academy, the triple-accredited  online school, announces the opening of the Blue Ridge Tempe Community  Learning Center.</p> <a href="press/080506.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>May 6, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EDOPTIONS&#8482;&#8217; STARS SUITE&#8482; WINS 2008  BEST EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE AWARD </strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; EdOptions&#8217;, a premier educational software provider,  announced today that its Stars Suite&#8482; was awarded a 2008 Best Educational  Software Award (BESSIE). A Web-based suite of learning and assessment  tools, Stars Suite won for its innovative and user-friendly multi-subject  Web site, novelstars.com.</p> <a href="press/bessie_award.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>May 2, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>BRITISH LITERATURE TAKES THE STAGE</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211;EdOptions&nbsp; introduces another important  addition to its Web-based Stars Suite courses: British Literature.  The new course emphasizes the cultural and historical elements that  shape literary movements. </p> <a href="press/080425.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> <p></p> <p>April 18, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>PRESIDENT BUSH ADDRESSES EDOPTIONS&#8482;  AT 2008 SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; President George W. Bush met with small business  leaders Friday, April 18 to address what actions his Administration  is taking to help America&#8217;s small businesses. As a representative  from a small business that has benefited from Bush&#8217;s 2008 Economic  Stimulus Act, EdOptions CEO <a href="http://www.edoptions.com/about/ceo.html">Tom Sawner</a>  was in attendance, and included in the President&#8217;s remarks.<br> <a href="press/080418.html">-View Complete Press Release </a> </p> <p>April 18, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EDOPTIONS&#8482; WESTERN REGIONAL OFFICE  MOVES</strong></p> <p>TEMPE, Arizona &#8211; EdOptions announces the new location of its  Western Regional Office. The office has relocated to 3280 South  Country Club Way, Suite 100, Tempe, Arizona 85282. All phone and  fax numbers will remain the same.<br> <a href="press/080414_edops_west_office_moves.html">-View Complete  Press Release </a></p> <p>April 14, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#8482; CEO Participates in  Roundtable Discussion with President Bush</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. &#8211; President George W. Bush met with EdOptions&#8482;  CEO <a href="http://www.edoptions.com/about/ceo.html">Tom Sawner</a>  and eight other small business leaders Monday, April 7 at the White  House to discuss the benefits of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008.<br> <a href="press/080404_CEO_meeting_with_president.html">-View Complete  Press Release </a></p> <p>April 7, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>EdOptions&#39; Geography Course Charts  New Territory</strong></p> <p>ARLINGTON, Va. - In an effort to keep up with an ever-changing  world environment, EdOptions has released a newly redesigned, cutting-edge  geography course.<br> <a href="press/080125_geography_release.html">-View Complete Press  Release </a></p> <p>January 25, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p class="news_headline"><strong>Maryland Schools Go Online to Curb  Dropout Rates</strong></p> <p>CENTERVILLE, Md. - The Eastern Shore of Maryland Education Consortium  (ESMEC) plans to expand its dropout prevention program through a  partnership with EdOptions, thanks to a $223,250 earmark from the  2008 Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) spending bill.<br> <a href="press/080122_maryland_schools.html">-View Complete Press  Release </a></p> <p>January 22, 2008 </p> <p> <img alt="line" height="5" src="../img/line_separator.gif" width="350"></p> <p><a href="archive.html">View News Archive</a></p> </div> </td> <td style="width: 175px"> <div id="meat_level02_right"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </td> <td class="td_level02_shadow_right">&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="td_shadow_left_bottom">&nbsp;</td> <td class="td_shadow_mid_bottom" colspan="3">&nbsp;</td> <td class="td_shadow_right_bottom">&nbsp;</td> </tr> </table> <div id="bottomnav"> <p><a href="../index.html">Home</a> | <a href="../about/index.html">About  Us</a> | <a href="../products/index.html">Products</a> |<a href="../success/index.html">  Success Stories</a> | <a href="../support/index.html">Support</a> | <a href="index.html">News</a> |<a href="../contact/index.html"> Contact  Us</a><a href="../Templates/f"></a> <a href="../about/accreditation.html"> <img style="vertical-align:middle" alt="Accredited" height="40" src="../img/index_naas.gif" width="102"></a></p> </div> <div id="copyright"> 866-243-7460 | Copyright © 2007 Educational Options, Inc. 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