Highly Rigorous "Forward" Program, Developed in Partnership With Montgomery County Public Schools, Reinvents Teaching and Learning

ORLANDO. – Jan. 30, 2013 – At FETC 2013 today, Pearson announced Forward, the new K-5 instructional system of services, tools and curriculum designed to transform the way that teaching and learning happens. Developed through a public-private partnership between Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Pearson, Forward integrates instruction across reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, focusing on the rigors of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, creativity and academic success skills. Based on the concepts of MCPS' highly rigorous program, Curriculum 2.0, Forward integrates the content areas in a way that will save teachers valuable planning time and encourages compelling and engaging teaching.

Commenting on Forward's transformative approach to teaching and learning, Dr. Erick Lang, MCPS's Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Programs, said "Reading and mathematics are essential to a child’s success, but students do better in these subjects when they are well-rounded students. The integrated curriculum renews focus on the whole child and nurtures skills that build confidence and success.”

Lang noted that Forward adheres to the CCSS approach to text complexity, and helps teachers strongly focus on the CCSS for mathematics, deepening students’ conceptual understanding and procedural skills. It also engages students beyond reading and mathematics to spark greater interest in science and social studies. He said, “By encouraging the applications of reading comprehension strategies across science and social studies topics, students are encouraged to progress from learning to read to reading to learn."

Featuring a learning hub of select materials from Pearson's classroom-tested curriculum programs, such as enVisionMATH, Reading Street and Interactive Science, Forward's instructional design encourages students to read earlier and helps them achieve a better understanding of mathematical practices. Students learning with Forward also receive a more robust education with an increased focus on science and civic engagement.

There are two types of assessment in Forward. Content-area formative assessments support the content being taught and are tied directly to Forward’s curriculum in each sample lesson. Forward's Success Skills Assessments nurture and measure student growth around key critical thinking, creative thinking and academic success skills. These activity-based assessments are embedded into the curriculum and engage students in classroom activities that are consistent with the Common Core State Standards.

"The development of Forward reflects a true partnership between Pearson and MCPS. We share the core belief that building a firm foundation and strong critical thinking skills in the elementary grades is the lynchpin to ensuring that students are prepared for success in high school, college and career," said Pearson Senior Vice President Mike Evans. "Now available to schools around the country, Forward provides teachers with a learning environment for helping students become agile thinkers, problem solvers, collaborators and, ultimately, lifelong learners."

Districts interested in implementing Forward will receive support from Pearson

through a combination of on-site and virtual training and professional development for the first three years of implementation.

For more information about Forward, visit www.pearsonschool.com/forward.

About Pearson

Pearson has as its mission to work side-by-side with states, districts, teachers, students and parents to ensure that every child is prepared for college and career (NYSE: PSO). http://www.pearsoned.com