NEW YORK — SpringBoard®, the foundational curriculum component for the College Board’s College Readiness System™, has been recognized for “exceptional quality without peer in contemporary educational program designs in English language arts and mathematics” by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International, a professional association for educators focused on the tenets of service, research and leadership.
After conducting a curriculum management audit of SpringBoard, PDK reported that SpringBoard leveraged materials they could comfortably use in the classroom and found the overall design of the program to be “very strong in emphasizing quality student engagement and learning.” The report states, “unequivocally, SpringBoard supports and cultivates transformation change in schools” and “students who complete the SpringBoard program will have substantially greater likelihood to be successful in postsecondary environments.”
The College Board developed SpringBoard as a Pre-AP® program for grades 6–12 in English Language Arts and Mathematics, based on the College Board Standards for College Success™. Written by teachers for teachers, SpringBoard is a research-based program designed to prepare students for AP® and college success through integrated instructional materials, formative assessments and sustained professional development. SpringBoard provides a vertical alignment of the skills and knowledge students need to be successful in preparing for college starting in grade 6 through grade 12 to ensure that all students are prepared for the rigorous courses required of today’s students.
“We are honored by PDK’s recognition of the exceptional depth, quality and rigor of the SpringBoard program,” said Pamela Nelson, vice president and general manager of SpringBoard at the College Board. “We have seen measurable successes in large school districts, like Hillsborough County in Tampa, Fla., that have realized significant improvements in state exam results and the number of students both participating in AP and receiving qualifying or better scores on the culminating exams as a direct result of SpringBoard. It is gratifying to receive PDK’s additional, independent affirmation of the strength of the program.”
The PDK Curriculum Management Audit
The PDK Curriculum Management Audit is recognized internationally as a proven viable and valid tool for the improvement of curriculum design and delivery. Governed by the same principles and standards as a financial audit, the curriculum management audit determines how effectively a curriculum is designed and delivered at the school or district level. Based on the research of Fenwick English, founder of the Curriculum Management Center, both curriculum policy and the system in which the curriculum functions are analyzed. A final report provides specific recommendations to improve those functions.
A summary of PDK’s findings as well as the full report can be found at www.collegeboard.org/springboard/pdk.
About SpringBoard®
SpringBoard®, the College Board’s comprehensive English Language Arts and Mathematics program for all students in grades 6–12, offers an instructional model designed for both teacher and student success. Encompassing consumable and online curriculum materials, formative assessments and professional development, SpringBoard is the foundational component for the College Board’s College Readiness System that works with districts, schools and staff to deliver unparalleled rigor, relevance and results that prepare students for AP®, college and careers. For more information about SpringBoard or the PDK study, please call toll-free 877-999-7723 or visit www.collegeboard.org/springboard.
About the College Board
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 5,900 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.
About PDK International
Founded in 1906, PDK International is a global association for professional educators. The organization's mission is to support education, particularly public education, as the cornerstone of democracy. More information is online at www.pdkintl.org.
Media Contacts
Jennifer Topiel, the College Board, 212-713-8052, communications@collegeboard.org
Ashley Kincaid, PDK International, 800-766-1156, akincaid@pdkintl.org