Editure merges with AUSSIE
Editure merges with AUSSIE , US teacher professional development firm
Complementary merger with AUSSIE builds synergies in US, UK and Australian markets
New York, 18 April 2007 – Leading Australian education services provider, Editure, today announced a merger with US-based professional development firm, AUSSIE (Australian and United States Services in Education). Headquartered in New York, AUSSIE has partnered with over 1,000 schools and school districts to deliver professional development programs targeted at improving student literacy and numeracy standards. AUSSIE is renowned for having delivered highly effective professional development to more than 80,000 teachers servicing over two million students across the United States.
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Editure has received international attention for its leadership and innovation in online education. With its learning platform software for the K-12 schools market, the mysuite™ product range, Editure provides services globally to over 9,000 schools and four million users across four continents.
Late last year, Editure announced its vision to develop the next generation, web 2.0 virtual learning environment software, the online classroom of the future, with significant investment being directed into R+D and prototyping with a release pending in 2008. Kim Ford, CEO of Editure said: “From the beginning of our discussions, both parties understood the potential benefits of merging Editure and AUSSIE Editure’s vision and expertise in developing online learning platform products, coupled with AUSSIE ’s professional development methodologies for teachers, its delivery of programs and expert knowledge in Reading and Math in particular, will enhance value to all clients.”
“This merger further increases our commitment to education, towards our vision of improving learning outcomes globally.” Diane Snowball, co-founder of AUSSIE , agrees. “Everyone’s priority is to improve standards in literacy and numeracy as the fundamental building blocks to improving outcomes for students. Technology is playing an increasing role in assisting us to meet the education standards expected by parents. “I’m excited that, together, we have the potential to make the company an even more respected and sought after educational services provider than it is already.” Mr Ford added: “Editure and AUSSIE understand that the key to building skills for the future is marrying ongoing teacher professional development with the latest technology in schools.
Together, we will be able to contribute to our shared goal of improving education outcomes.” Following the merger, Diane Snowball will join the board of Editure. Diane is an Australian expatriate, living in New York since 1992. The merger follows on from the recent announcements by Editure on securing a major contract in the Plano District in Texas, the signing of a national Australian Catholic Education sector deal for the use of its mysuite™ product set, success with Editure's partnership company Netmedia being listed as a preferred supplier under the BECTA framework in the UK, success in obtaining funding from the Australian Federal Government R+D grants program to assist in developing the next generation web 2.0 learning platform.