DENVER, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) announces receipt of a generous grant from the General Electric (GE) Foundation, the philanthropic organization of General Electric Company. The $80,000 grant allows ECS to build on the success of the Progress of Education Reform, a valuable publication for education policymakers across the country.

"As states invest in initiatives to strengthen early grade transitions, high school graduation rates, P-20 alignment and workforce development, The Progress of Education Reform provides the timely and pertinent research needed to help make these efforts effective," notes ECS President Roger Sampson.

The Progress of Education Reform, published six times annually, reviews current and emerging research on state policies designed to improve education. The GE Foundation has supported this resource since its inception in 1995.

This past year, The Progress of Education Reform focused on education challenges confronting all states, including: Hispanic student success; early care and education; strategies to promote community colleges; and secondary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

The February issue, (www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/79/48/7948.pdf) the first of 2009, tackles dual credit program funding. Allowing students to gain college credit while being enrolled in high school, these programs can aid in retention of at-risk students and also provide gifted students with additional learning opportunities. As states grapple with economic concerns, this issue looks at the costs, funding sources and the predictability of funding these programs.

"It's with the support of the GE Foundation that ECS is able to help illuminate policy research and best practices at work in high-achieving schools across the country," Sampson said.

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) is the only nationwide, nonpartisan interstate compact devoted to education. ECS helps governors, legislators, state education officials and others identify, develop and implement public policies to improve student learning at all levels. A nonprofit organization, ECS (www.ecs.org) was formed in 1965 and is located in Denver, Colorado.

About the GE Foundation -- The GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the General Electric Company, works to solve some of the world's most difficult problems. In coordination with its partners, it supports U.S. and international education, the environment, public policy, human rights and disaster relief. In addition, the GE Foundation supports GE employee and retiree giving and involvement in GE communities around the world. In 2007, the GE family -- including businesses, employees, retirees and GE Foundation -- contributed more than $225 million to community and educational programs, including $93 million from the GE Foundation. For more information, visit www.gefoundation.com.

Education Commission of the States

Education Commission of the States

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