8 Keys of Excellence Character Education News

Federal Government Grants Historic Waiver from No Child Left Behind Standards, Tests Kansas Initiative Will Use Quantum Learning Citizenship Model

The U.S. Department of Education has granted the first broad-based waiver from the No Child Left Behind Act to a Kansas school district that uses the 8 Keys of Excellence for its character training.

No Child Left Behind, signed into law almost a decade ago by President George W. Bush, requires all government-run schools that receive federal funding to administer statewide standardized tests. The McPherson Unified School District in Central Kansas was informed last week that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has approved its request for a waiver from NCLB, Superintendent Randy Watson said. In partnership with Quantum Learning and ACT, Inc., the school district developed the C3 — Citizenship, College and Career Readiness plan, including benchmarks to measure student progress in the three areas of emphasis.

The U.S. Department of Education called the C3 initiative “bold, challenging and one of a kind in the United States,” Dr. Watson said. DOE officials indicated it would be considered a model for future waiver requests from other school districts.

Quantum Learning Network, which integrates Quantum Learning teacher and student programs in school districts nationwide, has worked with the school district since 1990. “Quantum Learning is thrilled to be part of this breakthrough initiative in McPherson,” said Bobbi DePorter, president of Quantum Learning Network and Learning Forum International, which provides schools and families with 8 Keys of Excellence character programs.

Ms. DePorter said the opportunity to develop students who are better equipped for success in college, careers and life is consistent with Quantum Learning’s mission to transform education and the lives of young people.

Standardized testing mandated by No Child Left Behind has come under significant scrutiny in recent months from critics who believe state standardized tests are too narrowly focused, are not an authentic measurement of student learning, and create undue stress for students, teachers, administrators and parents.

Dr. Watson chose to partner with Quantum Learning to develop the Citizenship-Ready component of the C3 model. Quantum Learning’s 8 Keys of Excellence is McPherson USD’s foundation for teaching and assessing students in their citizenship readiness. The model also includes a partnership with ACT, which will supply multiple assessments for 6th-12th grade students based on a College Ready/Career Ready curriculum.

Articles

Expert Tips to Support Good Study Habits
– The Costco Connection
Revealing the Genius in Our Teens
– Life Connection Magazine

8 Keys of Excellence

Read the definitions and descriptions of all 8 Keys.

Learning Forum International

Visit the Learning Forum International website to learn more about our 501(c)(3) non-profit educational corporation.

Academic Summer Camp

SuperCamp is the learning and life skills summer enrichment program for middle and high school students that Bobbi DePorter co-founded in 1982.

Quantum Learning

Learn about Quantum Learning school programs for students, teachers, administrators and parents, a part of Quantum Learning Network.

Become an 8 Keys of Excellence Advocate

Stay informed on news about 8 Keys of Excellence and the Excellence Effect movement. Sign up for email announcements >>

Archives

New Orleans Schools
We are the “Charity of the Month”
New Schools Join the Program
TLC Chooses Excellence Effect
New KeyCard Prices
8 Keys Teachers Nominated
8 Keys at Character Conference
8 Keys School Gets Results
GPA Up at 8 Keys School

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you! Please call, email, fax, or write us today.

8 Keys of Excellence
c/o Learning Forum International
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 760-305-7317
[email protected]