CHARLESTON, WV—Edvantia Inc. has been awarded a $1 million contract to provide professional development and research/evaluation services for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).

Edvantia will provide professional development and technical assistance for approximately 300 education coaches and central office personnel. It also will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of consulting teachers. In turn, these coaches will mentor classroom teachers, implement school-based professional development, and help implement each school's improvement plan.

"We are pleased to have this opportunity to work with Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in its efforts to provide high-quality assistance to schools working to improve," states Dr. Doris Redfield, Edvantia's president and CEO. "Edvantia has a track record of success in the school improvement arena and is particularly excited about this school district's initiative and commitment."

Edvantia will rely on research-based practices to help align the services of the coaches to school and district improvement plans. Edvantia staff also will identify existing and/or develop and design professional development, monitor and evaluate the implementation and impact of the professional development, help consulting teachers keep up-to-date on educational literature, and establish a network of support services that enhance and enrich the learning experiences of consulting teachers.

Dr. Steven Moats, interim director of Edvantia's Center for Education Services, emphasizes the importance of this research-based approach, "By linking the knowledge from research with the wisdom of practice, we will help the system's coaches improve teaching and learning in their schools by bringing focus, leading change, and building individual and organizational capacity."

The contract for professional development and evaluation/research services covers approximately a five-year period, from August 1, 2009, to June 30, 2014.

About Edvantia: Edvantia is a nonprofit corporation, founded in 1966, that partners with education agencies, foundations, publishers, and service providers to apply expertise in research, evaluation, professional development, and technical assistance to help schools and students succeed. Specialty areas include district and school improvement, teacher quality, systems development and alignment, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), 21st century skills, and college access. Learn more at the Edvantia Web site or contact Dr. Tony Marchesi (see above).