Walden University Teams With Canter and Associates to Improve Elementary Reading and Literacy

With the quality of America’s schools and teachers at the top of the national agenda, and as teachers themselves face ever-increasing pressures to improve reading and literacy levels, Walden University announced today that it has joined forces with Canter and Associates to offer a nationwide distance learning Master’s in Education with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy.

Applications are now being accepted for the program that is designed especially for full-time K-6 classroom teachers.

The curriculum for the MSEd is related directly to the nationally accepted standards for teaching reading, based on the standards for “the classroom professional,” set forth by the International Reading Association (IRA) in their document Standards for Reading Professionals (1998).

Dr. Kent Morrison, President of Walden University, stated, “This partnership is an extension of our commitment to a better society through teacher education that helps improve learning in America’s schools. Walden University has provided high-quality graduate distance education for more than 30 years. In fact, Walden’s first offering was a doctorate in education, and Walden was one of the first universities to offer an online master’s degree in education. By teaming with Canter, we are now able to offer a new specialization in our existing degree program.”

Canter and Associates has long been a leader in professional development for teachers, and has helped over a million teachers improve their classroom skills. Kathy Winberry, General Manager of Canter and Associates, stated, “This degree will equip elementary school teachers with practical strategies to improve their students’ reading and literacy levels, preparing students for greater success throughout their lives.”

In a separate announcement, Sylvan Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLVN – news), today announced it is investing $32.8 million for 41 percent ownership of Walden University and Walden Institute. Sylvan Ventures invests in companies that bring emerging Internet technology solutions to the education and training marketplaces.

To learn more about Walden University’s MSEd with a specialization in Elementary Reading and Literacy, call an enrollment counselor at 1-888-627-1153.

About Walden University and Walden Institute

Walden University and Walden Institute provide high-quality, graduate and professional education to individuals and corporations. Walden’s programs, most of which are delivered directly to any desktop or laptop in the world, significantly reduce or eliminate student and learner travel costs and time away from professional and personal responsibilities. Founded in 1970, Walden University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and has graduated thousands of students from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. For more information on Walden University, visit http://www.waldenu.edu. Established in 1998, Walden Institute is a leader in providing online certificate and development programs in technology and business. For more information on Walden Institute, visit http://www.waldeninstitute.com.

About Canter and Associates

Since 1976, Canter and Associates has been providing K-12 educators with high-quality professional development programs. Canter has worked in partnership with institutions of higher education since 1982 and currently partners with sixteen to offer distance learning graduate courses and degree programs. Currently there are 13,000 students enrolled in, or graduated from, a distance learning degree program offered via Canter’s partner institutions. Canter is a subsidiary of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SLVN – news), one of the world’s leading providers of educational services to families, schools and industry. For more information visit www.canter.net.

Contact Information

Walden University/Walden Institute

Kathleen Waton, 941/949-5135

kwaton@waldenu.edu

or

Magnet Communications

Brian Jones, 212/367-6868

bjones@magnetcom.com