Nashville, TN November 16, 2007– The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and the Pearson Foundation today announced their joint initiative, Education is a Civil Right, at NABSE’s 35th annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Education is a Civil Right will target K-12 African-American students and their families, and address the distinct educational and social challenges faced by this community. The project will include a public outreach campaign and customized resources for both educators and African-American families. NABSE is the nation’s leading organization of African-American educators devoted to the academic success of children of African descent.

The Pearson Foundation’s first contribution to the effort was the production of a video that presents a cross-section of African-American leaders expressing their thoughts and support for the initiative. NABSE and the Pearson Foundation premiered the program prior to a keynote address at the conference by Bill Cosby, an outspoken leader in the movement to strengthen black families’ commitment to education for their children.

“The National Alliance of Black School Educators has repeatedly voiced its grave concern over the plight of the nation’s educational system regarding African-American children,” said Quentin Lawson, Executive Director of NABSE. “Therefore, over the past few months, and with support from the Pearson Foundation, our membership has convened corporate, community and educational leaders and activists to develop Education is a Civil Right to address the needs of the African-American community.”

Pearson Foundation President Mark Nieker added, “We are honored to support Education is a Civil Right. By first working with the Alliance to produce this video, and then working hard to carry the message to communities across the nation where it will resonate, this effort will raise awareness about the importance of providing every child with a quality education.”

The primary focus of Education is a Civil Right is to impact educational outcomes for K-12 African-American students and their families. Cosby attended one of the early planning meetings for the initiative and has provided invaluable inspirational leadership for the project.

Dwight Bonds, President of the California Alliance of Black School Educators and one of the founding members of the project, said, “By having the Pearson Foundation, NABSE and Dr. Cosby get behind this initiative, we will be able to make this a national issue and give appropriate support to superintendents and educators who are already addressing these challenges on a daily basis.”

To view the video and learn more about NABSE and the Pearson Foundation’s involvement with the Education is a Civil Right initiative, visit www.pearsonfoundation.org

About NABSE
The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is the nation’s premiere non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children - particularly children of African descent. Now in its 36th year, NABSE boasts an outreach to more than 10,000 preeminent educators including teachers, administrators, superintendents as well as corporate and institutional members. Founded in 1970, by Dr. Charles D. Moody, Sr., NABSE is dedicated to improving both the educational experiences and accomplishments of African-American youth through the development and use of instructional and motivational methods that increase levels of inspiration, attendance and overall achievement. More information about NABSE can be found at www.nabse.org

About the Pearson Foundation
The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.

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Stacey Finkel,
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stacey.finkel@widmeyer.com