CK-12 Foundation, Leading Provider of Online Textbooks to Schools, Supports Second Phase Launch of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s Free Digital Textbook Initiative

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (January 27, 2010) – CK-12 Foundation (http://ck12.org), a leading provider of free, standards-aligned online textbooks to K-12 students, has announced its participation in the second phase of California’s free digital textbook initiative, launched January 26th by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  The initiative reviews existing free digital textbooks against California’s rigorous academic standards to identify those which are standards-aligned and may be used in California classrooms.  The second phase expands online textbook offerings from math and science to the subjects of advanced math and social science.  A key supporter of the first phase of the initiative, providing seven FlexBooks (CK-12’s next generation digital textbooks) covering math and science,  CK-12 is ready to deliver new FlexBook titles for phase two review. 

            “CK-12 Foundation applauds the leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger and Secretary of Education Thomas in bringing the highest-quality online textbooks to the teachers and students of California free of charge” said Neeru Khosla, co-founder and executive director of the CK-12 Foundation.  “Traditional textbooks are often expensive and difficult to update, not to mention heavy to carry to and from school.  CK-12 Foundation is committed to providing free, universal access to high-quality online educational content and we sincerely hope that teachers will review California’s list of all recommended online textbooks and adapt them to their classroom.  With the many challenges facing today’s teachers, it is extremely gratifying to be contributing to this sweeping statewide effort.”

            Julia Ash, a teacher at the Natomas Charter School’s Individualized Learning Program in Sacramento, has adopted the Geometry FlexBook for her geometry students.  “I find the FlexBook to be a dynamic educational tool because I can customize the content to address each student’s strengths and weaknesses,” said Ms. Ash.  “My students tell me what they want more, or less, of and I’m able adapt their FlexBook content accordingly. My students feel empowered and more engaged.” 

            CK-12 FlexBooks are up-to-date, standards-aligned, and customizable by subject, language and level of difficulty, as well as self-publishable, giving teachers the flexibility to create tailored educational content for their students.  Founded in 2007 by Neeru Khosla and Murugan Pal, the Foundation is comprised of a group of expert educators, editors, engineers and advisors all committed to the mission of providing quality online textbook content for free to all K-12 students in the U.S. and around the world.

            To learn more about the CK-12 Foundation and how it is helping to deliver on Governor Schwarzenegger’s educational vision for California, visit http://ck12.org/.