Champaign, IL. - America's school system could learn something from the top-rated television program Survivors. "Reality-based, challenging projects are engaging for adults and children because they are open ended and the actions have consequences. Consequences are a real learning tool, " says Carol Timms, president of Educational Dividends. "I'm not calling for a class of kindergarteners to be stranded on a desert island. I'm saying that schools need to take note of the interest in Survivors and make reality-based learning a component for improving our elementary and secondary schools."

Campaign polls show that improving education is a top priority for voters. Small business owners called for school improvements in an American Express poll. Schools understand their need to change, but are slow to adopt reality-based learning because it forces teachers to change their techniques. "Classroom lectures are boring, ineffective and outdated. We need to implement learning techniques that engage students while teaching them the skills they need for today's workforce. America's fascination with Survivors and reality-based television is our cue for reaching all students. Our company, Educational Dividends, has used reality-based, challenging projects to effectively engage all students in the learning process," says Ms. Timms.

Schools who have implemented reality-based projects understand the struggle and are willing to move forward because they know the benefits for their students. Joe Lindbloom, a teacher at Oak Forest High School, challenges his students to create energy efficient cars of the future. Students in plant sciences grow soybeans while chemistry students turn the soybeans into the car's fuel. The physics and technology students work on the car's engine and wiring while other classes work on grant writing, publish a newspaper and develop community support for the project. Lindbloom says the project moves students from passive learners to being actively involved in their education. He believes this is the best way of teaching for all students.

Educational Dividends provides teachers with innovative tools and resources for the classroom and more importantly the company offers on-going support and problem solving for teachers as they make the transition into project based learning. EnergyNet, the company's model project, has seen six years of successes which are documented in Best Practices- a publication that verifies the exciting improvements that can happen in education. EnergyNet's Best Practices is available to view or download on-line at EnergyNet's web site at http://www.energynet.net/best_practices/index.html. For more on Educational Dividends visit our website at http://www.educationaldividends.com/ or contact Sharla Sola by calling the toll free number 877-359-9444. Carol Timms is available for interviews.

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