Apple to Sell PowerSchool Division to Pearson Education

In a joint press release issued today, Apple and Pearson Education announced that Pearson will acquire Apple's PowerSchool Division. The division produces powerful and award-winning web-based solutions that provide K-12 administrators, teachers, students and parents with secure, up-to-the-minute information on student performance including grades, homework and attendance.

Rather than a straight sale, the announcement pitches the deal as a partnership that strengthens both companies' commitments to education.

"Apple's commitment to education has never been stronger, which is why we’re excited to broaden our relationship with Pearson," said John Couch, Apple’s vice president of Education. "Our customers will love having Pearson's education content on their iPods, and we're confident that PowerSchool will continue to flourish and grow with Pearson."

PowerSchool will complement Pearson's existing enterprise and SIS business, which brings assessment, reporting and business solutions to over 16,000 schools, helping them to fulfill the accountability requirements set by No Child Left Behind. The whole Pearson effort will be named PowerSchool.

Pearson will also develop new services for educators and students, including research-based educational content compatible with iPod, the world’s most popular digital music player. Teachers will have access to podcasts on professional development to help with lesson preparation and provide innovative ways to reach students struggling with specific content. Students will be able to load their iPods with study guides that are aligned with Pearson texts and listen to review notes to prepare for exams.

Apple bought PowerSchool a few years ago when it redoubled its efforts in education. [Bill Fox]