NEA Member Benefits and uBoost Partner to Increase Student Achievement and Lessen the Economic Burden on Teachers

GAITHERSBURG, MD—May 20, 2009—The NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation (NEAMB) partnered with uBoost, the premiere online performance recognition and rewards platform. The agreement offers the NEA’s 3.2 million members significant discounts on programs designed to help educators reinforce positive student behaviors and outcomes.

“With a troubled economy and increasing budget cuts for education, it is even more important to support educators in creating learning environments that foster personal as well as academic achievement,” said Mark Stevens, Chief Business Development Officer, NEA Member Benefits. “Partnering with uBoost lessens the financial burden on educators, who spend $1,200 a year on classroom materials, while giving them increased access to a unique platform that will help motivate students.”

uBoost is a web-based recognition platform for K-12 students that awards points for positive behaviors—such as attendance, homework, test scores, cooperation, participation, and attire—that can be redeemed for rewards.

Comprehensive studies by Stanford and Harvard University researchers have linked incentive programs with increased student performance. In fact, Dr. Margaret Raymond of Stanford University concluded, in a 2008 study, that incentive programs positively impact reading performance, as state reading test scores increased 4%-6% per year of program participation. In addition Harvard researchers found that incentive-based programs produce:

• Substantial gains in academic test scores
• Improved teacher attendance in program schools
• Continued effects after incentives were removed.

The collaboration with uBoost provides NEA members, through May 31, over 80% off the regular price of the program. In addition, members will continually receive a 33% discount on “points” packages from uBoost. Teachers allocate those points, which can be redeemed for awards, to students who exhibit positive behaviors. Students choose their own rewards from an extensive online catalog including a wide selection of charitable donations, virtual room decorations and more. The power of choice coupled with frequent recognition and positive reinforcement increases student engagement, motivation, and, thereby, academic achievement.

“Partnering with NEA Member Benefits will increase the positive effect uBoost’s research-proven rewards and recognition program has in classrooms across the nation,” said John Bower, founder of uBoost. “We have worked with Harvard University’s Ed Labs to administer rewards programs and database administration in New York City, Chicago and Washington D.C. Currently, we have programs in all 50 states and look forward to reaching and helping more teachers through the collaboration with NEA Member Benefits.”

NEA members can access uBoost through the Professional Resources channel on the new NEAMB website that was launched on April 15, 2009.

About the NEA and NEA Member Benefits
The NEA is the nation’s largest professional organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. The NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 local chapters across the United States.

NEA’s Member Benefits Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NEA charged with bringing additional value to Association membership by providing financial products and solutions tailored for NEA members and their families.

Contact:
Dwight Knell
NEA Member Benefits Public Relations
(202) 585-0249
dknell@eluminategroup.com

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