Kim's Blog

2009 Predictions #5

In my previous post (see “2009 Predictions #4,” below), I followed up on my “Crystal Ball” series with my fourth prediction—that repurposing content will be key.

My final prediction: Supplemental publishers are poised to make a big jump into the publishing pool.

We’ve already seen more work from our supplemental publishing clients, but I think President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s new proposed budget will push them into the spotlight even more. Supplemental publishers routinely create materials for differentiated instruction, as well as pre-kindergarten materials.

Based on the new budget, the Striving Readers program, which focuses on at-risk children, stands to receive double its current funding. Another $300 million is planned to go toward a new Early Literacy Grants initiative that aims to implement a curriculum that supports differentiated instruction. Greater preschool initiatives, which were a campaign platform for Obama, are also included in the new proposed budget.

In the past two quarters, we have seen companies looking for work in Intervention, Cross Curricular methods and Preschool curriculum. Technology always seems to play a part as well.

Since supplemental publishers are frequently the publishers who create these materials, they are well-positioned to step forward and create more products for students and school districts. In the past, we have enjoyed creating products for any publisher no matter the size, but supplemental publishers seem to be keenly aware they are starting to have an advantage with talent, resources, and the ability to adapt quickly. This has supplemental publishers primed to not only make a big jump into the publishing pool, but also create a splash that will strengthen materials for teachers.
Do you agree?

At the end of the year I’ll take a look back at my predictions and see how I scored. Have predictions of your own? Leave a comment.