Executive Summary

A Business Approach To Academic Excellence

H. William Lurton
Chairman & CEO of Jostens Incorporated

September 1992

As an example of employee involvement in education, we think that Jostens' Renaissance Education Foundation offers a very promising model. Established as the Renaissance Education Program by Jostens in April 1988, its goal has been to improve the educational experience for teachers and students alike and to help them achieve their full potential.

The concept originated with Jostens sales representatives in South Carolina who noted a decline in student enrollment, due not only to the declining birthrate but also to the increasing drop-out rate.

Our sales representatives joined with local principals to explore alternatives and to develop a program that would instill in students a desire to stay in school. The program also aimed at increasing the morale of teachers and educators so their excitement about learning could be transferred to the students.

In July 1990, Jostens institutionalized the program by establishing the Renaissance Education Foundation. The program has grown tremendously and now serves more than 1,800 schools throughout the United States. Another 2,000 schools have requested assistance. We want to help every K-12 school in America promote and achieve academic excellence--in effect, to create a "renaissance" in education.

The Renaissance program has shown educators how to take a business approach to academic achievement. Educators learn marketing and quality skills, motivation techniques, and strategic- planning concepts that have proven successful in business.

The program uses incentives to encourage students to set and reach goals, just as businesses use them to motivate and recognize successful employees. If we can increase academic performance and inspire all students to learn and to recognize educators as dedicated and valued mentors, we think we can lower the drop-out rate. By focusing on students' successes rather than their failures, the Renaissance program helps students find reasons to be excited about school.

The program is driven by educators who build partnerships with businesses, parents, and the community. Many Renaissance schools have fostered partnerships with their local retailers who agree to provide discounts or other rewards to students who improve their grades or achieve perfect attendance.

Renaissance challenges students of all abilities and interests. Students who experience academic success are more likely to feel good about themselves, set goals, and make positive contributions to society. They develop a desire to learn that follows them throughout life.

Renaissance has improved attendance, grades, and morale in its participating schools. It has decreased behavioral problems and cut the drop-out rate. A survey of 75 schools that adopted the Renaissance program found that average attendance rates increased as much a 6 percent; drop-outs declined as much as 10 percent; and the number of students earning As and Bs increased as much as 48 percent. The Program has been cited for its innovations by The Wall Street Journal.

Jostens has taken a major role in funding the Renaissance Education Foundation, and its employees and sales representatives are integrally involved as volunteers. We believe the program demonstrates that business can play a significant supporting role in Education.

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