#United States #Cambridge #K-12 Education #BetterLesson #Abl

BetterLesson Expands Its Reach with Acquisition of Abl

On February 3, 2025, BetterLesson, a prominent player in the field of data-driven professional learning for K-12 educators, officially announced the acquisition of Abl. This strategic move is set to significantly enhance BetterLesson's capacity to improve student scheduling, staffing, and overall academic programming. For many educators and school districts, this means a better approach to delivering quality education across the nation.

Founded in 2008 by educators for educators, BetterLesson has evolved into a robust platform that now supports over 80,000 educators and impacts close to 3 million students across the United States. Their innovative approach to professional learning has transitioned from merely providing access to lesson plans and teaching strategies to integrating comprehensive, multi-faceted solutions that cater to various education roles—from classroom teachers to district leaders.

The acquisition of Abl is particularly noteworthy due to Abl's substantial contribution to academic scheduling reform. Having positively influenced the educational experience of more than 2 million students in 81 school districts across 19 states, Abl has pioneered the creation of equitable and rigorous scheduling structures. Their work ensures that students have meaningful access to career pathways and that their coursework aligns with post-secondary success criteria.

Matthew Kennard, CEO of BetterLesson, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the acquisition, stating, "Supporting every educator has always been at the core of BetterLesson's work. Today's K-12 schools and districts are facing an unprecedented level of complexity, requiring an innovative and refreshed approach to educational infrastructure."

The significance of this acquisition is underscored by the current challenges facing the K-12 educational system. Economic pressures, compounded by teacher shortages and heightened competition for student enrollment, are areas of concern as institutions strive to improve their educational delivery. Despite these hurdles, there is a palpable urgency among K-12 leaders to reaffirm the value and promise of public education.

Howard Bell, CEO of Abl, shared his perspective on the collaboration: "We are thrilled to join our mission together with BetterLesson. Our shared vision for innovation offers districts the tools they need to effect transformative changes in their schools and communities. By uniting our expertise and expansive reach, we aim to further expand our impact and enhance educational outcomes on a national scale."

Currently, both BetterLesson and Abl are positioned at the forefront of the education technology landscape during a pivotal moment. With ESSER funds winding down and the landscape of public education shifting, the merging of these two companies represents not just an acquisition, but a commitment to driving systemic changes in educational equity and quality.

To ensure a seamless transition and effective collaboration, East Wind acted as the exclusive financial advisor for Abl in this transaction. For more information about BetterLesson and their ongoing initiatives, visit BetterLesson's official website.

In conclusion, BetterLesson's acquisition of Abl is a promising development for K-12 education, signaling a potential paradigm shift in how educational institutions address scheduling and academic programming. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, there’s hope for a more effective and equitable educational system going forward.