Parallel Learning: Revolutionizing Education for Students with Thinking and Learning Differences
Teacher Shortage in US Schools Makes it Difficult for Students with Learning Differences to Find Support
Parallel, a company that provides teletherapy services for children with special needs, has secured new funding for its platform called ENBLE.
š Introduction
The educational system in the United States is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers, and this issue is further magnified when it comes to students with thinking and learning differences. These students require specialized support that can be hard to find. However, thanks to the innovative efforts of Parallel Learning, this problem is being addressed head-on. Parallel Learning has developed a teletherapy platform that collaborates with school districts to create personalized plans for each student, focusing on individualized education and support.
š” Breaking Down Barriers
Parallel Learning, targeted for students in grades K through 12, recently announced a successful funding round, securing an additional $6.125 million. Led by Rethink Impact, a fund that supports female and non-binary founders, this funding brings the Series A total to an impressive $20 million. The capital will be used to expand into new territories and develop new products. In order to facilitate this expansion, Parallel Learning will be hiring licensed providers in each state where they operate.
š Impressive Growth and Impact
- š AppDirect Secures $100 Million Investment to Expand Financing Pr...
- The Value of a CFO for Startups: Beyond Accounting
- š Introducing Serenity: The Innovative Fall-Detection System That ...
Founded three years ago in New York City, Parallel Learning has already established itself as a force to be reckoned with. In the third quarter alone, the company has seen a remarkable 200% increase in its provider network, with over 95% of providers choosing to stay with Parallel. As a result, Parallel has been able to work with four times the number of students across nearly 80 K-12 school districts, generating four times the revenue compared to the previous year. This growth is a testament to the value and impact of the services offered by Parallelās providers.
š§ Comprehensive Support
Parallel Learningās network of providers offers a wide range of services to cater to the unique needs of students. These services include speech-language pathology, specialized instruction, behavioral and mental health coaching, as well as executive function coaching. Parallel Learning collaborates with a schoolās special education program (SPED) to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a legally binding document that outlines a personalized education plan for students with special needs. The goal is to ensure that every student receives the support they require to thrive academically and personally.
šÆ Addressing a Crucial Shortage
One of the main challenges faced by special education is the shortage of behavioral and special education providers who work with children. According to Diana Heldfond, the founder and CEO of Parallel Learning, the district-level lumping of all special education services complicates matters further. Each student requires different services, creating a massive challenge for districts, especially in rural areas. Furthermore, the shortage of providers forces them to spend hours driving from one school to another, wasting precious time. Parallel Learning aims to bridge this gap by offering its services in collaboration with K-12 public school districts, providing the flexibility to choose from a menu of services that align with specific needs.
ā Setting Goals and Measuring Progress
To ensure effective progress monitoring, Parallel Learningās platform incorporates features specifically designed for students, such as learning materials, interactive games, and activities. These interactive elements are especially helpful for students with shorter attention spans. The platform also includes a library of clinical test materials, curricula for educators and service providers, and partnerships with reputable publishers who employ evidence-based practices. Notably, Parallel Learningās Enhanced GoalTracker tool enables the tracking of studentsā progress on their IEP, generating comprehensive progress reports that save time for special education teams.
š¤ Building Collaborative Partnerships
Once a collaboration plan is established with all invested parties, including providers, teachers, and family members, Parallel Learning proceeds with an intake meeting where everyone comes together to create a personalized plan for each student. This collaborative approach takes into account the strengths of each school district, a vital aspect of Parallel Learningās business model. The company actively partners with special education directors, superintendents, and other educational stakeholders to offer a range of services tailored to each districtās specific needs.
š„ Preventing Burnout and Fostering Community
Parallel Learning recognizes the importance of preventing burnout among its providers. To achieve this, the company encourages providers to form a community through continuous education, mentorship programs, and growth opportunities within Parallel Learning. Compared to its competitors, Parallel Learning boasts a significantly lower lead-to-provider ratio, allowing for increased support and reduced workload. The company employs both 1099 and W2 employees, pays them by the hour, and enables them to work remotely.
š± Nurturing Growth and Expansion
Parallel Learning continues to expand its network of providers through various avenues. Word-of-mouth referrals from existing providers play a crucial role in acquiring new talent. The company also proactively seeks partnerships with universities, particularly graduate schools, to recruit future providers. Parallel Learning has even developed a library of free resources, including professional development materials, white papers, and webinars, to attract skilled professionals in the field. By nurturing and supporting its providers, Parallel Learning ensures high-quality services for students.
š Key Hires and Recognition
With an eye toward future success, Parallel Learning has made five significant additions to its leadership team. Notable hires include Cern Veron, former CTO of GoHealth, who will serve as Parallel Learningās chief strategic growth officer. Sarah Finney, formerly in a similar position at Presence Learning, joins as VP of customer success. Monica Maspons, former SVP of strategic growth at Acorn Health, brings her expertise to Parallel Learning as VP of strategic operations. Kushal Patel, previously senior director of strategic finance at Learneo, assumes the role of VP of finance. Lastly, Meryll Dindin, co-founder, and CTO of Polygon, joins as director of data analytics and AI. These strategic hires exemplify Parallel Learningās commitment to excellence and future growth.
š Further Reading
For more information about the fascinating world of technology and education, be sure to check out these informative articles:
- ENBLE+: The Surveys You Need to Read Ahead of 2024
- The Future of Online Learning
- How Technology is Reshaping Education
- The Impact of Teletherapy on Student Success
- Revolutionizing Special Education: Innovations and Trends
š Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on Parallel Learningās impact on education? Have you or someone you know benefited from teletherapy platforms like Parallel Learning? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. And donāt forget to spread the word about this extraordinary venture by sharing this article on your favorite social media platforms. Together, we can create a better future for all students!
