Technology

Education agencies turning to SAS to measure learning loss and recovery

Published

3 years ago

May 22, 2023

Virginia joins growing number of states using analytics and data to better support teachers and accelerate student learning

CARY, N.C., May 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The key to measuring learning loss and the effectiveness of recovery efforts, and to understanding student growth trends, is data. Education agencies nationwide are turning to analytics leader SAS to help them analyze assessment data to understand the struggles and successes of different grades, subjects and student groups.

“With data, states can show how they used once-in-a-lifetime funding to positively impact all students.”

SAS has been at the forefront of student growth measurement for 20 years, and its solutions are used around the US to help educators better understand students’ strengths and weaknesses to differentiate instruction. The Commonwealth of Virginia recently chose SAS® to help accelerate learning recovery for students set back by the pandemic.

The commonwealth recently launched Virginia’s Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS), a web-based tool built by SAS that displays measures of students’ academic growth over time, diagnostic reports for student groups, and student projections to help educators improve student achievement. The Virginia Department of Education is training over 800 school division staff members to access, navigate, understand and use the information to best meet student needs, target remediation efforts and strategically utilize resources.

Additionally, states such as Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and North Dakota have created in-depth learning loss reports with help from SAS. For example, SAS provided the analysis behind the recent North Carolina Recovery Analysis Report, which showed signs of academic recovery. The analysis showed that students tended to perform closer to pre-pandemic expectations on 2022 assessments than on 2021 assessments, with the expectations established based on students’ testing data from prior to the pandemic. This recovery trend was noted for nearly every assessment included in the analysis, with the strongest recovery evident in math.

Idaho is also exploring learning loss with SAS, and the City of Newark, NJ, is measuring student learning trends with similar models.

Student-level data helps drive learning acceleration

The Hunt Institute and SAS hosted a series of meetings of chief state school officers and staff to share learning loss and recovery strategies and best practices. The common theme? Data.

“Investing in robust data collection systems will ensure that states and districts can be responsive to student needs, react quickly to future crisis scenarios and evaluate the efficacy of programs,” said The Hunt Institute President and CEO Dr. Javaid Siddiqi.

Nearly a dozen states, with data representing millions of students, are using SAS to measure COVID-19 learning loss at the district, school and individual student levels.

In this approach, students are compared to themselves. These statistical approaches are used to predict how students would have scored on assessments absent the pandemic. By comparing those results to the expected scores and assessing how students performed versus how they were expected to perform, one can aggregate results at the school, district and student group levels.

Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and North Dakota were able to gain greater insights into how different student groups fared during the pandemic and gauge the impact of in-person, hybrid and remote instruction. These findings use all available assessment data, not just a sample. The results provide districts and states with valuable data for teachers as they return to the classroom to make decisions on targeted interventions for individual students and student groups.

As states enact learning recovery strategies, having this level of understanding will help them identify what is working and what is not, and more confidently alter strategies when necessary. SAS is already helping states monitor recovery efforts. Tracking recovery data will also be critical when reporting on the use of federal learning loss funds.

“The federal government has poured billions of dollars into learning recovery, and states are already being asked to account for how that money was spent,” said Dr. Melody Schopp, former South Dakota Secretary of Education and current Director of Education Industry Consulting at SAS. “Equipped with a trove of valuable learning loss data, states can understand their own unique challenges and more effectively improve learning strategies to show how they used once-in-a-lifetime funding to positively impact all students.”

For more information on how SAS works to combat learning loss and drive recovery, visit SAS’ learning loss page at sas.com/learningloss.

About SAS
SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2023 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contact:
Trent Smith
Trent.Smith@sas.com
919-531-4726
sas.com/news

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SOURCE SAS

Technology

MGI Tech Showcases Expanding Genomics Ecosystem at ESHG 2026 with New IVD Partnering Program and OEM Collaborations

Published

2 hours ago

June 13, 2026

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI), a company committed to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, is showcasing its latest advancements in sequencing, automation and clinical genomics at the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) 2026 Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.

At Booth 352, MGI welcomes researchers, clinicians, laboratory leaders and industry partners to explore its comprehensive portfolio of sequencing and automation solutions while unveiling new initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration across the genomics ecosystem.

Advancing Clinical Genomics Through Partnership

A key highlight of ESHG 2026 is the launch of the MGI NGS Partner Enablement Program, a new initiative designed to connect diagnostic developers, assay providers and laboratory partners seeking to build validated clinical workflows on MGI sequencing platforms.

The program aims to accelerate the development and adoption of regulated next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications by fostering collaborations that simplify workflow implementation, reduce time-to-market and support broader access to precision medicine solutions.

“Clinical genomics is increasingly dependent on strong partnerships across the value chain,” said Fang Chen, General Manager Europe & Africa at MGI. “With the launch of our NGS Partner Enablement Program, we are creating a collaborative framework that brings together assay developers, software providers, automation partners and clinical laboratories to accelerate access to high-quality genomic testing.”

Expanding Automation Capabilities Through OEM Collaborations

At ESHG 2026, MGI is also announcing new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnership opportunities on MGI’s DE Bundles (integrated library preparation and sequencing platform), bringing turnkey automation to global partners. The DE Bundle includes the current D4+E25 combination, as well as the new D16 paired with the E25 featuring a new 50M flow cell.

The D16, which will be launched later this year, is a benchtop, mid-to-low throughput library prep system and the upgraded successor to the D4. Retaining the fully enclosed contamination control system, it integrates a single-channel robotic pipetting module to maximize automation. With two sample preparation cartridges each processing 8 samples, the D16 delivers significantly higher throughput. The D16 and E25 systems provide flexible and scalable automation solutions for library construction, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, streamlining the entire laboratory workflow.

Through this open OEM framework, MGI is enabling customers and solution providers to integrate proven automation technologies into customized workflows tailored to specific clinical and research applications. The OEM program reflects MGI’s commitment to building an open ecosystem that empowers laboratories to increase efficiency, improve standardization and accelerate scientific discovery.

“We are excited to expand the opportunities available to our OEM partners by providing access to the D16 platform, enabling the development of truly walkaway solutions that simplify and automate complex laboratory workflows,” said Wim Vervaeke, OEM Director at Europe & Africa at MGI. “Our innovations, including the PrepALL, E25, and G99, have already sparked new partnerships across the life sciences ecosystem. By combining MGI’s automation expertise with the specialized capabilities of our partners, we are creating integrated solutions that deliver maximum value, efficiency, and convenience for end users.”

Corporate Satellite Symposium Highlights Clinical Genomics, Precision Oncology and Spatial Multi-Omics

As part of ESHG 2026, MGI hosted its Corporate Satellite Symposium, Advancing Diagnostics: From Clinical Implementation to Biomarker Discovery, bringing together leading experts from across Europe to showcase how advanced genomic technologies are being translated into real-world clinical and research impact. The symposium highlighted applications spanning clinical oncology diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, and spatial multi-omics.

Dr. Raquel T. Lima from IPATIMUP (Portugal) presented the clinical value of RNA sequencing for detecting actionable gene fusions in solid tumours, improving diagnostic yield and supporting precision oncology decision-making. Prof. Dr. Andreas Braun from University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) shared how spatial biology technologies map the tumour microenvironment in melanoma, revealing tumour heterogeneity, cellular interactions, and mechanisms associated with disease progression and treatment response. Dr. Andrea Conti from BMR Genomics (Italy) explored the opportunities of whole genome sequencing for pharmacogenetic marker evaluation, highlighting how comprehensive genomic approaches can support the implementation of personalised medicine through improved identification of clinically relevant variants.

Together, the presentations demonstrated how genomic and multi-omics technologies are advancing clinical diagnostics, translational oncology research, and precision medicine, while highlighting the growing role of sequencing in delivering actionable insights across healthcare and biomedical research.

Comprehensive Solutions for Genomics and Multi-Omics Research

Visitors to the MGI booth can explore the company’s comprehensive portfolio of sequencing and automation technologies supporting applications across human genetics, oncology, reproductive health, population genomics and multi-omics research.

Highlighting strong market adoption, MGI is showcasing the T7+, its ultra-high-throughput sequencing platform at the conference. Following its official launch for the Europe and Africa region at Analytica 2026 in Munich, the T7+ has gained significant momentum, with 27 units installed worldwide as of the end of 2025. From benchtop to ultra-high-throughput sequencing platforms, as well as advanced laboratory automation solutions, MGI continues to support laboratories seeking high-performance, scalable and cost-effective genomics workflows.

“Our mission extends beyond delivering innovative technologies,” said Dr. Christian Zimmerman, VP Sales Europe & Africa at MGI. “We are focused on building a complete ecosystem that enables our customers to transition seamlessly from research to clinical implementation. The partnerships and initiatives we are launching at ESHG 2026 demonstrate our commitment to making genomic technologies more accessible, integrated and impactful.”

Driving the Future of Precision Medicine in Europe

Europe remains a strategic region for MGI, with growing adoption of genomic technologies across research institutions, healthcare systems and national population initiatives.

Through continued investment in sequencing innovation, automation, clinical partnerships and collaborative ecosystem development, MGI is helping accelerate the transition toward more precise, data-driven healthcare.

As genomics increasingly becomes integrated into routine clinical practice, MGI remains committed to providing the technologies and partnerships necessary to support the next generation of precision medicine.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries.

Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. As one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers, MGI empowers global users with scalable sequencing capabilities ranging from Gb to Tb levels. MGI also stands out as one of the only providers of a full-stack product portfolio that spans three core segments: SEQ ALL (short- and long-read sequencing), GLI (Generative Lab Intelligence), and Multi-Omics. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.

To learn more, please visit MGI Tech, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Technology

VEVOR Launches “Beat the Heat at Home” Summer Comfort Lineup for Outdoor Living

Published

5 hours ago

June 13, 2026

HOUSTON, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As summer temperatures climb, staying cool at home shouldn’t require a sky-high electric bill, a cooler full of gas-station ice, or a contractor booked out until September. A smarter approach is gaining traction among American families: investing in the right tools to make outdoor living genuinely comfortable without the premium price tag. VEVOR — a trusted home improvement brand serving over 30 million home creators worldwide — today launches “Beat the Heat at Home,” a summer comfort lineup featuring shade, ice-making, and airflow solutions that deliver pro-level performance so your backyard truly becomes the place to be this summer.

“Summer comfort is not only about staying cool — it is about making outdoor spaces easier to enjoy,” said Gavin Wu, Brand Director at VEVOR. “With this lineup, VEVOR brings pro-level performance into practical home scenarios, helping Home Creators upgrade their backyards, patios, garages, and hosting spaces at exceptional value.”

Cool Living, Cold Drinks, Total Comfort
For most families, a truly comfortable summer day comes down to three things: a shady spot, a steady supply of ice-cold drinks, and enough airflow to keep the evening from feeling stagnant. Traditional solutions — pergolas, commercial ice machines, wired-in fans — often cost thousands or require contractors.

To bridge this gap, VEVOR’s Annual Big Summer Sale officially introduces the “Beat the Heat” collection. Together, the lineup addresses three common summer comfort needs: shade, ice, and airflow, so every corner of the backyard is covered. By delivering pro-level performance in effortless, budget-friendly setups, VEVOR offers Home Creators the ultimate plug-and-play summer cooling experience, making premium seasonal comfort accessible right out of the box.

Create Shade in Minutes
There’s a specific moment every summer host knows too well: the sun shifts, the one shady corner disappears, and suddenly everyone is squinting, relocating chairs, or retreating indoors altogether. It’s the kind of small frustration that quietly ruins an otherwise perfect afternoon.

VEVOR’s Pop-Up Canopy Gazebo was designed for exactly that moment. Available in 10×10, 11.5×11.5, and 12×12 ft configurations, it turns any open stretch of lawn or driveway into a comfortable, shaded gathering space — and it does so in minutes — designed for tool-free setup from the start. The mesh sidewalls earn their keep once evening arrives: mosquitoes stay out while the breeze still flows through, which means dinner can linger as long as the conversation does.

It’s not a permanent structure, and that’s the point. When the season changes or the party moves, the canopy folds back down just as quickly. For homeowners who want shade on their terms, not on a contractor’s timeline, it offers a flexible alternative to permanent shade structures.

Never Run Out of Ice
Few things signal “this gathering is winding down” faster than reaching into a cooler and finding nothing but lukewarm water and half-melted slush. Bags of store-bought ice solve the problem temporarily, but anyone who has made two mid-party runs to the gas station knows the drill gets old fast.

VEVOR’s Commercial Ice Maker Machine helps home hosts keep up with high-demand summer gatherings. Producing up to 130 lbs of ice every 24 hours and holding 33 lbs in its built-in storage bin, it keeps pace with a full afternoon of refills — lemonade pitchers, cocktail shakers, coolers for the kids’ juice boxes, all of it. The stainless-steel build looks at home in a garage bar or outdoor kitchen, and one-touch self-cleaning means maintenance is measured in button presses, not scrub sessions.

Keep the Air Moving
Anyone who has spent a July evening on a covered porch knows the paradox: the roof blocks the sun, but it also traps every degree of rising heat with nowhere to go. The air sits heavy, the ceiling feels lower than it is, and even a beautiful outdoor space starts to feel like something you’d rather admire from behind a glass door with the AC running inside.

VEVOR’s 18-Inch Wall-Mount Fan was built for exactly these in-between spaces that central air can’t reach and a tabletop fan can’t handle. Three-speed settings push up to 4,150 CFM of airflow across patios, enclosed porches, workshops, and garage gyms. That’s the kind of serious air movement that makes a covered space feel open again. With ETL certification and weather-resistant construction, it is designed for covered or semi-outdoor spaces where moisture and humidity are common.

Mounted on the wall and out of the way, it doesn’t eat into floor space or crowd a table. For households looking to cut back on running central AC in every room all day, a well-placed fan in the spaces where the family actually gathers is often the simplest and most cost-effective first step.

The deals are live — don’t leave them on the table.

Cool your summer now: vevor.com/summer-cooling

Shop VEVOR’s Summer Sale: vevor.com/summer-sale

Visit in person: VEVOR Houston Store: 10951 Farm to Market 1960 Road W, Houston

Summer won’t wait. Neither should your backyard. More deals, more summer-ready upgrades — all waiting for you.

About VEVOR
Pro-Level Performance Without the Pro-Level Price. VEVOR is a home improvement brand built for Home Creators who want to upgrade their spaces with practical, high-performing products at exceptional value. From outdoor living and tools to home improvement equipment and everyday project essentials, VEVOR helps people take on upgrades with confidence, efficiency, and value.

Today, VEVOR operates in over 50 countries, supported by a network of 200+ global warehouses and a catalog of more than 15,000 SKUs spanning tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement solutions. VEVOR has supported over 30 million Home Creators worldwide, bringing performance, inspiration, and value to their home improvement projects. For more information, visit www.vevor.com. VEVOR products are also available on Amazon.

Media Contact
VEVOR Communications Team
media@vevor.com

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SOURCE VEVOR

Technology

YEEDI Delivers Lowest-Ever Pricing on Self-Cleaning Roller Mop Robot Vacuums With Early Prime Day Deals

Published

5 hours ago

June 13, 2026

Starting June 13, M14 PLUS and S14 PLUS Drop to $399.99, Bringing Advanced Self-Cleaning Roller Mop Technology Into the Sub-$400 Segment

SAN FRANCISCO, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — YEEDI, a home cleaning technology brand focused on practical innovation and high-performance smart home solutions, is kicking off Prime Day early by offering its M14 PLUS and S14 PLUS at their lowest prices ever. Starting June 13, both self-cleaning roller mop robot vacuums are available for just $399.99, allowing shoppers to secure Prime Day pricing ahead of the broader promotional event.

The promotion marks a significant milestone for the category, bringing advanced self-cleaning roller mop technology into the sub-$400 segment and making one of the industry’s most sought-after cleaning innovations more accessible than ever before. As part of YEEDI’s “Less Time Cleaning. More Time Playing.” campaign, inspired by a summer of sports, family moments, and everyday adventures, the brand aims to help consumers spend less time on household chores and more time enjoying the moments that matter most. Complete offer details are available at YEEDI.com.

Bringing Premium Roller Mop Technology to More Homes

Roller mop technology has emerged as one of the most significant innovations in robotic floor cleaning, offering continuous scrubbing performance while automatically cleaning the mop during operation. However, robot vacuums equipped with self-cleaning roller systems have traditionally remained concentrated in premium price segments.

By bringing the M14 PLUS and S14 PLUS to $399.99, YEEDI is expanding access to one of the industry’s most advanced floor-cleaning technologies and establishing a new affordability benchmark for self-cleaning roller mop robot vacuums.

YEEDI M14 PLUS Reaches Its Lowest Price Ever

Available for $399.99 (regularly $599.99), the YEEDI M14 PLUS combines the brand’s OZMO Roller mopping technology with ZeroTangle anti-tangle technology to deliver powerful wet and dry cleaning while minimizing maintenance.

The robot is paired with an automated OMNI Station that handles dust collection, hot-water mop washing, and hot-air drying, reducing the need for manual upkeep. Designed for busy households seeking a hands-free cleaning experience, the M14 PLUS now offers premium functionality at an unprecedented value.

YEEDI S14 PLUS Delivers Flagship Cleaning at 67% Off

Available for $399.99 (regularly $1,199.99), the YEEDI S14 PLUS reaches its lowest price in history and represents one of the most compelling values in the premium robot vacuum category.

Winner of the CES 2025 Indoor Cleaning Technology Innovation Gold Award, the S14 PLUS combines YEEDI’s advanced OZMO Roller system and TruEdge 2.0 Adaptive Edge Cleaning technology for enhanced stain removal and edge-to-edge coverage.

Equipped with 18,000 Pa suction power and ZeroTangle 2.0 technology, the S14 PLUS delivers a flagship cleaning experience at a price point rarely seen in the premium robot vacuum market.

More Prime Day Deals Arrive June 23–26

Following the early access promotion, YEEDI will extend Prime Day deals across a broader selection of robot vacuums from June 23 through June 26, giving consumers even more opportunities to upgrade their home cleaning experience.

Featured offers include the YEEDI M16 Infinity at $449.99 (44% off), the YEEDI S20 Infinity at $699.99, the YEEDI S20 Infinity Ultra at $849.99, and the YEEDI S16 PLUS at $449.99. YEEDI will also introduce two new models: the M12 PRO Gen2 at an introductory price of $339.99 and the C14 PRO PLUS at $279.99.

Consumers can visit YEEDI.com to explore full Prime Day deals, and discover how YEEDI’s smart cleaning technology helps them spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying everyday life.

About YEEDI

YEEDI is a home cleaning technology brand dedicated to making advanced robotic vacuum technology practical, reliable, and accessible for everyday households. Guided by its philosophy of Accessible Innovation, YEEDI focuses on delivering powerful, user-friendly cleaning solutions that prioritize real-world usability, low maintenance, and long-term value.

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SOURCE YEEDI Technology