Hoping To Raise Profile, School 'Industry' Forms Trade Group

By Mark Walsh

Companies involved in for-profit education—from selling chalk to managing schools—have formed a new trade group to raise their profile with the public.

The Education Industry Leadership Board has representatives from such well- known ventures as the management company Edison Schools Inc. and the tutoring leader Sylvan Learning Systems Inc. It also includes about 20 other education services providers, as well as several consultants and financial analysts who track the industry.

Michael R. Sandler, the chairman of the group, said the public perception of for-profit education mostly revolves around Edison, which is the nation's largest private manager of traditional public...