Pearson Prosper Honored as Finalist in Software & Information Industry Association's 2006 Codie Awards

Business Wire, Feb 7, 2006

EAGAN, Minn. -- Recognized in "Best Student Assessment Solution" Category

Pearson NCS announced today that its Prosper(TM) assessment system is a finalist in the Software & Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 21st Annual Codie Awards in the "Best Student Assessment Solution" category.

The Prosper assessment system puts powerful tools in the hands of teachers for creating, scoring and analyzing classroom tests while minimizing the administrative burden. With assessment data at their fingertips, teachers can spot weaknesses and provide tailored instruction - to help students meet and exceed achievement goals. Prosper can be used by elementary and secondary schools striving to meet standards and for colleges and universities that want to measure success in the classroom by comparing student knowledge to specific learning objectives.

"It is exciting to have Prosper recognized as a leader in student assessment by the Codie Awards," said John Harnett, president, Pearson NCS. "We are proud to offer testing and assessment products that allow educators to use data to help students achieve their potential."

Established in 1986, the Codie Awards recognize outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital content and education technology industries. The program is the leading honor for this industry's finest products and services.

This year, judges selected finalists in 71 categories and attracted a record 1,026 nominations from more than 500 companies.

"The 21st Annual Codie Awards continue the tradition of honoring the best of the software, information and education technology industries," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "When one considers the number of outstanding companies that competed this year, being named a Codie Awards Finalist is a significant achievement."

The Codie Awards is the only peer-recognition awards program of its kind in the industry, providing a unique opportunity for companies to earn the praise of their competitors. The 2006 Codie Awards will be presented at a gala event at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, Calif., on May 16, 2006.

More information about Prosper is available at www.PearsonNCS.com/prosper

About the Software & Information Industry Association

The Software & Information Industry Association is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. Go to www.siia.net for further information.

About Pearson NCS

Pearson NCS offers a wide variety of data collection hardware, software, scannable forms and outsourcing services for student records management, surveys, enrollments, patient encounter, test scoring and more for education, business, healthcare and government. Pearson NCS is a business of Pearson Education, the world's largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the international media company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.