PLATO Learning Continues Sizzling Results in Hot Springs

Business Wire,  Jan 23, 2008  

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District expands successful PLATO([R]) assessment and intervention model to elementary

MINNEAPOLIS -- PLATO Learning, Inc. (NASDAQ: TUTR), a leading provider of K-adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, today announced it has renewed and expanded an agreement with Hot Springs (Arkansas) School District (HSSD) to provide additional enrichment, credit recovery, intervention, and assessment solutions for its entire student body. HSSD has expanded its implementation to include assessment and intervention solutions for its entire 3,700-student district, including the addition of PLATO Learning's complete online curriculum for grades K-8 to its four elementary schools.

"After using PLATO Learning for several years as a benchmark assessment and intervention tool at the secondary level, we have been steadily expanding its use throughout the district," said Joyce Littleton Craft, superintendent for Hot Springs School District. "We have had great student engagement with the PLATO Learning software at the high school and middle school levels, and the teachers love the flexibility of having another resource to help reach kids."

Hot Springs School District began using PLATO Learning in 2004 for credit recovery. In 2005, the district conducted a pilot to evaluate the success of data-driven assessment and technology-based intervention for targeted, personalized instruction. The pilot successfully demonstrated that personalized instruction using PLATO Learning solutions resulted in substantial test readiness and academic improvement, particularly for students deficient in mathematics and literacy skills.

"Now we use PLATO[R] Test Packs with Prescriptions on PLE[TM] for placement and end-of-course assessment for all students entering a particular grade level," Craft said. "If students are not proficient, they must continue remediation using prescribed, personalized learning paths linked to PLATO[R] instructional content."

In addition to district-wide assessment and prescriptive intervention, HSSD also uses PLATO Learning as an intervention and remediation tool for students serving in-school suspension. "We developed customized skill-building modules using PLATO content, and now students are putting forth the effort to learn during suspension," Craft said. "These multiple approaches and strategies give students many opportunities to be successful and achieve the proficient results our district desires. A solution like PLATO Learning brings together the needs of teachers, students, and administrators to help achieve district-wide improvement."

"HSSD is an outstanding example of a district that is proactively using instructional technology to deliver personalized learning that can boost individual student performance in all grades with the broader aim of achieving district-wide improvement goals," said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning president and CEO. "PLATO Learning is proud to continue our relationship with Hot Springs School District."

About PLATO Learning

PLATO Learning is a leading provider of computer-based and e-learning instruction for kindergarten through adult learners, offering curricula in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and life and job skills. The Company also offers innovative online assessment and accountability solutions and standards-based professional development services. With over 6,000 hours of objective-based, problem-solving courseware, plus assessment, alignment, and curriculum management tools, we create standards-based curricula that facilitate learning and school improvement.

PLATO Learning is a publicly held company traded as TUTR on the NASDAQ. PLATO Learning educational software, delivered via the Internet and CD-ROM is primarily marketed to K-12 schools and colleges. The Company also sells to job training programs, correctional institutions, military education programs, and corporations.

PLATO Learning is headquartered at 10801 Nesbitt Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota 55437, 952.832.1000 or 800.869.2000. The Company has offices throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, as well as international distributors in the United Kingdom and South Africa. For more information, please visit http://www.plato.com.

PLATO[R], Straight Curve[R], and Academic Systems[R] are registered trademarks of PLATO Learning, Inc. PLATO Learning is a trademark of PLATO Learning, Inc. PLATO, Inc. is a PLATO Learning, Inc. Company. All other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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