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Newest PLATO Learning Product Helps Struggling Students Improve Basic Mathematics Skills

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 October 2005, 21:01 CDT

PLATO Learning, Inc. (NASDAQ:TUTR), a leading provider of K-adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, announced the release of PLATO(R) Foundational Mathematics, a remedial mathematics curriculum for middle school, high school, and post-secondary learners.

"On the 2005 NAEP assessment, 69 percent of 8th grade students were below proficient and 31 percent were below basic level achievement in math," said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning President & CEO. "PLATO Foundational Mathematics provides an opportunity for students to recover basic mathematics skills and move forward to coursework at grade level. Our new courseware allows students to take control of their education using a self-paced instructional model that presents basic mathematical concepts to them in a manner appropriate to their age and ability so that they may successfully reach proficient levels and beyond."

PLATO Foundational Mathematics is designed to remediate secondary and post-secondary students in skills typically covered in kindergarten through sixth grade using contemporary instructional methodology that follows National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. The content focuses on numbers and operations, including fractions and decimals, as well as some geometry and measurement.

Each of the 123 modules in PLATO Foundational Mathematics introduces mathematical concepts using real-world examples to establish contextual understanding and trigger prior knowledge. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are reinforced through "think-aloud" mentoring and scaffolded instruction. Key questions are designed to encourage learners to evaluate each step of a solution and analyze processes. Students are encouraged to independently investigate and experiment with mathematical concepts through a wide assortment of manipulatives and tools that can be accessed throughout the curriculum.

PLATO Foundational Mathematics joins an award-winning library of curricula geared towards helping secondary and post-secondary students recover credits, attain on-grade level skills, and transition from high school into post-secondary institutions. PLATO(R) Instructional Solutions for credit recovery, remediation, and developmental education include reading, writing, mathematics, and science curricula and provide students with a one-on-one, self-paced learning opportunity to keep them engaged and involved in their education.

About PLATO Learning, Inc.

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.

With trailing 12-month revenues of approximately $131 million, PLATO Learning is a publicly held company traded as TUTR on the NASDAQ. PLATO Learning educational software, delivered via networks, CD-ROM, the Internet, and private intranets, is primarily marketed to K-12 schools and colleges. The Company also sells to job training programs, correctional institutions, military education programs, corporations, and individuals.

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 the United Kingdom, as well as international distributors in Puerto Rico, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. For more information, please visit http://www.plato.com.

PLATO(R) is a registered trademark of PLATO Learning, Inc. PLATO Learning is a trademark of PLATO Learning, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Source: Business Wire

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