TUTR Plato Learning (MM)

PLATO Learning, Inc. (NASDAQ:TUTR), a leading provider of K-adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, today announced that the Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved a one-year, $600,000 option to extend their statewide contract with PLATO Learning to provide students with standards-aligned curriculum and formative and benchmark assessments. The statewide initiative is funded under Title VI of the No Child Left Behind Act (2000). For the past two years, the Idaho State Board of Education has used PLATO(R) Instructional Solutions as part of its statewide initiative to create a consistent curriculum support system to its school districts. The program--the Idaho PLATO Learning Network (I-PLN)--reaches K-12 schools, juvenile corrections and detention facilities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, adult correctional education facilities, and College of Education teacher preparation programs. The partnership between PLATO Learning and the Idaho Board of Education is a statewide effort to remediate missing skills and improve Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) scores. "The Board wanted to offer schools another tool for remediation and advancement. The beauty of I-PLN is each student receives individual instruction created just for them," said Saundra DeKlotz, federal programs manager, Idaho Board of Education. "Over the length of our relationship, our use of PLATO(R) Solutions has grown outside of ISAT remediation. It is a versatile program, and as our districts become more adept with the curriculum, they find more possibilities for the program--increasing the reach and academic impact of our initiative." The state provides each site with access to the PLATO(R) curriculum aligned to Idaho Achievement Standards and the ISAT in language arts, mathematics, and reading. Schools have found success using the curriculum across programs including ISAT test remediation, gifted and talented instruction, credit recovery, alternative graduation credit, and high school credit for inmates. In each program, student ISAT RIT scores are imported into PLATO Learning's management system. The program then prescribes a learning path with appropriate instruction for each student. "The Idaho Board of Education has developed best practices for educational reform, and we are proud they selected PLATO Learning as the key instructional tool for that initiative. We look forward to growing our relationship and supporting the success of their educators and students," said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning President and CEO. Nearly every district in the state is currently using PLATO Instruction. "Getting the technology loaded at all districts was not a small task, especially since some districts did not have the strongest technology infrastructure," said DeKlotz. "The ability of PLATO Learning and districts across the state to work together has been key to our success. That collaboration has helped us accomplish our vision of statewide implementation." 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 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 North America and international distributors in Puerto Rico and South Africa. 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. PLATO, Inc. is a PLATO Learning, Inc. company.