TUTR Plato Learning (MM)

New Supplemental Elementary Curriculum Focuses on Empowering Teacher-Directed Classroom Instruction PLATO Learning (NASDAQ:TUTR), a leading provider of K-adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, today announced the market release of Straight Curve(TM) Mathematics Series 2. The supplemental curriculum enriches core elementary mathematics curriculum and provides deeper, enhanced instructional focus on the concepts that students in grades 3-5 find most challenging--decimals, fractions, measurement, probability, and problem solving. Straight Curve Mathematics has a research-based, teacher-centric instructional design that allows for flexible coordination with existing textbooks and supplemental materials, lesson plans, and pacing guides. Teacher-led activities, including mini-lessons, investigations, and workshops, allow teachers to dynamically demonstrate math concepts and facilitate whole-class and small-group mathematics dialogues. This is combined with student-led games and quizzes that engage learners as they begin to apply math concepts to real-world situations. Teachers receive both online and offline support materials that provide guidance in determining which activities to use in conjunction with their current curriculum or texts, identifying common misconceptions students may have for each concept, differentiating instruction for each lesson, and extending learning in the classroom, after school, or at home. Straight Curve Mathematics was tested in schools across the country in a variety of settings, including on-grade-level whole classroom instruction, gifted and talented programs, and summer school. "The visuals are the biggest difference," said Megan Lindoo, 3rd grade teacher at Academia Cesar Chavez, St. Paul, Minn. "Using (Straight Curve Mathematics) as an introduction, students can watch me manipulate concepts on the screen on the way to manipulating the concepts themselves...I definitely have more students on task than I did during my normal introduction of a math concept." Straight Curve Mathematics is the inaugural product in PLATO Learning's new product line for supplemental on-grade-level and advanced instruction. Starting with the 2006-07 school year, Straight Curve Mathematics will be available on the PLATO Learning Environment(TM) (PLE(TM)). The PLATO Learning Environment, licensed on a subscription basis via an Internet application service provider (ASP), integrates key aspects of the educational process--managing and delivering online courses and instructional content, assessing student progress and prescribing individualized instruction, managing national and state standards, and reporting and analyzing data. PLE offers a simple-to-use interface where teachers will find tools they need to reduce preparation time and increase their time for teaching. "I don't have to be quite so innovative on my own; (Straight Curve) provides that for me," added teacher Megan Lindoo. "Straight Curve products are teacher-centric--designed to support and extend teacher time and resources for classroom instruction--without compromising effectiveness for students," said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning President and CEO. "Educators are asking for products that teachers can use every day in the classroom to enrich and optimize instructional time while deepening and supplementing textbook coverage of core concepts. Straight Curve meets that demand." 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. Straight Curve and PLATO Learning are trademarks of PLATO Learning, Inc. PLATO, Inc. is a PLATO Learning, Inc. company.