TUTR Plato Learning (MM)

PLATO Learning, Inc. (NASDAQ:TUTR), a leading provider of K�adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, announced today its Straight Curve� Mathematics series of K�6 teacher-facilitated supplemental lessons is closely aligned with new National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum Focal Points for difficult-to-master math concepts. Straight Curve Mathematics�a K�6 supplemental classroom tool�is aligned to NCTM�s Curriculum Focal Points and the nation�s top textbooks. The program is designed to be used by teachers in classrooms to supplement instruction on the most difficult concepts identified by the NCTM. Using rich graphics, animation, audio, and games, Straight Curve Mathematics motivates students to learn while helping them master challenging concepts in ways that textbooks and other static resources cannot, and students are more engaged and grasp the difficult concepts more quickly and rigorously. Straight Curve Mathematics is easy to use in the classroom. Teachers can easily control the pace and sequence of the content, making it practical throughout the school day for teachers to leverage their classroom observations and professional judgment with the power of technology to achieve student mastery of difficult math concepts. �Straight Curve Mathematics changes the status quo by helping teachers prevent students from falling behind in their elementary years reducing the need for remediation and recovery in the middle and high school years,� said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning president and CEO. �It provides built-in mapping to the most popular mathematics textbooks and state standards making it easy for a teacher to quickly switch on the fly to an appropriate Straight Curve supplemental resource. Aligning Straight Curve content to the new NCTM Curriculum Focal Points and most popular textbooks will help classroom teachers enrich and optimize instructional time while deepening and supplementing textbook coverage of core concepts.� As math scores for elementary school-aged children continue to decline, the NCTM has outlined several crucial skills that must be learned to improve future academic success in mathematics. The NCTM Curriculum Focal Points are closely aligned to specific foundational topics, a pedagogical strategy that has been successfully used to teach math in Asian countries. Recently, the National Mathematics Advisory Panel, appointed by the U.S. Department of Education, stated that �the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is judged to be on sound footing with its recent publication of the Curriculum Focal Points.� �Using Straight Curve Mathematics as an introduction, students can watch me manipulate concepts on the screen on the way to manipulating the concepts themselves,� said Megan Lindoo, 3rd grade teacher at Academia Cesar Chavez, St. Paul, Minn. �I definitely have more students on task than I did during my normal introduction of a math concept.� Since its launch last year, Straight Curve Mathematics has been piloted in schools across the country in a variety of settings, including on-grade-level whole classroom instruction, gifted and talented programs, and summer school programs. Now, the NCTM Focal Points confirm that Straight Curve Mathematics is teaching the correct scope and sequence necessary for elementary school students to learn crucial skills necessary for future success in mathematics. 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 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� is a registered trademark of PLATO Learning, Inc. Straight Curve and PLATO Learning are trademarks of PLATO Learning, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.