New STEM Courses for Pearson's NovaNET® Launch at National Dropout Prevention Conference

Online Learning Platform Enhanced with Chemistry, Algebra, Physical Science, and Earth Science Instruction

Philadelphia, November 15, 2010 – At the National Dropout Prevention Conference, the education services and technology company Pearson announced today the release of four new STEM courses for NovaNET®, the company’s fully digital learning platform for students in grades 6-12 and adult learners.

As the President continues to tout the importance of science education in securing America’s position in the global marketplace, these newest courses will help our leaders of tomorrow meet that challenge. By incorporating Pearson’s proven Prentice Hall STEM content with videos, animations, labs, and interactive practice activities, NovaNET personalizes learning for all students. Embedded assessments integrated throughout every NovaNET lesson ensure each student his or her own path to academic success.

NovaNET’s new courses are:

Physical Science – The physical science course offers 98 multimedia lessons, videos that explore real-world physical science concepts, prompts to encourage student writing on science topics, and “Science in Your Life” applications where students can learn how science concepts are applied outside the classroom.
Earth Science – To keep students engaged with the instructional content, the earth science course includes 85 lessons with more than 100 “clickable” diagrams and interactive illustrations, videos, a timeline of milestones in geology, a glossary of terms with audio pronunciation, and vocabulary activities.
Chemistry – More than 70 questions throughout the course check student mastery and independent practice items are incorporated throughout the course’s 95 lessons to help individualize the learning experience. The chemistry course includes an interactive Periodic Table of Elements and embedded links to more information on real-life science examples and data, scientist biographies, and laboratory safety.
Algebra 1 – The new two-semester Algebra 1 course addresses key concepts related to solving equations, inequalities, graphing functions, factoring polynomials and exploring quadratic, radical, exponential, and rational functions. Seventy-six lessons move the learner through these mathematical concepts systematically with 39 videos integrated throughout the program to provide extra support in solving problems.

“To thrive in our increasingly technological world, today’s learners need higher-order STEM knowledge and skills, which are supported through NovaNET’s digital courseware. Pearson’s offerings bring science and math to life by personalizing learning, seeking to improve student performance and ensure understanding, and integrating digital resources to assist students with concept visualization and real-world practice,” said Bob Roliardi, president of Pearson Digital. Roliardi added, “With these interactive courses, students are preparing now for success in college and in their careers.”

NovaNET delivers proven, rigorous, standards-based instruction for secondary and adult learners. The program can be utilized for any number of education applications including credit accrual, dropout prevention, summer school, credit recovery, virtual schools, and virtual learning. To learn more, visit: http://www.pearsonschool.com/novanet.

NovaNET qualifies for federal funding in the areas of Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT), 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I, and School Improvement Grants. For more information about how Pearson can help with your grant and funding needs, visit: http://www.fundingforschools.com.

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education services, technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about Pearson, go to: http://www.pearsoned.com.

About Pearson Digital

Pearson Digital is a leader in digital and online learning through its Waterford Early Learning programs that now have more than 1 million Pre-Kindergarten through second grade students logging on; its SuccessMaker program for Kindergarten through grade 8 with more than two million users globally; and the Novanet program providing comprehensive personalized online curriculum for middle school through adult learners to help meet the need for credit recovery, drop-out prevention and response to intervention needs serving more than 3 million students in the past 10 years. For more information, visit: http://www.pearsonschool.com/digital