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FALL 2004 RELEASE OF CONCERT™ INFORM FEATURES NEW USER-FRIENDLY ANALYSIS AND REPORTING FUNCTIONS

Web-based data system’s new capabilities facilitate data-driven decisions

Mesa, Ariz. – Oct. 27, 2004 – At the 2004 T+L2 Conference starting today in Denver, Pearson School Systems will unveil the latest release of Concert™ Inform, the comprehensive, Web-based performance analysis and decision support tool for accessible and effective reporting on student, school, and district performance.

Concert Inform provides educators with an efficient way to make use of assessment and performance data, allowing them to answer critical questions such as which schools need help to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals, and how students are performing against state standards and district proficiency levels.

"Educators know that meeting AYP requirements hinges on one thing: unleashing the knowledge buried within their data. Administrators need to collect, analyze, and report it. Principals need to use that data to formulate action plans for improvement. Teachers need clear, easy-to access information to address individual student needs," said Mike Evans, president of Pearson School Systems. "Concert Inform allows educators at all levels to pull together data from various systems to compile a complete picture in an easy-to-understand manner, and then use it to guide instruction accordingly."

Leveraging data from multiple sources such as student information systems, assessment systems, and data warehouses, Concert Inform can capture, share and report on a variety of student and assessment information, including student demographics, state tests, standardized tests, district tests, and more. It allows districts and schools to view performance data at the district, school, classroom, and individual levels against target benchmarks, such as AYP goals. In addition, it enables districts and schools to perform comparative and longitudinal analysis based on aggregate and disaggregate performance data driven by the No Child Left Behind and state requirements.

"This capability is not only unique to Concert Inform, but it is a critical component in educators' goal to measure progress, inform decision making, and target assistance," said Evans.

The Concert Inform Fall release features several enhancements and additions such as improved sorting, grouping, monitoring, and system navigation. One of the most useful new tools in Concert Inform is the Intervention Groups component, which allows teachers to identify groupings of students based on district-defined criteria, for example, scores above or below a designated level on one or more chosen assessments and/or concepts. Additionally, educators can monitor the progress of these student cohorts using district benchmark tests, state tests or other assessments. The groups can also be disaggregated into student demographics, special programs and enrollment sub-groups.

Concert Inform's user interface now features a larger font size for easier viewing and the addition of a Home Page, which quickly orients users to the program. It also helps them create, save, and distribute reports with very little training, and includes links to the most commonly asked performance questions as well as to the Student Search function.

"When combined with its other leading administrative offerings such as the SASIxp™ and SiPS student information systems, and Concert™ Instruction & Assessment, Concert Inform gives Pearson School Systems the most comprehensive student performance management solution on the market today," said Evans. "These products provide the means to collect, store, analyze, and report the data, as well as develop and deliver the instruction that will help achieve the desired results. It's a powerful combination of tools that will assist customers in meeting the AYP goals established by their state and the ultimate goal of helping students succeed.”

About Pearson School Systems
Focusing exclusively on enterprise solutions for K-12 school districts, Pearson School Systems (PSS) is dedicated to helping educators improve student performance by combining the power of assessment, reporting and student information solutions. Its innovative, digital solutions include widely acclaimed SASIxp™; CIMS® comprehensive finance, human resources, and student information system; the SiPS school information system, and Concert™ Solution Suite. Pearson School Systems' products are used by more than 16,000 schools nationwide.

Pearson School Systems is part of Pearson Education (NYSE: PSO), the world’s leading integrated education company. More information can be found at www.PearsonDigital.com.

Contact:
Leslie Eicher
Eicher Communications
314-965-1776
Leslie@EicherCommunications.com