MESA, Ariz. May 10, 2005 -- Long before No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was enacted, innovative school districts were determined to find new ways to gauge student progress against high stakes competency tests. The forward-thinking school administrators instinctively knew that if they could get an accurate reading of student proficiency then teachers could more easily adapt their instructional efforts which would then lead to more effectiveness in the classroom.

Leading the way in just-in-time instructional modification through assessment gathering efforts, district administrators in the Jefferson County School District have selected Pearson Benchmark, the comprehensive Web-based district benchmark testing system and reporting tool.

Developed by Pearson School Systems, the leading provider of innovative education technologies to K-12 school districts nationwide, Pearson Benchmark provides a new core of capabilities to quickly and accurately assess student progress -- at any time over the course of the academic year -- against predetermined standards. With the ability to gather student performance results collected over time, teachers and administrators can readily monitor student progress, address deficiencies and recheck mastery - by class, course, grade level, school or even various demographics. The result is more targeted instruction, shorter assessment cycles, and enhanced student performance.

"For some time now, we have been researching various systems that help monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions, but nothing seemed to fit all of our goals and aspirations, that is until we observed the Pearson Benchmark solution," said Dr. Donnie Hodges, assistant superintendent Jefferson County Schools. "It is absolutely the right solution at the right time. It will afford us the opportunity to enjoy a seamless integration with our current student information system, SASI, one of Pearson School Systems SIS products. Going forward, it will empower our teachers and administrators to implement a full-range, Web-based tool that shows us exactly where a student is academically. Pearson Benchmark will provide a true check, swiftly and precisely."

Other districts choosing the customizable Pearson Benchmark solution have echoed Jefferson County's praise of the system - in particular its comprehensive reporting capability. With Pearson Benchmark, educators can deliver a wide array of reporting and analytic capabilities, fulfilling NCLB/AYP requirements while providing a comprehensive view of progress from student to classroom to school to district.

"Jefferson County Schools are about to turn a critical corner as they begin to harness the power offered through the objective, valid and reliable information gathered from the integration of both the Pearson Benchmark and SASI solutions," said Mike Evans, president of Pearson School Systems. "Student progress and informed instruction will never be the same."

About Jefferson County Schools
Jefferson County is enthusiastic about education. Serving over 3,300 students, Jefferson County's school system offers a broad instructional program, meeting the needs of all its students. The system operates a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program at six schools: three elementary, two middle schools, and one high school. Approximately 80 percent of students are eligible to receive free and reduced priced lunches. All schools are Title One recipients and accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

About Pearson School Systems
Pearson School Systems (PSS) is changing the face of K-12 student performance and information management through its offering of tightly-integrated, mission critical district enterprise solutions.

As both an industry pioneer and market trend setter, PSS offers management solutions that easily and significantly combine the power of student information, assessment, reporting, and business tools into a comprehensive and collaborative effort.

Through its innovative, digital solutions, PSS is dedicated to helping schools perform and students succeed. Its all-encompassing product lineup includes SASI the widely acclaimed, comprehensive student information system; Pearson Centerpoint; the multi-platform, Web-based student information and performance management system; CIMSŪ the comprehensive finance, human resources, and student information system; Pearson Inform, the achievement data analysis and decision support tool; and Pearson Benchmark, the customizable, Web-based district benchmark testing solution.

Pearson School Systems is a business unit of Pearson Education (NYSE:PSO - News), the world's leading integrated education company. For more information please visit: http://www.pearsonschoolsystems.com

Contact:
Charlotte Andrist
Pearson School Systems, Mesa
954-446-6554
Charlotte@EicherCommunications.com

Leslie Eicher
Pearson School Systems, Mesa
314-965-1776
Leslie@EicherCommunications.com