MESA, AZ. July 19, 2005 --Pearson Digital Learning (PDL), a leader in proven, comprehensive technologies for preK-12 education, announced today that Thomas Love, a senior from Albany High School Performance Learning Center in Albany, Ga., is the winner of the NovaNET(R) 2005 Student Essay Contest.

Aligned with state and national standards, NovaNET(R) is an online, comprehensive courseware system for middle school, high school, and adult learners. Each year, students who use NovaNET are invited to submit essays about how NovaNET helped with their educational aspirations. This year's winning essay, "Think Big: The Potential Is in You!" describes how NovaNET helped Love transform his self-image and redefine his goals.

"When I first started attending the Performance Learning Center, I thought there was no hope for a person in my position being young, black, and without good grades. I had written off all optimism of a dream to go to college and make something of myself," said Love. "Using NovaNET made me see that I could learn and achieve high goals. I feel totally differently now and believe I have what it takes to prepare for college and move into a career."

NovaNET provides an alternative path to graduation for students who are not succeeding in the traditional school setting. Love used NovaNET to work at his own pace in the system's core curriculum areas, including English, social studies, science, math and health.

During the course of his studies, he received assistance from learning facilitator Carol Moore, a certified teacher at the Center who helped him focus on improving his grammar. She discovered that he had a passion for writing short stories, but had grown frustrated in the traditional school setting and had given up. She was able to use NovaNET to rekindle his interest in writing and help him see he could succeed.

"The NovaNET system is infinitely patient and advances only as fast as the student is able to master a lesson. The lessons are explained in more depth than most teachers have time to do, and on the student's time line," said Moore. "The software also allows them to go over and over information until it is learned. It is truly individualized instruction at its best."

Moore said she further helped inspire Love and other students in her class to write by encouraging their competitive spirits. "The kids were always trying to get out of writing," she said. "So I encouraged them to enter essay writing contests. Once a couple of them were successful, others wanted to join in. By the time the NovaNET contest came around my kids were writing up a storm."

As the winning essayist, Love and his instructor, Moore, will receive an all expenses paid trip to Pearson Digital Learning's 2005 User's Conference this week at the Sheraton San Diego Resort & Marina. At the conference, Love will have the opportunity to read his essay to attendees as well as receive a plaque from PDL president, Bob Roliardi.

"NovaNET software has shown me that I am smart enough to do the work that I have been trying to accomplish since entering school," said Love. "Now I realize that I can go to college and make something of myself."

About the NovaNET System
The NovaNET system delivers the most comprehensive, interactive and engaging online curriculum, testing, assessment, student management and record-keeping, designed specifically for middle and high school learners. The NovaNET system's thousands of hours of basic skills, middle and high school English, mathematics, science, social studies, electives, ESL, GED preparation, SAT/ACT preparation, life skills, school-to-work and post-secondary curriculum and assessment programs are aligned to national and state standards. Continuously upgraded and enhanced, it continues to evolve to incorporate the latest technology and meet the changing needs of education.

About Pearson Digital Learning
Working side by side with educators for over 40 years, Pearson Digital Learning is the leader in proven, comprehensive technologies for preK-12 education. Our mission is to provide innovative, research-based digital learning solutions that elevate the art and science of teaching, and inspire children to reach their greatest potential. Reaching more than 20 million students annually, our products include: the SuccessMaker(R) Enterprise and NovaNET(R) educational courseware; and the KnowledgeBox(R) digital learning system. Pearson Digital Learning is also the exclusive distributor for the Waterford Early Reading Program(TM) and Waterford Early Math & Science(TM), adaptive computer-based instruction developed by the Waterford Institute.
Pearson Digital Learning is a business unit of Pearson Education, the world's leading integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. For more information please visit: www.PearsonDigital.com

NOTE TO EDITORS: A copy of the winning essay as well as a photo of Thomas Love is available by contacting Leslie Eicher at Leslie@EicherCommunications.com or 314-965-1776

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