Upper Saddle River, NJ - November 29, 2005 -Pearson Prentice Hall's Algebra I increases students' performance, helping them achieve higher test scores and improve attitudes towards the study of mathematics, according to an independent study commissioned by the publisher. Pearson Prentice Hall is part of Pearson Education, the global leader in educational publishing.

The study, conducted by independent research firm, PRES Associates, showed that fifty-three percent of students in grades 8-12 using Algebra I, performing below average at the beginning of the year, improved to average or advanced by the end of the year; and that forty-three percent of students performing at average at the beginning of the year improved to advanced by the end of the year.

Student performance also increased significantly from pre- to post-tests as measured by three different standardized assessments that were selected for their alignment to national and state math standards and proven reliability and validity. The study showed that students were more satisfied with their textbook, ancillary resources, and technology support; and had higher math aspirations than those using other programs.

One hundred percent of teachers participating in the study reported an increase in students' skills and knowledge, preparation for state testing, and a decrease in teacher planning time were all attributed to the use of Algebra I.

The study design was in compliance with the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) criteria to ensure the accuracy and fidelity of the outcomes. The WWC is the Federal agency established in 2002 to provide the educational community and the public with a trusted source of scientific evidence of what works in education.

Pearson Prentice Hall's Algebra 1 reflects the latest research on student learning. In particular, the program features ongoing assessment to inform classroom instruction; ample exercises to build fluency and understanding; and nonlinguistic representations of abstract concepts to aid understanding.

"This independent study shows in a definitive way that our Algebra I program helps students of different ability levels and backgrounds perform better on state and national standardized tests," said Rick Culp, President of Pearson Prentice Hall. "These results are so important to districts striving to make Adequate Yearly Progress as defined by No Child Left Behind."

Visit PHSchool.com/Research for the full report and additional research in support of Prentice Hall Algebra 1.

About Pearson Prentice Hall

Pearson Prentice Hall is the nation's leading educational publisher of scientifically researched and standards-based instructional materials for today's 6-12th grade classroom.

About Pearson Education

Educating 100 million people worldwide, Pearson Education (www.pearsoned.com) is the global leader in educational publishing, providing scientifically research-based print and digital programs to help students of all ages learn at their own pace, in their own way. Virtually all students in America learn from a Pearson program at some point in their educational career. In the U.S., nearly 25,000 schools use Pearson technology to help instruct preK-12 students and manage how they are doing. Pearson provides schools customizable services to create, deliver, score and report educational assessments, both in print and online, that help promote learning. The company is home to such renowned publishing brands as Pearson Prentice Hall, Pearson Longman, Pearson Scott Foresman, Pearson Early Learning, Pearson Learning Group, Pearson Digital Learning, and Pearson Addison Wesley. Pearson Education is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. In addition to Pearson Education, Pearson's primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

Contact:
Rod Granger
Pearson Education
212-782-3486
rod.granger@pearsoned.com