Bloomington, Minn. - May 23, 2006 -- Pearson Prosper™ assessment system took top honors for Best Student Assessment Solution in the Software & Information Industry Association's (SIIA) 21st Annual Codie Awards on May 16 in San Francisco. This year's winners were chosen from more than 1,026 nominations - the most in the history of the Codies - for the excellence of their products, services, corporate leadership and philanthropy.

"We are thrilled the software and information industry has recognized Prosper as an innovative assessment tool designed to help students achieve their potential," said John Harnett, president, Pearson Assessments. "Educators using Prosper tell us the tool is easy to use and they are seeing impressive gains in student achievement."

The Prosper assessment system puts powerful tools in the hands of teachers for creating, scoring and analyzing classroom tests while minimizing the administrative burden. With assessment data at their fingertips, teachers can spot weaknesses and provide tailored instruction - to help students meet and exceed achievement goals. Prosper can be used by elementary and secondary schools striving to meet standards and for colleges and universities that want to measure success in the classroom by comparing student knowledge to specific learning objectives.

"This 21st Annual Codie Awards continues our tradition of celebrating the best products in the software and information industry," said Ken Wasch, president, SIIA. "Being a winner among so many fine nominees is a solid achievement."

The Codie Awards recognize outstanding achievement and vision in the software, digital content and education technology industries. The program is the leading honor for the industry's finest products and services.

More information about Prosper is available at www.PearsonAssessments.com/Prosper.

About the Software & Information Industry Association

The Software & Information Industry Association is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to the leading companies that are setting the pace for the digital age. Go to www.siia.net for further information.

About Pearson Assessments

Pearson Assessments provides assessment instruments and data capture tools and technologies for use in education, business and health care settings. Backed by a half century of knowledge and expertise, Pearson Assessments - integrating Pearson NCS and the assessment division of AGS Publishing with the original Pearson Assessments business - offers products and services to deliver the accurate, reliable and usable information that professionals seek. Pearson Assessments is a business of Pearson Education, the world's largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO), the international media company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

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