PLATO Learning Products Win Three BESSIE Awards in 11th Annual ComputEd Gazette Competition

Tuesday April 5, 4:00 pm ET
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2005--PLATO Learning, Inc. (NASDAQ:TUTR - News), a leading provider of K-Adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, today announced that PLATO® Writing Process and Practice, PLATO® Physical and Life Science, and PLATO® eduTest Assessment were named ComputEd Gazette BESSIE Award recipients.
PLATO Writing Process and Practice was awarded a BESSIE in the High School Language Arts category. Designed for remedial, on-grade-level, and enrichment instruction, PLATO Writing Process and Practice teaches writing as a process that is flexible, adaptable, and recursive. The product emphasizes the peer review process and shows the value of writing by highlighting samples written by adults in a variety of occupations while providing grammar instruction that emphasizes contextual usage.
PLATO Physical and Life Science, recipients of the Middle School Science BESSIE award, are innovative standards-based curricula that supplement middle school and GED instruction by addressing difficult science concepts with sophisticated computer animation and multimedia. Students benefit from these comprehensive curricula with preparation for high-stakes testing and the appreciation of scientific inquiry.
PLATO eduTest Assessment was awarded a BESSIE in the Online Assessment category. This comprehensive assessment program helps educators quickly identify strengths and needs for students, classrooms, schools, or an entire district. Through online formative and benchmark assessments, educators can determine the needs of each of their students and establish the best course of action for improvement.
"We are excited to have our products recognized for their ability to aid teachers and positively impact learning outcomes. At PLATO Learning, we are committed to developing quality products using the most current research in educational theory and practice and delivering only those products proven effective. This award acknowledges our success at meeting that commitment to educators," said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning President and CEO.
In its 11th year, the BESSIE Awards target innovative and content-rich programs and web sites that provide parents and teachers with the technology tools to foster educational excellence. Winners are selected from titles submitted by software publishers from around the world.
A full list of BESSIE Award winners can be found at http://computedgazette.com/page3.html