Fast-Growing Texas School District Turns To School Specialty Academy Of MATH To Close Student Achievement Gap

January 13, 2010

Fort Bend ISD to Implement Powerful Intervention Solution, Join Research Study

Sugarland, TX and Greenville, WI (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fort Bend Independent School District (ISD), one of the largest and fastest growing school districts in Texas, is turning to Academy of MATH(R) from School Specialty (Nasdaq:SCHS - News) to close the achievement gap for its struggling students. Located southwest of Houston, Fort Bend ISD will use its new math intervention software to meet the learning needs of at-risk students in the district's 69 schools.

Academy of MATH is a reader-friendly, technology-based math intervention solution that helps at-risk elementary, middle and high school students build a strong foundation in mathematics. Using a patented methodology to deliver individualized, Web-based instruction with an adaptive intervention engine, Academy of MATH builds math skills for beginner through algebra-ready students in 10 skill areas that align to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards.

"The ability to offer award-winning technology solutions to help districts such as Fort Bend accelerate student learning reflects our purpose and vision as a company," said School Specialty Chief Executive Officer David Vander Zanden. "Blended learning solutions that combine computer-assisted instruction, such as the Academy of MATH, with targeted print resources and data-driven professional development, represent the future of education. In support of that trend, we are committed to providing educators with the product innovation and instructional tools that can help them achieve success in the classroom."

Math intervention is on the top of many school districts' agendas as they work to meet federal No Child Left Behind proficiency requirements for all students by 2014. Fort Bend ISD is licensing the software for all of its elementary schools and will receive on-call support and Professional Development from School Specialty implementation specialists to help maximize the effectiveness of the intervention program. In addition, the district will participate in a research study measuring the effectiveness of the program on improving math scores.

School Specialty acquired the Academy of MATH product through its recent purchase of AutoSkill International, which is now part of School Specialty Intervention.

About School Specialty

School Specialty (Nasdaq:SCHS - News) is a leading education company that provides innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to help educators engage and inspire students of all ages and abilities to learn. The company designs, develops, and provides PreK-12 educators with the latest and very best curriculum, supplemental learning resources, and school supplies. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help educators, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential. For more information about School Specialty, visit www.schoolspecialty.com.

About School Specialty Intervention

School Specialty Intervention delivers comprehensive reading, math and Response to Intervention (RtI) solutions to help K-12 schools close the achievement gap and make a measurable difference in the outcomes for 30 million struggling students who fall below proficiency benchmarks. Trusted brands from School Specialty Intervention include Academy of READING(R), Academy of MATH(R), S.P.I.R.E.(R), MCI(R), Wordly Wise(R) and Explode the Code(R). For more information, visit www.intervention.schoolspecialty.com.

SOURCE: School Specialty, Inc.