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Press Releases
Despite efforts by her school, mother and doctor to arrange for tutors, correspondence courses and independent study, Stockbridge fell further and further behind her classmates and despaired of having even the normal rite of graduation. Finally, she was authorized to use an online courseware system, NovaNET® from Pearson Digital Learning, and was able to prevail over her disorders to become part of the school’s 2006 graduating class. Stockbridge described her experience in a winning essay for Pearson Digital Learning’s NovaNET® 2006 Student Essay Contest. Each year, students who use NovaNET are invited to submit essays about how NovaNET helped with their educational aspirations. Entitled simply "NovaNET," Stockbridge’s piece describes how she managed to recover more than a year of lost ground in time to graduate with her peers. "I was able to work on my courses when I felt my best, around 2 a.m.," said Stockbridge. "It made learning fun, exciting and, most importantly, possible. I found myself eager to continue on to the next module. I truly believe that without NovaNET’s flexibility and availability, I would never have been able to succeed in my number one goal of finishing high school." Stockbridge’s story is just one example of the predicaments facing at-risk students all over the United States. Unfortunately, a growing number of students have been designated "at risk" in recent years. According to a 2002 study by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 1.5 percent of public school students are enrolled in at-risk programs, and 54 percent of districts with such programs reported enrollment demand as exceeding available capacity. Even common subjects such as Algebra I have become stumbling blocks for many students as more and more school districts require a passing grade in the subject for graduation. In fact, in January 2006, the superintendent of Los Angeles schools, Roy Romer, reported to the Los Angeles Times that Algebra triggered more dropouts in his district than any other single subject. As with Stockbridge, a growing number of school districts are turning to systems like NovaNET to help at-risk students overcome their unique challenges. Aligned with state and national standards, NovaNET provides an alternative path to graduation, including a new two-semester Algebra I course composed of 126 multimedia lessons with interactive tools, animations, graphical simulations, digital video plus embedded remediation. Stockbridge summed up the advantages she experienced in working with NovaNET: "It allowed me to work at my own pace without the pressures from teachers. It let me rest when needed, without worrying about handing assignments in on time." She added, "Because of the NovaNET, I can now do something I never thought was possible, attend college."
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 academic elective 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.
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® Enterprise and NovaNET® educational courseware; and the KnowledgeBox® digital learning system. Pearson Digital Learning is also the exclusive distributor for the Waterford Early Reading Program™ and Waterford Early Math & Science™, adaptive computer-based instruction developed by the Waterford Institute. Pearson Digital Learning is part of Pearson Education the world's leading integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE: PSO) the international media company. More information can be found at: http://www.PearsonDigital.com.
Matt Murphy, Corporate Communications Manager  |
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Press Releases
