Phoenix School District Expands Use of Fast ForWord(R) Products
District Implements Neuroscience-Based Reading Intervention in Nine High Schools Based on Strong Achievement Results
12/12/06
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Scientific Learning Corporation
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OAKLAND, CA - 12/12/2006 - The Phoenix Union High School District in Phoenix, Ariz., has expanded the use of Scientific Learning Corporation's (NASDAQ: SCIL - News) Fast ForWord® neuroscience-based reading intervention to nine high schools following a one-year research project in one high school program that demonstrated encouraging results in reading achievement for English Language Learners and special-education reading students.
After implementing the Fast ForWord software at Camelback High School last year, educators were impressed enough with the intervention and its results that they opted to install it at eight additional high schools, bringing the total to nine. Educators plan to use the software to assist English Language Learners in reaching reading and language proficiency targets.
The selection of Fast ForWord software as Phoenix Union High Schools District's pre-reading intervention followed a long research period in which district educators evaluated scientific and outcomes research and visited schools currently implementing the products. The district has committed to long-term success with the Fast ForWord intervention by assigning both coaches and teachers to ensure appropriate product usage, to monitor and facilitate student results, and to maximize results.
"The Phoenix Union High School District is a great example of how a committed group of educators coupled with powerful learning innovations can make a difference in the lives of students," said Robert C. Bowen, Chairman and CEO of Scientific Learning. "Not only did they do their due diligence in selecting the Fast ForWord intervention, which is based on 30 years of neuroscience research and proven to create fast, effective, and enduring results, but they have gone the extra mile in ensuring each student using the intervention receives the support he or she needs to succeed."
Although product usage has just begun in eight of the nine high schools, district educators say they're already seeing great results and have high hopes for future outcomes.
"Eliminating the achievement gap in schools impacted by poverty and language barriers is one of our top priorities. We believe the Fast ForWord products can help us achieve this goal," said Mr. Arthur Lebowitz, the assistant superintendent of instruction for the Phoenix Union High School District. "We expect this intensive, research-based initiative coupled with focused tutoring and committed administrators, teachers, and support staff will enable us to meet our overriding goal of high achievement for all students."
About Phoenix Union High School District
The Phoenix Union High School District is located in Phoenix, Ariz., the fifth-largest city in the United States. The district serves over 24,000 students -- representing 50 languages -- in 10 comprehensive high schools and five small schools.
About Scientific Learning Corporation
Scientific Learning produces the patented Fast ForWord® family of products, a series of computer-delivered intervention products that build learning capacity by developing the neurocognitive skills required to read and learn effectively. These foundational skills are built through a series of brain-based exercises that create fast, effective, and enduring results. Based on more than 30 years of neuroscience and cognitive research, the Fast ForWord products use patented technology and applications of validated neuroscience principles to help children, adolescents, and adults build the language and reading skills widely recognized as the keys to all learning.
The exercises align with the scientifically based reading-research guidelines and the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. The efficacy of the products has been confirmed by more than 200 independent research studies.
For more information about Scientific Learning and its products, visit our Web sites at www.scientificlearning.comand www.brainconnection.com, or call toll-free 888-452-7323.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor created by the federal securities laws. Such statements include, among others, statements relating to expected activities on the part of the school district. Such statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially as a result of many factors, including but not limited to: scheduling concerns, availability of school district resources and other risks detailed in the Company's SEC reports.
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