ADVISORY/Educators From Across Oklahoma to View the High-Tech ``eBus'' on Visits to Union and Muskogee Public Schools.

Business Editors/Education Writers

ADVISORY...for Wednesday (Jan. 28) & Thursday (Jan. 29)

MESA, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2004

This Wednesday and Thursday, educators from across Oklahoma will be given an opportunity to visit two of the state's most progressive technology-using school districts and try out computer programs aboard a special computer-equipped bus.

Union Public Schools in Tulsa and Muskogee Public Schools in Muskogee have invited superintendents, principals, and curriculum specialists from across the state to see first-hand the impact technology has on a student's success in the classroom. Following a brief instructional program at the district office, these education leaders will become "students" as they hop aboard the "eBus" to explore software programs designed to teach young students reading/language arts, math, science and social studies.

The Pearson Digital Learning eBus is a school bus and mobile computer lab outfitted with 13 computer workstations and Internet satellite connectivity. With a specific emphasis on standards-aligned, research-based curriculum, the eBus highlights programs that use technology to improve student performance including the Waterford Early Reading Program(TM) and Waterford Early Math and Science(TM) courseware for preK-2 students, KnowledgeBox(R) K-6 Digital Learning System, and SuccessMaker(R) Enterprise electronic curriculum for preK-8 students.

Union Public Schools currently implements the Waterford Early Reading Program in its schools, and Muskogee Public Schools implements SuccessMaker Enterprise.

WHAT:   Demonstration of programs that use technology to improve
        student learning aboard the high-tech eBus.

WHEN &  January 28 - Union Public Schools, 5656 S. 129th East Ave,
WHERE:  Tulsa, Okla.
        January 29 - Muskogee Public Schools, 202 W. Broadway St.,
        Muskogee, Okla.
        8-9:30 a.m. for superintendents; 1-2:30 p.m. for principals
        and school personnel.

WHO:    Union Public Schools - Principal of Community Education Cathy
        Collins;
        Muskogee Public Schools - Superintendent Eldon Gleichman and
        Administrative Assistant for Elementary Education James
        Wilson;
        Pearson Digital Learning - Pamela Palmer and Sherry Evers; and
        Superintendents, principals and curriculum specialists from
        across the state.