Academic Systems Hires Noted Distance Learning Educator; Dr. Jacquelyn Barker Tulloch to Assist With New Product Launch.

Business Editors

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 1, 2000

Academic Systems Corp., the leading provider of interactive, multimedia instructional programs for college students, has added distance learning expert Jacquelyn Barker Tulloch, Ed.D. to its staff as vice president for Academic Services.

In this role, Tulloch oversees faculty training and development for Academic Systems' new Web content product, academic.com.

Tulloch, formerly executive dean, Distance Education and College Services, with the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD), joins Academic Systems as a noted expert in the fields of distance learning, online delivery and faculty training.

"Jackie brings tremendous experience to our company as we launch academic.com," said John Brandon, president of Academic Systems. "As former dean of Distance Learning at the country's largest community college district, Jackie understands the issues faculty face in the rapidly growing field of online education."

Tulloch said she has used Academic Systems' programs, Interactive Mathematics and Interactive English, successfully for many years.

"Academic Systems is right on target with its vision," Tulloch said. "The way the company created its course content together with educators is indicative of how closely linked the company is with where education is going today."

Tulloch brings extensive experience to this new position. As executive dean at DCCCD, she was responsible for overseeing distance education for more than 5,000 students on seven campuses. Before that, she served the same institution as Telecourse Implementation Manager, and Computer Project Manager, and Director of Counseling/Human Development Chair, among other positions during 18 years at DCCCD. Tulloch began her career as a social studies teacher in Winston-Salem, N.C. in 1963.

Tulloch's background in computer learning and online delivery will be an asset for Academic Systems. While with the Dallas County Community College District, she was content expert and project manager for an internally developed student services software project. She tested the expert system program, trained users and oversaw documentation and troubleshooting during its on campus implementation. The project received national recognition through the prestigious Joe Wyatt Challenge/EDUCOM.

In addition to her academic experience, Tulloch has been a consultant and trainer with the College Entrance Examination Board since 1978, working with more than 45 organizations in human relations, problem solving, team building and staff development. As a consultant and trainer with her own firm, TD Associates, she designed and implemented educational and training programs for a variety of audiences.

Academic Systems, the higher education division of Lightspan Inc., produces interactive, multimedia instructional programs that offer an enhanced learning environment in mathematics and writing for college students in developmental and entry-level courses. Created in concert with educators, Academic Systems' Interactive Mathematics and Interactive English programs have demonstrated impressive increases in learning and achievement. Academic Systems courses are offered at more than 250 college campuses across the United States.

For more information, contact Academic Systems at 800/694-6850 or visit the Web site at www.academic.com.

Note to Editors: Interactive Mathematics and Interactive English are trademarks of Academic Systems Corp.

Statements in this news release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve a high degree of risk and uncertainty, are predictions only and actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences include volatility of the company's expenses and operating results, market acceptance of the company's curriculum-based software and Internet products, management of growth, risks associated with expanding the company's Internet business, changes in funding for public schools, technological advances and risks related thereto, and risks associated with the company's rapid growth. These factors and others are more fully described under "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus included in The Lightspan Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-90103) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.