Classworks Launches Educator-Developed Model to Help Schools Implement Response to Intervention.

DULUTH, Ga. -- Curriculum Advantage[TM], Inc. today announced a new model for educators to implement Response to Intervention (RTI) using Classworks[TM], computer-based student instruction in K-12 for English/Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics and Science. The Response to Intervention Model provides a starting point for districts to map how Classworks can work with all tiers of intervention within each state's framework.

The RTI Model from Curriculum Advantage was developed with educators and formalized with a research paper written by Dr. Cynthia Millikin, who has served in the field of special education for over 30 years. Currently the Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services for a public school district in Colorado, she has been a leader in the Response to Intervention process being implemented in her school system as well as school systems across the country. The paper includes a case study showing how Classworks has been customized for successful use in an RTI program.

The new model offers a multi-tiered intervention process that allows for assessment, identification and appropriate instruction for all students. Customized per state, the levels of intervention range from Tier I, which includes students who are performing "on-grade level," through Tier IV for the most intensive intervention - often for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

"Since the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, RTI is being integrated in schools across the country as a way to address the needs of every child," said Melissa Sinunu, Curriculum Advantage's COO. "Our schools looked to us to find a solution, and we partnered with them and together developed a model that can be used at all tiers - for all students."

The RTI Model includes specific information on the "key elements" of RTI for students in each of the respective tiers and then provides recommendations for using Classworks effectively for screening, instruction and progress monitoring. By using Classworks, teachers are able to target and individualize instruction while meeting the needs of the entire classroom; while the accountability tools provide the data needed to adapt instruction and ensure program effectiveness.

"Classworks is a critical component of our Pyramid of Intervention process," said Dr. James McCoy, Superintendent of Commerce City School System in Georgia. "Since putting it in place, we have seen improved performance from students at every level. The students with the greatest need have such a positive response to Classworks that it makes an immediate impact."

The Response to Intervention Model and research paper are available at www.classworks.com.

About Curriculum Advantage

Curriculum Advantage, Inc. (www.curriculumadvantage.com) is based in Duluth, Ga. Curriculum Advantage's flagship product is Classworks, a network-based system of K-12 reading and mathematics curriculum and learning tools that currently comprise over 5,000 hours of curriculum. Its activities are correlated to national and state learning standards and state tests, and include prescriptive and summative assessment, remediation and reporting tools. Classworks Language Learner Series, another part of the program, addresses English as a Second Language learning with content that focuses on auditory, visual and tactile/kinesthetic components.

"Curriculum Advantage" and "Classworks" are trademarks of Curriculum Advantage, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.