DeKalb County School System Expands Use of PLATO Software to Include 49 Total Sites.

Business Editors/Education & Technology Writers

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 18, 2001

PLATO Learning, Inc. (Nasdaq:TUTR) today announced that the DeKalb County School System - which serves more than 96,000 students in suburban Atlanta, Georgia - would nearly triple its use of PLATO Learning's computer-based instruction system to 49 total sites including all middle schools, high schools, alternative schools, and several community-based organizations. The

contract is valued at $1.4 million.

Given the success that student and adult learners have experienced with PLATO software in 14 sites in DeKalb over the past year, district administration decided to expand its use to include all middle and senior high schools. The expansion decision was based in part on PLATO Learning's recent acquisition of TeachMaster Technologies; a software system that enables teachers to align curriculum and lesson plans to national and state standards. The combination of TeachMaster and PLATO courseware gives DeKalb an additional alternative for delivering instruction in a new medium aligned completely to their curriculum. DeKalb is the largest school system in the country using TeachMaster to align local standards and teaching resources to state education standards.

"We are pleased that the success of PLATO courseware in the DeKalb County Schools has translated into this significant expansion," said John Murray, President and CEO of PLATO Learning, "We are also excited to work in partnership with DeKalb County Schools to launch the first district-wide integration of PLATO software and TeachMaster technologies. The PLATO Learning/TeachMaster combination has been receiving high accolades around the country and it is good to see this kind of client endorsement."

David Braswell, President of TeachMaster, added, "Educators are increasingly seeking comprehensive, district-wide solutions in response to the standards movement, which requires the schools to ensure that learning activities and assessments are aligned to state standards. The integration of PLATO Learning's instructional software with TeachMaster's curriculum and standards organization system will make it easier for teachers to use technology to increase the quality of their teaching, reduce planning time and automatically connect students with the instruction and resources they need to be successful on key standards."

The agreement between PLATO Learning and the DeKalb County Schools also includes the employment of a full-time project manager to help teachers take full advantage of the expanded technology in the 35 additional sites, which serve more than 46,000 students.

About DeKalb County Schools

DeKalb County has a population of more than 600,000 people and is situated in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. There are currently 82 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 21 high schools and 18 specialized centers. To learn more about the DeKalb County School System, visit http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

About PLATO Learning

PLATO Learning, Inc. is a leading provider of computer-based and e-learning instruction, offering basic to advanced level courseware in reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and life and job skills. The PLATO(R) Learning System and PLATO(R) Web Learning Network provide more than 3,500 hours of objective-based, problem solving courseware and include assessment, alignment and management tools to create standards-based curricula and facilitate the learning process.

With annual revenues of over $70 million, PLATO Learning, Inc. is a publicly held company traded as TUTR on the NASDAQ-NMS. PLATO(R) educational software is marketed to K-12 schools, colleges, job training programs, correctional institutions, military education programs, corporations and individuals. PLATO software is delivered via networks, CD-ROM, the Internet and private intranets. It is available for immediate purchase and electronic download on the Company's Web site.

PLATO Learning is headquartered at 10801 Nesbitt Avenue South, Bloomington, Minnesota 55437, [phone] or [phone]. The Company has domestic offices throughout the United States and international offices in the United Kingdom and Canada. International distributors are located in Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The Company's Web address is http://www.plato.com.

This announcement includes forward-looking statements. PLATO Learning has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events. Although PLATO Learning believes that its assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurances can be given that its assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. PLATO Learning undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Any forward looking statements made are subject to the risks and uncertainties as those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2000. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

(R) PLATO is a registered trademark of PLATO Learning, Inc.