Homer-Center High School Reports 30 Percent Increase in PSSA Math Scores; Hybrid Tutoring Solution from Apangea Learning a Key Driver Improved Performance on State Assessment Exams.

INDIANA, Pa. -- Homer-Center High School today reported an increase of more than 30 percent in its scores on the math portion of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessments exam. Approximately 73 percent of eighth-grade students tested during the spring of 2004 scored at or above proficient levels, placing Homer-Center in the 70th percentile among schools statewide. In 2003, the school ranked in the 39th percentile, with just 37 percent of students scoring at these levels.

"We are extremely pleased with the performance of our students on these critical exams," said Homer-Center Schools Superintendent Dr. Joseph Marcoline. "The dramatic increase we have seen in our math scores reaffirms that we are providing our students with the materials they need to master core subjects and achieve their maximum potential."

A key driver of the school's improved performance was its use of SmartHelp Math Tutor, a hybrid tutoring solution from Apangea Learning, Inc. A unique combination of web-based software and human assistance, SmartHelp enables students who are struggling in math to overcome their learning challenges by providing them with additional support in the form of both online instruction and help from live tutors.

"All schools have a population of students who are great test takers," said Homer Center High School Principal Rick Foust. "Apangea Learning allows us help our lower-achieving students perform at a greater level by providing a structured environment through which they can learn online at their own pace and receive targeted assistance from tutors where the software can no longer help."

"It is terrific to see Homer-Center partnering with an innovative company like Apangea Learning to provide students throughout our District with access to leading-edge technology that improves their chances for success," said U.S. Congressman Bill Shuster while visiting with students using Apangea Learning's software. "Our future is in the education of our children, and solutions like those provided by Apangea are helping to ensure that every student has a chance to succeed."

Homer-Center's use of Apangea Learning's SmartHelp Math Tutor was funded in part by the Heinz Endowments and Grable Foundation through Project StepUp, an initiative designed to enhance the effectiveness of tutoring programs offered to students who have failed to pass state assessment exams.

"Homer-Center is a shining example of the value that our hybrid tutoring solutions provide," said Apangea Learning President and CEO Louis Piconi. "By supplementing traditional classroom materials with our software and services, Homer-Center is giving its students the tools they need to perform at levels they have never before achieved."

Over 30,000 students have used Apangea Learning's SmartHelp Math Tutor to date. Recent studies have shown that more than half of students using the solution improved their PSSA scores by an average of 14 percent within three months. In addition, schools using Apangea Learning have reduced their costs of administering tutoring programs by more than 75 percent.

About Apangea Learning

Apangea Learning is a leading provider of hybrid tutoring solutions that combine leading-edge software with live support from human tutors to help students improve their performance in key subjects such as math and reading. Our solutions are designed to enhance the quality of tutoring programs administered by schools while reducing the cost of delivering them. For more information on Apangea Learning and its products, please visit: www.ApangeaLearning.com.