Pulaski Adopts Plato for Special Ed Program
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01.30.2007—Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) in Arkansas has signed an agreement to implement Plato Learning's professional development and instructional support for the district's special education program.
According to the terms of the $507,000 agreement, Plato will provide "instructional content in literacy and math with the Plato Achieve Now curriculum, hardware, and professional services in the district's elementary, middle, and high school special education programs." Plato Achieve Now allows students to access standards-based educational materials via Sony Playstation 2 entertainment systems.
"The District had high standards when selecting a vendor," said John Goswick, director of instructional technology, Pulaski County Special School District, in a prepared statement. "We wanted to ensure that we were providing quality content that met Arkansas standards and addressed the varied learning needs of students with learning disabilities. Plato Achieve Now best met the required specifications. This program supports our standards-based curriculum and provides an additional benefit for our students—increased access to technology-driven instructional solutions."
"We're very encouraged about the positive impact that Plato Achieve Now is already having on special education student achievement,." said Tommy Broyles, PCSSD special education director, also in a prepared statement. "Teachers who are piloting the implementation model are encouraged about how engaged students are with this technology. They are reporting that Plato Achieve Now is a valuable resource as a motivational tool for daily classroom instruction and that students are making progress toward their academic goals. Based on that feedback, we are continuing with the rollout plan and are dedicated to providing our teachers with the building-level support that they need and want to ensure a quality implementation and student success."
Plato Learning is a provider of computer-based and e-learning instruction for K-12 and adult learners in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. It also offers online assessment and professional development services.
Pulaski County Special School District is the second-largest district in Arkansas and operates 24 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and seven high schools throughout the state.
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About the author: Dave Nagel is the executive editor for 1105 Media's educational technology online publications and electronic newsletters. He can be reached at [email protected].
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