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Free Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) Preparation Program Chooses SMARTHINKING to Provide Online Assessment and Tutoring

Immediate Contact:

Sheila Noon
(206) 283-3054
snoon(AT)smarthinking.com

Lea Douglin
(202) 543-5034 x 245
ldouglin(AT)smarthinking.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 13, 2003 - The University of Texas TeleCampus has selected SMARTHINKING to deliver an online test readiness program to prepare Texas high school students for the TAKS. TAKS Readiness and Core Knowledge (TRACK) is a free program offering four diagnostic tests and supplemental learning materials to help 10th and 11th grade students prepare for the state’s high school exit exam. Further, schools can choose to combine the test with live, online tutoring services to create a comprehensive test preparation program.

Students will choose from practice tests in Math, English, Science, and U.S. History. Schools that choose online tutoring will have access to Math, English, bilingual Math, and Writing tutors who will be trained in Texas standards and will be able to use the student’s performance on the practice tests to provide individualized assistance. "This is the next stage of testing," says Darcy Hardy, Assistant Vice Chancellor and UT TeleCampus Director. "With SMARTHINKING, we are able to provide an assessment AND use the assessment data to inform instruction whenever and wherever the student needs it."

"The Internet is most powerful when it enables students and teachers to connect in ways never before possible," says Burck Smith, SMARTHINKING’s CEO. "Online tutoring combines the power of one-on-one instruction with student diagnostic data, scheduling convenience, and unparalleled access."

In a recent survey of Texas teachers conducted by the UT TeleCampus, 94% of the respondents indicated a TAKS readiness tool was needed or greatly needed. TRACK will be offered to the public in the Spring in anticipation of the first administration of the TAKS in April 2004.

About SMARTHINKING (www.SMARTHINKING.com)

SMARTHINKING, the leading provider of online tutoring to colleges and high schools, provides live, online, easy-access tutoring to students. SMARTHINKING works with schools, colleges, universities, textbook publishers and other institutions to help educators offer students outstanding academic support. SMARTHINKING’s custom solutions improve faculty support and raise student performance by connecting students to qualified assistance anytime, from any Internet connection. SMARTHINKING clients include schools, colleges, libraries, education companies, individuals, and anyone seeking to increase student achievement. SMARTHINKING currently works with over 500 school clients and businesses. To learn more, please visit www.smarthinking.com or call 888.430.7429 ext 224.

About the UT Telecampus and TRACK (www.uttc.org)

TRACK is part of a University of Texas System-wide initiative called "Every Child Every Advantage." TRACK is available thanks to the generous support of the Houston Endowment and the Meadows Foundation. The UT TeleCampus supports online learning in K-12, undergraduate and graduate programs across the UT System.