2008-05-29 20:11:19 -
- Scientific Learning Corporation Media Contact: Jessica Lindl, Vice President of Marketing 510-625-6784 jlindl@scilearn.com or Investor Contact: Jane A. Freeman, Executive Vice President and CFO 510-625-2281 investorrelations@scilearn.com Scientific Learning(R) (NASDAQ:SCIL) today announces the new Fast ForWord(R) Language Series v2, a completely redesigned and updated version of the company's signature Fast ForWord Language products. With new content
and design features, the software uniquely supports a Response to Intervention (RtI) approach. Through intensive, individualized interventions, Fast ForWord Language Series v2 helps districts move elementary Tier 3 students, as well as special needs students and English language learners, toward grade level reading skills -- and success in the general classroom.
Part of the Fast ForWord family of products, Fast ForWord Language Series v2 accelerates learning by developing the student brain to process more efficiently. The reading intervention software builds and strengthens students' foundational reading and language skills while improving cognitive skills. Its intensive exercises develop critical brain processing in four key areas: memory, attention, processing rates and sequencing skills.
Like all Scientific Learning products, Fast ForWord Language Series v2 is based on more than 30 years of neuroscience research on how the brain learns. In addition, Scientific Learning's research and development teams utilized outcomes from more than 50,000 students to design improvements to ensure these new products are even more effective at helping students become better readers.
"Scientific Learning is committed to helping all students build the cognitive skills essential for learning and reading success," said Robert C. Bowen, chairman and CEO of Scientific Learning "Based on customer feedback and our own analysis of data from thousands of students, Fast ForWord Language Series v2 features significant design and content enhancements, with a particular focus on high-risk populations. The user interface is more engaging, faster and easier to use, and the content has been expanded and redesigned to deliver even greater gains for students receiving Tier 3 interventions or special services, and students who are English language learners."
The Fast ForWord Language Series v2 is likewise enhanced with new characters, graphics, themes and animations. Improvements in the user interface and motivational elements engage and motivate students, resulting in faster progress and better results. New learning modes and supportive tools help struggling students achieve success more quickly without instructor assistance. "Children can see themselves moving up," said Ann New, lab coach at Walsingham Elementary in Largo, Fla. referring to the program's progress indicators. "That built-in motivation is one of my favorite things about this new version." Language Series v2 also features exercise introductions in Spanish to make the software easier to use for English language learners.
"Just as physical exercise increases muscle strength and efficiency, Fast ForWord Language Series v2 software exercises the brain, increasing its ability to learn better and faster," said Bowen. "When students can process more effectively, all other learning activities get accomplished more efficiently, and the dedication of teachers and investment in other learning programs yields better results. In addition, students are more motivated to learn and have better self-esteem."
About Scientific Learning Corp.
Scientific Learning creates educational software that accelerates learning by improving the processing efficiency of the brain. Based on more than 30 years of neuroscience and cognitive research, the Fast ForWord(R) family of products provides struggling readers with computer-delivered exercises that build the cognitive skills required to read and learn effectively. Scientific Learning Reading Assistant(TM) combines advanced speech recognition technology with scientifically-based courseware to help students strengthen fluency, vocabulary and comprehension to become proficient, life-long readers. The efficacy of the products has been established by more than 550 research studies and publications. For more information, visit www.scientificlearning.com or call toll-free 888-452-7323.
The newest evolution of the Fast ForWord Language Series features
design and content enhancements to improve outcomes for struggling
readers and English language learners
