Tuesday, January 26, 2010

New Online Program Gives Students a Flexible, Affordable Option for Anytime, Anywhere SAT Preparation

DALLAS -- Archipelago Learning, a leading subscription-based online education company, today announced the introduction of Study Island SAT, a web-based SAT review program that provides students and schools with a flexible, affordable and effective option for SAT preparation.

While traditional SAT review programs tend to be expensive and require students to modify their schedules around set evening or weekend classes, Study Island SAT allows students to build a study regimen that is completely flexible to their particular needs, and at a fraction of the cost. Study Island SAT's web-based platform makes the program accessible anytime, anywhere an Internet connection is available, and unlike typical online practice and test-prep programs, it teaches both the content and strategies to achieve the best possible results on the SAT exam.

"Many SAT review programs are simply too expensive for schools to provide for all students or for parents to purchase for their children, particularly in these tough economic times. Unfortunately, this results in an unfair advantage for those students from higher socioeconomic homes where parents can afford expensive programs. Moreover, many programs require students to attend classes on-site at school or at a private facility", said Tim McEwen, CEO for Archipelago Learning.
"Study Island SAT can be done on the student's schedule at a fraction of the price of traditional programs, without sacrificing the results. It's like having a one-on-one tutor that works at the student's pace, from wherever the student wants to access the program.
In addition, since many students take the SAT more than once, the program can be repeated as many times as needed during the one-year subscription term, making it even more cost-effective."

Archipelago Learning partnered with Tutor Associates, a New York City-based leader in one-on-one tutoring, to create Study Island SAT.
The program combines Tutor Associates' proprietary Learning Tools and curriculum, which have been developed based on years of successful face-to-face tutoring, with Study Island's online learning platform, which is used in over 21,500 schools in the United States and Canada, to deliver expert SAT knowledge with engaging graphical content. David Oblath, president and co-founder of Tutor Associates, commented, "We jumped at the chance to collaborate with Study Island to bring our SAT curriculum online. For those of us in education, Study Island represents the gold standard of accessible, effective instruction. We knew that with their technology, our SAT curriculum would transcend traditional SAT prep to become a dynamic learning tool, enabling any student to improve their performance on the test."

A core aspect of Study Island SAT is the use of animated, interactive instructional videos that train students on key test-taking strategies and help them avoid common pitfalls. This approach is designed to be as effective as having a live coach or taking a class. Study Island SAT includes in-depth, interactive lessons in math, critical reading and writing, and real-time progress reports to show students' strengths and areas that need more practice. The program also provides hundreds of printable flashcards so students can practice common SAT vocabulary, as well as full-length practice tests to reinforce students' skills and develop their confidence.

Study Island SAT is available for purchase by schools, districts and learning centers, as well as parents and students. More information along with pricing for individuals and quantity discounts for educational institutions is available at the Study Island website: www.studyisland.com/SAT.

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