Major Grants from IBM and GTE Support Classroom, Inc.;Industry Leaders Help Eighth, Ninth, and...

Education &Technology Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 2000

Classroom, Inc., a leader in developing technology-rich instructional materials and teacher professional development programs for under-resourced schools, today announced $500,000 in grants jointly from

Using computer-generated scenarios, students will work through real-life situations that arise in today's fast moving IT workplace. They will master algebra and language arts as they engage in collaborative problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking activities. The IT simulation will be available to schools nationwide in Fall 2000.

&uot;The need for this simulation is critical, given the well documented fact that students who fail to master algebra are cut off from pursuing a range of rewarding professions -- including many in the IT industry. The simulation will directly address this pressing concern. We are thrilled that IBM and GTE -- both leaders in the IT field -- are so generously donating their time and expertise towards this unique program,&uot; said Madeline Lacovara, president of Classroom, Inc.

Stanley S. Litow, President of the IBM International Foundation and Vice President of Corporate Community Relations, said, &uot;We are delighted to collaborate with Classroom, Inc. to help prepare our students to succeed in an increasingly technology-based global society. This unique partnership will give students an insight into the IT industry while teaching them the academic and problem-solving skills that are vital for their future success.&uot;

Maureen Gorman, vice-president of the GTE Foundation, said, &uot;GTE is proud of this collaboration which allows us to introduce children to careers in the telecommunications and information technology fields. Our commitment to Classroom, Inc. is a logical extension of our long-term interest in education as we will help prepare students for exciting opportunities within our industry.&uot;

Classroom, Inc. is a New York City-based non-profit corporation founded in 1991 that develops and distributes interactive curricula, provides teacher training and professional development programs, and undertakes research into how children acquire academic and critical thinking skills. Classroom, Inc. is funded predominantly by corporate, foundation, and personal philanthropy. It currently operates statewide in South Dakota and West Virginia, and in urban school districts in New York City, Houston, and Philadelphia. Approximately 1,800 educators and 64,000 students are using Classroom, Inc.'s nine technology-rich curricula in the 1999-2000 academic year. For more information on Classroom, Inc., please visit: http://www.classroominc.org