Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE)

To learn more, visit the TCASE Summer Camp 2009 website.

Education Research and Development Institute (ERDI)

For more information, visit the ERDI website

Spectrum K12, CASE, NASDSE, AASA and State Title 1 Directors Announce 2009 RTI Survey Report

Contact:
Scott Cary
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
410-616-0329
scary@spectrumK12.com

TOWSON, MD — June 4, 2009 — Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., and leading education organizations including the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE), and State Title 1 Directors today announced the results of their 2009 survey of K-12 district administrators to gauge the extent to which Response to Intervention (RTI) has been adopted and implemented.

The survey results can be downloaded at www.spectrumk12.com/campaign/rti_survey_results.

Spectrum K12 and these organizations teamed to determine the Response to Intervention rate of adoption, the effectiveness of RTI implementation and perceived critical implementation factors to provide a roadmap for districts nationwide.

The 2009 survey results indicate strong and rapid support for Response to Intervention with 71% of districts in some stage of implementing RTI – up from 60% in 2008 and 44% in 2007. The survey results also showed RTI is being increasingly implemented across all grade levels with a significant increase in high school implementation compared to 2008.

Districts reported the three primary obstacles to implementing RTI as insufficient teacher training, lack of intervention resources and lack of an easy, comprehensive way to monitor and drive student achievement.

Of districts with enough data, 83% indicated RTI has reduced the number of referrals to special education

“The Response to Intervention National Survey is a valuable tool to provide school districts with data that provide a realistic picture of RtI implementation across the United States,” commented George Batsche Co-Director of the Institute for School Reform, Florida Statewide Problem-Solving/RtI Project, University of South Florida. “These data provide information that districts can use to develop timelines and priorities for their own implementation plans. Comparing data year-to-year provides districts with realistic implementation schedules.”

“The survey results indicate how rapidly districts are adopting and formalizing an intervention centric approach to driving student achievement,” Spectrum K12 School Solutions’ CEO, Jim Marshall commented. “Our relationship with CASE, AASA, NASDSE and State Title 1 Directors has been instrumental in helping Spectrum K12 provide districts with what they need to drive student achievement including our EXCEED™ product.”

“This follow up survey shows the continued need for additional resources and unique partnerships if we are to be successful with Response to Intervention in our schools,” said Luann Purcell, Ed.D., CASE executive director. “CASE is proud to have been a partner in the first survey and in this follow up survey with Spectrum K12 School Solutions. The more we all know about each other, the better we can join together to improve academic performance for ALL students.”

“The results from the 2009 Response to Intervention National Survey give our members—and education and policy makers across the country—a snapshot of how RtI implementation is growing,” said Noelle Ellerson, Policy Analyst at the American Association of School Administrators. “This type of data, from where schools are in the implementation process to implementation obstacles and impacts on student achievement, is valuable information as schools and districts move forward in their RtI efforts.”

About the Council of Administrators of Special Education

The mission of CASE is to provide leadership and support to members by shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of education. For more information, visit http://www.casecec.org.

About AASA

The American Association of School Administrators, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders across the United States. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 Awarded “Best K-12 Enterprise Solution” CODiE Award

Contact:
Scott Cary
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
410-616-0329
scary@spectrumK12.com

TOWSON, Md. — May 11, 2009— Spectrum K12 School Solutions, the leading provider of student achievement management, Response to Intervention (RTI) and special education IEP software has been awarded the “Best K-12 Enterprise Solution” by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). Winners at the 24th Annual CODiE Awards Gala in San Francisco on May 5 were chosen from more than 850 products submitted by 600 companies.

Spectrum K12 earned the award for its EXCEED™ product, an integrated student achievement management platform allowing teachers to drive day-to-day activities, research based interventions and outcomes to help all students achieve success while giving administrators the ability to see what’s working and what’s not by student, by teacher or by intervention. EXCEED monitors academic and behavioral progress, displays efficacy and fidelity, and surfaces achievement gaps at the student, class, grade, group or district level.

The award for “Best K-12 Enterprise Solution” acknowledges the software platform that best supports district and state-wide implementations in supporting their core mission of raising student achievement.

“We are extremely honored to win such a prestigious award two consecutive years against such strong competition,” said Jim Marshall, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “This award recognizes our commitment to districts and states in providing the most innovative and effective personalized learning process management tools to drive student achievement and move every child forward.”

"Now in its 24th year, the CODiE Awards continue to recognize those companies providing the best new technology products and services across a broad array of industries," noted SIIA President Ken Wasch. "In addition, its winners are a prolific testament to the power of technology to deliver innovative solutions to businesses and consumers. SIIA warmly congratulates all of the winners and nominees of the CODiE Awards, whose innovation is essential for continuing America’s leadership in the global knowledge economy," Wasch continued.

For a list of winners, visit http://siia.net/codies/2009/winners.asp.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of student achievement management, Response to Intervention (RTI) and special education IEP software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Our EXCEED™ student achievement management software gives teachers an easy way to drive day-to-day activities, research based interventions and outcomes to help all students achieve success. EXCEED monitors academic and behavioral progress, displays efficacy and fidelity, and surfaces achievement gaps at the student, class, grade, group or district level. Our patented software has enabled personalized learning for over 5 million children in 29 states in support of our mission to close the achievement gap and Move Every Child Forward™. For more information visit www.spectrumK12.com.

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to 500 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit http://www.siia.net. For CODiE Awards specific information, visit http://www.siia.net/codies/2009/.

###

Three Spectrum K12 Executives Chosen to Present and Moderate at SIIA Ed Tech Industry Summit

Contact:
Scott Cary
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
410-616-0329
scary@spectrumK12.com

Towson, MD., May 4, 2009 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leader in Response to Intervention, Special Education and Student Achievement Management Software, today announced three company executives have been selected to present and moderate panels at the 2009 SIIA Ed Tech Industry Summit May 3-5, 2009 in San Francisco

Spectrum K12’s President and CEO, Jim Marshall, will be one of 5 education technology executive panelists participating in the President’s Panel: Building Toward the Vision K-20. Jim Marshall will be presenting how Spectrum K12 offers differentiated learning options and resources to close achievement gaps - one of the SIIA Ed Tech Vision K-20 benchmarks.

Spectrum K12’s CTO and SVP Product Strategy, Steve Benfield, will be presenting as part of a panel on Maximizing Learning for All Students: Tools and Environments for Differentiation. The panel will address what technology tools help K-20 students maximize their learning time and help teachers differentiate their instructional processes and modes of delivery their students’ varied abilities and interests.

Carmi Paris, Spectrum K12’s VP Corporate Development will moderate the third panel, Investing in Quality Information Management and Delivery - What’s Good for your Customers and Your Company, which will address the topic of what education technology vendor products must do in order to satisfy their customer’s growing needs and expectations for quality information.

For more information on the 2009 SIIA Ed Tech Industry Summit visit http://siia.net/etis/2009/default.asp.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions helps manage student progress

http://www.techjournalsouth.com/news/article.html?item_id=7000

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Named Finalist for 2009 CODiE Awards

Contact: Scott Cary Spectrum K12 School Solutions (410) 616-0329 scary@spectrumk12.com

TOWSON, Md. — March 3, 2009— Spectrum K12 School Solutions has been named a “Best K-12 Enterprise Solution” finalist for the 2009 CODiE Awards. Established in 1986 by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the CODiE Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and vision in the education technology, software and digital information industries. Award winners will be announced May 4, 2009 at the 24th Annual SIIA CODiE Awards Gala in San Francisco, CA.

Spectrum K12 earned finalist consideration for its web-based EXCEED™ product, an integrated student achievement management platform allowing teachers to drive day-to-day activities, research based interventions and outcomes to help all students achieve success while giving administrators the ability to see what’s working and what’s not by student, by teacher or by intervention. EXCEED monitors academic and behavioral progress, displays efficacy and fidelity, and surfaces achievement gaps at the student, class, grade, group or district level.

“We are honored to be a finalist for such a prestigious award and to once again be recognized by the education industry as a leader in providing educators with the essential tools that are needed for student success,” said Jim Marshall, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “This award recognizes our commitment to provide the most effective management tools to individualize the learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions.”

According to SIIA President Ken Wasch, “The competition is particularly steep this year during the 24th Annual SIIA CODiE Awards, making selection as a CODiE Finalist a real achievement.”

For a list of finalists, visit www.siia.net/codies/2009/finalist_list.asp.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of Response to Intervention (RTI) and special education IEP software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Our EXCEED™ software is an integrated, student-centric student achievement management platform allowing teachers to drive day-to-day activities, research based interventions and outcomes to help all students achieve success. EXCEED monitors academic and behavioral progress, displays efficacy and fidelity, and surfaces achievement gaps at the student, class, grade, group or district level. Our patented software has enabled personalized learning for over 5 million children in 29 states in support of our mission to close the achievement gap and Move Every Child Forward™. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.

###

District Administration Magazine December 2008

Achievement Today is a quarterly supplement to District Administration magazine, sponsored by Spectrum K12 School Solutions, focusing on trends in Response to Intervention (RTI), special education and at-risk student management.

Issue: Winter 2008

Welcome to Achievement Today

Questions for Superintendents

Three years into RTI, an urban district begins its move to data management

Teaching children of differing abilities changes with use of RTI

Early success with RTI leaves district looking for data solution

State-level RTI initiatives seen as a path to streamlined implementations

Response to Intervention: Improving achievement for all children

EXCEED™/RTI Named District Administration Readers Choice Top 100 Product of 2008

Contact:
Scott Cary
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
410-616-0329
scary@spectrumK12.com

District Administration readers are the top school administrators in the country, and they know firsthand what works and what does not work within their districts. Using an interactive rating system, District Administration asked its readers to rate their favorite products from its products database (www.districtadministration.com/products) within the categories of Hardware, Software, Internet, Books and Materials, and Facilities.

The winning products were chosen by evaluating readers’ online ratings, new product suggestions, and comments. Additional input was given by the District Administration Advisory Panel. The results are now available online and are featured in a special print issue of District Administration that will be mailed on January 16.

“To have EXCEED™/RTI recognized as a leading response to intervention software solution by top school administrators is a tremendous honor,” stated Jim Marshall, CEO & President of Spectrum K12. “Having our vision recognized and endorsed by the industry is heart-warming affirmation that Spectrum K12 is delivering what school districts need; an integrated, student achievement management platform allowing teachers to drive day-to-day activities, research based interventions and outcomes to help all students achieve success.”

“Last year’s decision to have readers select the top 100 and create a separate issue was an overwhelming success. This year we received a tremendous amount of product recommendations, making it very difficult to limit the list to just 100. The winning list contains products that our readers have successfully implemented at the district, school, and classroom levels. We hope that these products can help you manage your district,” says DA Editor Judy Faust Hartnett.

To view a complete list of winners go to www.districtadministration.com/winners.

For more information contact:

Judy Faust Hartnett, Editor
District Administration
jhartnett@districtadministration.com
203.663.0100 ext. 117
www.districtadministration.com

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of Response to Intervention (RTI) and special education IEP software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Our patented software is a dynamic student achievement management system that has enabled personalized learning for over 5 million children in 29 states in support of our mission to close the achievement gap and Move Every Child Forward™.

Working collaboratively with districts of all sizes, we deliver scalable, practical web-based solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work, educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit www.spectrumK12.com.

About District Administration

District Administration is a monthly publication covering all of the important topics faced in today’s K12 school systems. With a circulation of more than 73,000, District Administration reaches top decision-makers in virtually every school district across the country. Subscribers are district-level leaders in K12 education, including superintendents, assistant superintendents, curriculum directors, business officers, IT directors and federal funds administrators. For more information visit www.districtadministration.com.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Named Oracle Independent Software Vendor Partner

Contact:

Sue Hanson

Spectrum K12 School Solutions

763-657-0987

shanson@spectrumK12.com

Towson, MD., 11/03/2008 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leading provider of student achievement management software solutions for K12 school districts, today announced a partnership with Oracle, an industry leader in the education technology marketplace.

As an Oracle Independent Software Vendor partner, Spectrum K12 will work hand-in-hand with Oracle to satisfy customer needs with Spectrum K12’s industry-leading EXCEED™ student achievement management solutions powered by Oracle technology. Oracle’s reliability, security and innovations such as service orientation, virtualization, business intelligence and other embedded technologies enhance the Spectrum K12 product suite.

"We are pleased to welcome Spectrum K12 to the Oracle Partner Network,” said Robert BuWalda, Senior Director of Industry ISVs. “Their deep education industry knowledge and experience further strengthens Oracle’s position in this growing market segment. Spectrum K12’s product roadmap, along with their current RtI, IEP and Service Assurance offerings allows them to extend their personalized learning experience to not only special needs students, but to every student. These functional capabilities are supported on the foundation of Oracle technology software providing security, extensibility, efficiency and performance for this critical instructional system."

“Spectrum K12 is committed to partnering with best-in-class companies such as Oracle to offer state-of-the-art solutions to districts,” said Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12. “By partnering with Oracle we bring together Spectrum K12’s strength in creating easy-to-use student achievement management software solutions with Oracle’s expertise to offer a platform to personalize learning for all students.”

Spectrum K12 and the Oracle Partner Network launched their first joint sales activity with Oracle University. Oracle’s Public Sector SMG team and Spectrum K12 presented “Response to Intervention: Personalizing Achievement for all Children” webinar on October 30, 2008.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

About Oracle

Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world’s largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, please visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com.

Compliancy, Improved Data Integrity and Productivity provided by Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, MD --- October 14, 2008 --- Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) has renewed its contract to provide educators with Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.’s special education IEP software product Encore®. The Encore IEP software suite provides a web-based “all-in-one” solution to more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services including special education, 504, limited English proficiency (LEP/ESL) and pre-referral Response to Intervention (RTI) programs.

Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) has been using Encore since 2004. Since that time, Encore has become the special education information system for all 23 partner districts in St. Louis County.

“Encore streamlines operations, improves accountability, provides staff access to data whenever and wherever, and ensures the District is in compliance with federal and state mandates,” stated Dr. Joan Zavitsky, Associate Superintendent of Learning and Assessment, Special School District of St. Louis County, Missouri. “There was no county-wide computer network connecting all of the 250+ schools in St. Louis County, so until the advent of Encore, the sharing of information was a paper transfer process.”

Encore helps school systems dramatically improve special education management by eliminating mistakes in IEP compliance, eliminating duplicate data entry, and providing ease of access to centralized information.

“Special School District of St. Louis County has demonstrated leadership in education on many levels, one of which is supporting student achievement through the use of the Spectrum K12’s Encore special education and IEP software, said Jim Marshall, President and CEO at Spectrum K12. “We are pleased to be associated with them and to be recognized and valued, by this innovative organization.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

About Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD)

In collaboration with partner districts, we provide technical education and a wide variety of individualized educational and support services, designed to ensure the student’s successful contribution to our community. The educational needs of all children are anticipated, accommodated and met successfully.

Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) is a leader in providing special education services to students with disabilities. The district also operates two technical high schools that provide a wide range of career and technical education programs to area students.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Secures 7.4 Million in Venture Funding

Contact:
Sue Hanson
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
763-657-0987
shanson@spectrumK12.com

Towson, MD., 10/07/2008 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leading provider of student achievement management software solutions for K12 school districts today announced that it has completed a round of financing led by Novak Biddle Venture Partners, Capital Trust Ventures, Comerica Bank and MMV Financial Inc.

This round of financing will expand Spectrum K12’s patented, award winning student achievement management software products including response to intervention and service provider management. Spectrum K12 student achievement management software has enabled personalized learning for over 5 million children in 29 states in support of their mission to close the achievement gap and Move Every Child Forward™.

"As early investors, we have worked with the Spectrum K12 management team since its inception, and the company has now hit a new peak in its growth cycle," said Roger Novak, General Partner with Novak Biddle. "Spectrum K12 has established itself in the education industry as the go-to solution for school districts with cutting edge technology to more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students. We are excited to help them continue their mission and expand their operations."

“Spectrum K12’s technology modernizes and greatly improves the way educators teach. By transitioning from a ‘one-to-many’ approach to the customized ‘one-to-one’ teaching method, students learn in a more effective, supportive environment,” said John Oswald, Managing General Partner of Capital Trust Ventures. “This company has 10 years of experience in the special education space and they are now able to bring their technology to a broader student base ranging from infants and toddlers to life-long learners.”

“Spectrum K12 represents an opportunity for MMV to invest in a technology and market leader in the education industry. We were very impressed with the management team and the Company’s leadership in the fast growing RTI segment of the market,” said Greg Dimmer, Senior Vice President of MMV Financial. “We are pleased to join the existing investors and look forward to working with them and the Company’s management team.”

“In this difficult capital market, Spectrum K12 secured this additional financing which is a significant expression of enthusiasm in the company from the existing investors and MMV Financial. Spectrum K12’s momentum has never been stronger from an operational, sales, marketing and financial perspective than it is right now. This investment enables us to continue honing our operational excellence and increase our footprint in the market,” stated Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12. “This round of funding is part of Spectrum K12’s strategic growth plan, and re-enforces our roadmap and commitment to provide the level of service districts expect and deserve to Move Every Child Forward.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions
Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of Response to Intervention (RTI) and special education IEP software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Our patented software is a dynamic student achievement management system that has enabled personalized learning for over 5 million children in 29 states in support of our mission to close the achievement gap and Move Every Child Forward™.

Working collaboratively with districts of all sizes, we deliver scalable, practical web-based solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit www.spectrumK12.com.

About Novak Biddle Venture Partners
Novak Biddle Venture Partners is a leading early stage venture capital firm focused on unique, cutting-edge technology investments in the Eastern United States, as well as targeted opportunities nationwide. With $580 million under management, Novak Biddle operates five venture funds that currently provide equity financing and management assistance to 42 portfolio companies. Novak Biddle continues to seek business situations where the combination of ideas, dollars, experience, and relationships can create long term, sustainable value. A sampling of companies funded by Novak Biddle include: RFID first-mover Matrics, voice over IP trailblazer Telogy, education technology leader Blackboard Inc. and intelligent video surveillance pioneer ObjectVideo. For more information, visit www.novakbiddle.com

About Capital Trust Ventures
Capital Trust Ventures provides growth-stage venture capital financing for information technology companies. Our approach is to invest in high-growth businesses, help them achieve scale, and exit successfully. Our experienced team of partners has extensive investing and entrepreneurial experience in multiple sectors including application software, emerging technologies, vertical software, new media, internet content, e-commerce, and infrastructure software. For more information please visit: http://www.capitaltrustventures.com

About Comerica Bank
Comerica is a multi-faceted corporation with an abiding sense of community. From investor relations and the latest information on our company to career opportunities and our commitment to community and diversity. For more information please visit: http://www.comerica.com

About MMV Financial, Inc.
MMV Financial is a Toronto-based specialty finance company providing creative debt solutions directly to technology and life sciences companies across North America. MMV is backed by top U.S. and Canadian private equity firms and financial institutions including CCP Equity Partners, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Fonds de Solidarite des Travailleurs du Quebec, HSBC, NewStar Financial Inc., ROI Capital, and Wells Fargo Company. For more information please visit: www.mmvf.com

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Launches Response to Intervention (RTI) Webinar Series

Contact:

Sue Hanson
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
410-616-0366
shanson@spectrumK12.com

Towson, MD., 09/24/2008 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leader in Response to Intervention, Special Education and Student Achievement Management Software, today announced a dynamic new Response to Intervention webinar series entitled:

A R C H I T E C T I N G SUCCESS! Manage RTI and Student Achievement!

EXCEED/RTI

The RTI (Response to Intervention) series is designed for K-12 educators who want to improve student achievement through personalized instruction for ALL students. Interactive sessions will review research from leading national organizations, demonstrate tools for integrating data, and illustrate progress monitoring using easy to interpret visual displays.

First in the series: “RtI - Process or Program? . . . Using data to match high quality instruction to student need” is October 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Second in the series, “Framing the RTI Process . . . Critical Steps to Defining and Cultivating a Successful RTI Process” is October 30, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Third in the series, “Linking the RTI Pieces … Connecting the Data and Technology Needed to Progress Monitor for Student Achievement" is November 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pm. EST.

Superintendents and other district administrators responsible for curriculum, special education, professional development and assessment, as well as administrators who supervise school psychologists, speech therapists and other student services providers will benefit from this webinar series.

Each webinar is free of charge and will be presented live at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Scheduled to be one hour in length, the sessions will include an interactive Q&A session. To register: www.spectrumk12.com/architectingsuccess

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Working collaboratively with districts of all sizes, we deliver scalable, practical web-based solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit www.spectrumK12.com.

2008 Intel® Schools of Distinction Award

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. & CORE ECS Proud Sponsors of the 2008 Intel® Schools of Distinction Award

TOWSON, MD. – September 10, 2008 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, & CORE ECS the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education today announced their sponsorship award package for the six winning schools of the 2008 Intel® Schools of Distinction Award. Spectrum K12 & CORE ECS joined the Intel Foundation and other sponsors as they honored each school’s extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation.

Spectrum K12 & CORE ECS presented their Schools of Distinction Sponsorship Award Package to the recipient schools at the Intel awards gala on Monday, September 8th in Washington DC. The Award package included:

Two days of Spectrum’s “Standards based Goals and Objectives” professional development training, a rich, collaborative, interactive training delivered by CORE ECS professional trainers, designed to support challenges districts face in personalizing learning for all children.

A. Aligning Student Focused IEP Goals to State Content Standards

Aligning Student Focused IEP Goals to State Content Standards provides the skills and tools to analyze relevant data to establish a student’s baseline, develop a data based present level of academic achievement and functioning performance, develop individualized goals based on state standards, write goals that are instructionally easy to implement, select appropriate progress monitoring procedures, align student focused goals to the general education curriculum, utilize goal banks more effectively and ensure state and federal compliance.

B. Aligning Student Focused IEP Goals to State Content Standards

Participants will have an opportunity to apply best practices learned in the previous session to relevant situations in their classroom or district. Leaving with the ability to: develop state and federally compliant goals, objectives and benchmarks, establish and define the child’s present levels of performance collaboratively, state how the disability affects a child’s performance, determine present levels of educational performance using formal and informal data including data collected in the RTI process, write measurable student focused and standards based goals, develop measurable objectives that incrementally define achievement, write goals, objectives and benchmarks that can be instructionally implemented, collect data that accurately measure student performance and have an expanded set of skills to develop goals aligned to state standards.

The winning schools for Mathematics Excellence are Sojourner Elementary School,

Milwaukie, Oregon, Delay Middle School, Lewisville, Texas and Sabino High School

Tucson, AZ.

The winning schools for Science excellence are Laguna Elementary School, Scottsdale, Arizona, Key Peninsula Middle School, Lakebay, Washington and Townsend Harris High School, Flushing, New York.

“Spectrum K12 is honored to be a sponsor of the 2008 Intel School(s) of Distinction Awards. The schools that were presented with this prestigious award have worked extremely hard to achieve high academic standards for all students,” states Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. “We recognize and commend the winning schools as they understand the tie between school excellence and the desire to have special education, at-risk and ALL students achieve to their ability.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

About CORE ECS

CORE Projects & Technologies Ltd. is a leading provider of best of breed end-to-end solutions in the education domain worldwide. Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and named The Fastest Growing IT Company in the State of Maharashtra, India, CORE is an ISO 9001:2000 certified Company, achieving over 100% annual growth.

CORE’s offerings in the education domain include products and solutions in the areas of School Management Systems, Assessment Systems, Accountability Systems and IT Infrastructure Systems. CORE has recently acquired companies in the US and UK, thus consolidating its position as a dominant player in the education sector. These acquisitions bring with them complementary solutions and services, ensuring CORE is well on its way to becoming an end-to-end solutions provider in the global education space, providing school administrators with the tools needed to offer quality education to students worldwide.

CORE’s education customer base is spread across the USA, UK, Africa, Sri Lanka, Bahamas, Caribbean and India. In India, CORE maintains a prestigious contract with the State Government of Jharkhand under the “Education for All” program (Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyan). For more information visit http://www.coreprojectstech.com

To learn more about Intel’s global commitment to education, visit http://www.intel.com/education. For more information about the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards, visit http://www.schoolsofdistinction.com.

District Administration Magazine September 2008

Download the PDF

Visit the Achievement Today website

Spectrum K12’s EXCEED/RTI named as Best of NECC 2008

Excerpt from Best of NECC 2008 article:

Spectrum K12 School Solutions launched EXCEED/RTI to manage daily activities, meetings, interventions, and student outcomes. The tools within EXCEED include: student- centric progress monitoring, differentiated instruction, return on intervention, and fidelity assurance.

Read the entire Best of NECC 2008

Texas School Districts Choose Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Sue Hanson
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
763-657-0987
shanson@spectrumK12.com

TOWSON, MD– August 4, 2008 – Four Independent School Districts in Texas, Wichita Falls, Killeen, Pasadena and Midland have adopted Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.’s special education IEP software product Encore®. These four districts join a long list of districts in Texas that have chosen Encore as their solution of choice for at-risk student management tools.Encore is the leading special education and IEP software suite serving almost 11% of the U.S. K-12 student population, including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States.

Spectrum K12 received separate calls from each district, all of whom were looking for a powerful and effective IEP solution, rich in administrative reporting and tracking for students who need special services throughout their districts.

The Texas districts turned to Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., because the patented Encore solution provides a technology-based system of data, process, and compliance management that includes IEP software and Response to Intervention (RTI) software.

Encore helps schools improve special education management by ensuring compliance with state and federal law, saving training time, eliminating duplicate data entry, providing case of access to centralized information and, ultimately, saving hundreds of dollars per student.

Encore streamlines operations, provides accountability, allows staff to access data whenever and wherever, and ensures the Texas School Districts are in compliance with federal and state mandates.

"These Texas School Districts are on the leading edge of utilizing technology to ensure compliance," said Jim Marshall, President and CEO at Spectrum K12. "Their selection of Spectrum K12 after a comprehensive review of available solutions is a strong vote of confidence in our products, support services, and our team.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. provides essential process management solutions to deliver personalized learning so districts can Move Every Child Forward™. Our patented solutions include IEP software and Response to Intervention software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 population, including 20 of the top 100 districts.

Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit: http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 Launches EXCEED/RTI™

Contact:
Sue Hanson
Spectrum K12 School Solutions
410-616-0366
shanson@spectrumK12.com

TOWSON, Md. – June 30, 2008 –Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education today announced the launch of EXCEED/RTI™, Response to Intervention Software Solution.

EXCEED provides a seamless, integrated tool to manage and measure the day-to-day activities, meetings, research based interventions and outcomes used to help all students achieve academic success.

The new Response to Intervention Software Solution is highly configurable and flexible, can be tailored to match a district’s unique processes, forms, intervention strategies, and progress monitoring probes, thus providing complete intervention management so all students can achieve their potential. EXCEED also automates the intervention process and ensures collaboration.

EXCEED provides a comprehensive set of capabilities to manage individualized learning including:
• Student-Centric Progress Monitoring
• Differentiated Instruction
• Return on Intervention™
• Fidelity Assurance

“We have been looking for a structure, a process and a product that will enable our teachers to capitalize on their training and work with RTI,” stated Dr. Mark Edwards, Superintendent, Mooresville Graded School District. “EXCEED’s design and management system provides a clean and concise means for our teachers to work with our students. EXCEED also provides a high quality means for us to communicate with parents. After our teachers took one look at EXCEED they were excited and enthusiastic with the potential solutions that EXCEED will offer our district.”

“We are extremely excited about the introduction of EXCEED. The feedback we have received validates we have a unique solution to enable and manage individualized learning and Move Every Child Forward ™,” said Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions
Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education, IEP and response to intervention software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Our patented software and professional development has influenced the learning of over 5 million students in 29 states. We help school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Working collaboratively with districts of all sizes, we deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Click here to learn more about EXCEED/RTI

From the Horses Mouth: A Conversation with the Winners: Awards and Recognition…Why Bother?

On the heels of the education industry’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, the SIIA CODiEs, Glen McCandless got front-line perspective from the 2008 and 2007 winners. Jim Marshall, President of Spectrum K12 (2008 Best Education Solution); Donna McMullin, VP Marketing, Thinkronize (2007 Best Education Solution); and Bruce Friend, Manager of Curriculum Pathways, SAS (2008 Best K12 Instructional Solution).

Read the interview at SellingtoSchools.com

District Administration Magazine June 2008

Download the PDF: www.spectrumk12.com//uploads/file/DA_Spectrum_0608.pdf

Spectrum K12 wins 2008 SIIA CODiE award for Best Education Solution

TOWSON, Md. — May 15, 2008— Spectrum K12 School Solutions has been awarded the 2008 CODiE Best Education Solution Award. Established by the Software & Information Industry Association, the CODiE Awards are among the most prestigious in the software industry, showcasing the finest software and digital content products and services across a wide variety of categories.

Spectrum K12 earned the award for its Web-based Encore IEP Service Assurance product, a unique audit-defensible mechanism to reconcile services provided against prescribed services by documenting all pertinent services provided to a student based on the prescription in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

“We are honored to win such a prestigious award and to once again be recognized by the education industry as a leader in providing educators with the essential tools needed for student success,” said Jim Marshall, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “This award recognizes our commitment to provide the most effective individualized learning process management tools to move every child forward.”

"The 2008 CODiE Awards recognize those companies providing the best new technology products and services across a broad array of industries," noted SIIA President Ken Wasch. "The awards and their winners are a testament to the power of technology to deliver innovative solutions to American businesses and consumers. SIIA congratulates all of the CODiE Award winners and nominees, whose innovation is essential for continuing America’s leadership in the global knowledge economy."

For a list of winners, visit http://siia.net/codies/2008/winners.asp.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. provides essential process management solutions to deliver individualized learning so districts can Move Every Child Forward™. Our patented solutions include IEP software and Response to Intervention software serving 11% of the U.S. K-12 population, including 20 of the top 100 districts.

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Todd Frager Chief Financial Officer

TOWSON, MD– May 15, 2008 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Todd Frager Chief Financial Officer. Frager brings more than 15 years of experience as a proven entrepreneurial senior level executive. Frager is responsible for Finance, Investor Relations, Mergers & Acquisitions, Human Resources, Legal, and Business Operations.

Prior to joining Spectrum K12 Frager joined Catalyst in February 2006 as its chief financial officer. Before joining Catalyst, Mr. Frager spent six years with The Cedar Group, a $115 million PeopleSoft implementer. He served as its chief financial officer from 2002 to 2006, preceded by positions as director of financial operations and controller. Prior to joining The Cedar Group, Mr. Frager served as chief financial officer for I/Tech Service and as controller – corporate management for ADC Telecommunications. He previously served as a controller for numerous other firms, including BridgeStreet Accommodations International and Mid-Atlantic Realty Management, Inc.

“As Spectrum K12 grows, we look forward to utilizing Todd’s unique talents and experience to expand our operations and contribute broadly to our financial and business strategy,” said Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. “His extensive knowledge and track record of success is the perfect complement to our seasoned management team and will further solidify our industry leadership position.”

“The Spectrum K12 team has re-ignited my entrepreneurial spirit,” said Frager. “I’m looking forward to applying my capabilities and experience in this space to enhance the big opportunities in front of us. I see Spectrum K12’s unique content and platform as a game-changer; applying technology and dynamic process automation to enable schools to more effectively manage the needs of special education and at-risk populations."

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 and CASE Announce 2008 Response to Intervention Survey Report

Contact: Sue Hanson Spectrum K12 School Solutions 410-616-0366 shanson@spectrumK12.com

TOWSON, MD — April 21, 2008 — Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education and the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) today announced the results of their 2008 survey of K-12 district administrators to gauge the level of adoption of Response to Intervention (RTI).

Spectrum K12 and the Council of Administrators of Special Education teamed up to determine the Response to Intervention rate of adoption, the effectiveness of RTI implementation and perceived critical implementation factors to provide a roadmap for districts nationwide.

The survey results indicate strong and rapid support for Response to Intervention with 60% of K-12 school districts either piloting RTI, in the process of a district-wide implementation or with RTI in district-wide use.

The survey results also indicate that RTI is being driven by a unified effort of general education and special education, although in most cases it was initiated by a leader or team in special education. Lack of teacher training was identified as the biggest obstacle to implementing RTI. The survey also showed 52% of the school districts responding see the highest tier as a combination of special education and other students needing intensive intervention.

“The survey results indicate critical elements of a successful RTI implementation include effective RTI training for teachers and software to manage activities, interventions and outcomes,” Spectrum K12 School Solutions’ CEO, Jim Marshall commented. “Our relationship with CASE has been instrumental in helping us identify, develop and provide districts with the tools they need to drive student achievement.”

“The data that was discovered in the RTI survey is invaluable to districts as they design their RTI strategies,” said Luann Purcell, Ed.D., CASE executive director. “This relationship with Spectrum K12 has been very attractive for both organizations. Together we are in the best position to provide more state of the art data to districts through more joint efforts.”

View Report...

About the Council of Administrators of Special Education

The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is an international professional educational organization which is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. The mission of CASE is to provide leadership and support to members by shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of education. For more information, visit http://www.casecec.org.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information and to see the full RTI survey report visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Achievement Today publication website

http://www.districtadministration.com/custompublishing/index.aspx?publisher=spectrumk12

Spectrum K12 Partners with Thinkronize

Thinkronize Becomes ‘Sales Agent’ for Spectrum K12

TOWSON, Md. – April 15, 2008 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, and Thinkronize, developers of netTrekker d.i.®, America’s #1 educational search engine that delivers high quality digital content at each child’s individual learning level, today announced a partnership designed to share complimentary products and services to better serve the special needs student as well as, their parents, teachers, and administrators.

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, Encore ® Clarity helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

Thinkronize will be authorized to sell Encore Clarity and Spectrum K12’s highly acclaimed professional development and training offerings.

“Partnering with Thinkronize represents a significant opportunity for us as we continue to serve the special needs student, parent, teacher, and administration customer,” said Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12. “Current and future customers look to both Spectrum K12 and Thinkronize for solid products, services and premier customer service and support. Partnering with Thinkronize lets us immediately expand these capabilities to our customers, while also providing us with strong support to create new value-added services in a competitive market.”

“We’re pleased to work with the market leader in special education data management to provide solutions to educators and students. Our mission is to provide high quality educational tools and resources that help EVERY child achieve at his or her individual level. And, our partnership with Spectrum K12 School Solutions provides us with another opportunity to deliver on that goal,” said Randy Wilhelm, CEO of Thinkronize.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use IEP software and intervention software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

About Thinkronize

Founded in 1999, Thinkronize is a leader in the digital delivery of K-12 educational content and is dedicated to enhancing the education of today’s youth with highly effective technologies that deliver the rich educational value of the Internet to every child in a safe, relevant, easy-to-use format. With the mission to help every child learn and a belief that technology can transform education, Thinkronize was first to market with a standards-based educational search engine, utilizing the services of Academic Benchmarks (http://www.AcademicBenchmarks.com), the premier provider of comprehensive standards-based K-12 educational databases, alignment tools and integration products. Thinkronize’s flagship product, netTrekker d.i., is the #1 educational search engine in K-12 schools and is currently used in over 20,000 schools nationwide. The company’s consumer product, netTrekker home, gives parents and students whose school or district has not yet purchased a netTrekker d.i. subscription access to its 180,000+ educator-selected resources. Peers, educators and parents have honored Thinkronize and the netTrekker product suite 24 times for their contribution to education. Most recently, netTrekker d.i. was named the 2007 Best Education Solution in SIIA’s CODiE award competition. In addition, Thinkronize was named to the 2007 Inc. 5000 and 2006 Inc. 500 lists as one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States. The company was founded by Robert Reinders and currently serves over 11 million students in all 50 states, including adoptions by key districts and states nationwide. For more information visit www.Thinkronize.com or phone 877-517-1125.

About the netTrekker Product Suite

The netTrekker product line includes award-winning educational search products for both the education (netTrekker d.i.) and consumer (netTrekker home) markets. Unlike ordinary search engines, products from the netTrekker suite provide fast and easy access to only the best educational resources from the entire Internet in a safe, organized, standards-aligned format. Using netTrekker search products, educators, school librarians, students and parents save valuable time because they are directed to relevant, reliable, educator-selected Web sites every time – meaning less time spent on searching and more time focused on teaching, learning and achieving. For more information about the netTrekker product suite, visit www.netTrekker.com.

Pittsburgh Public School District Chooses Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, MD– April 14, 2008 – Pittsburgh Public Schools has adopted Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.’s special education IEP software product Encore®. Encore will create a powerful and effective system of administrative reporting and tracking for students who need special services throughout the district.

Pittsburgh Public Schools had been primarily paper-based and entering special education IEP and reporting data by hand. Spectrum K12’s Encore software will provide them with a solution that ensures better compliancy, improved data integrity and management as well as a real-time system that will streamline and manage the entire workflow process.

Encore helps school systems dramatically improve special education management by eliminating mistakes in IEP compliance, saving training time, eliminating duplicate data entry, providing ease of access to centralized information and – ultimately – saving of hundreds of dollars per student.

The electronic system will help the Pittsburgh Public Schools streamline operations, provide accountability, allow staff to access data whenever and wherever, and ensure the District is in compliance with federal and state mandates.

“The purchase of the Encore software helps us meet our Excellence for All agenda goal of efficient and effective support operations,” stated Mary Jane Conley, Program Officer, Special Education. “Another major reason we chose Encore was because this solution provides us with a complete and accurate integration with our existing student information system.”

“We are excited that the Pittsburgh Public Schools has joined the expanding list of leading districts using Spectrum K12’s Encore special education and IEP software,” said Jim Marshall, President and CEO at Spectrum K12. “Pittsburgh Public Schools selection of Spectrum K12 after a comprehensive review of available solutions is a strong vote of confidence in our products, support services, and our team.”

About Pittsburgh Public Schools

Pittsburgh is the largest of 43 school districts in Allegheny County and second largest in Pennsylvania. The District serves 28,265 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 in 65 schools. In addition, Early Childhood programs serve three- and four-year-olds in 95 classrooms across the city.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Learn more...

Spectrum K12’s Encore IEP Software Re-Endorsed by CASE

TOWSON, MD — April 07, 2008 —Spectrum K12’s Encore® Special Education product has been re-endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). Encore was the first special education administration software to be endorsed by CASE and is now the first to be re-endorsed by CASE.

Encore is the leading special education and IEP software suite serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population, including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States.

Encore received the official endorsement of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), in April 2005 after a rigorous and comprehensive review to ensure the solution met or exceeded criteria that included a strong research base to support the product, proven effectiveness, and enhancement of professional practice as advocated by CASE/CEC policies and standards.

The official re-endorsement was announced at the CASE membership meeting during the CEC Annual Conference in Boston, MA April 2-5, 2008. “With Encore, Spectrum K12 sets a new benchmark in special education IEP software. We are pleased to re-endorse Spectrum K12’s Encore,” said Luann Purcell, Ed.D., CASE executive director. “Spectrum K12 has a long history of managing the special education process and data and providing leading K-12 school districts with a tremendous return on their investment.”

“The Council of Administrators of Special Education are the definitive thought leaders in the field of Special Education because of their leadership in shaping policies and practices which impact the quality of education for all students,” stated Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “It is an extreme honor to once again be endorsed by CASE as a leader in providing powerful technology driven solutions to support districts in managing the complicated compliance regulations inherent in the special education process.”

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, Encore uses effective business practices and proven data and process management systems to help districts eliminate compliance issues, reduce the paperwork burden, improve staff morale and support successful achievement of individual education program goals — directly and positively impacting student learning.

About the Council of Administrators of Special Education

The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is an international professional educational organization which is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) whose members are dedicated to the enhancement of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual in society. The mission of CASE is to provide leadership and support to members by shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of education. For more information, visit http://www.casecec.org.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Learn more...

SIIA Upgrade Magazine December 2007-January 2008

District Administration Magazine March 2008

Download PDF: www.districtadministration.com/uploaded/pdfs/DA_Spectrum_308.pdf

Spectrum K12 and the National Alliance of Black School Educators Host Special Education Institute

Towson, MD., March 6, 2008 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education and the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) the nation’s premiere non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children - particularly children of African descent, today announced that they have expanded their strategic partnership to increase learning opportunities and accountability for special needs students.

Under a new partnership Spectrum K12 School Solutions and NABSE will host their inaugural Special Education Institute on March 6, 2008 in Washington D.C. at the Washington Court Hotel.

The Special Education Institute will provide a depth of understanding of:

How to effectively conduct IDEA 2004-mandated IEP resolution sessions.

How to implement essential facilitation skills for the IEP team meeting process that can improve collaboration, consensus building, and the creation of responsive educational learning plans for students.

How to hold compliant IEP meetings, develop positive relationships between staff and parents, significantly reduce due process hearings, and improve staff morale.

“This partnership brings the power to provide “Support Programs” through business leaders, which is an essential component to “Moving every student forward,” said Jim Marshall, CEO and President of Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. “We look forward to continuing to advance the goal of helping improve the educational capacity of educators to better manage the environment for students who are performing in less than satisfactory ways. We want to provide assistance to help remedy the situation together.”

“This partnership targets our specific concerns for addressing the over-representation of African American students and others who are referred to special education, and for the effective instruction and planning that is needed for students who may be in most need,” said Quentin R. Lawson, Executive Director, NABSE. “We intend to identify, then alleviate, and document needs and responses to improving student achievement with the help of such partners as Spectrum K12 School Solutions.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

About The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE)

The National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is the nation’s premiere non-profit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children - particularly children of African descent. Now in its 36th year, NABSE boasts an outreach to more than 10,000 preeminent educators including teachers, administrators, superintendents as well as corporate and institutional members. Founded in 1970, by Dr. Charles D. Moody, Sr., NABSE is dedicated to improving both the educational experiences and accomplishments of African American youth through the development and use of instructional and motivational methods that increase levels of inspiration, attendance and overall achievement.

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Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Expands National Presence in Atlanta

TOWSON, Md. — March 3, 2008—Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education today announced the opening of its new Atlanta, Georgia office.

“The decision to open this office was motivated by Spectrum’s rapid growth in providing cutting-edge technology and data management solutions to our nation’s schools,” stated Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12. “Atlanta is well-known for their strong pool of well-educated, talented professionals with the right level of expertise in technology and education, so it made sense for Spectrum K12 to select Atlanta for our corporate expansion.”

As part of the grand opening activities, Spectrum K12 is hosting a reception to celebrate Georgia’s Exceptional Children’s Week. The reception will showcase the outstanding Spectrum K12 special education solutions that are being provided by Fulton County Schools, Clayton County Public Schools and Effingham’s Public Schools in the Atlanta area.

“By integrating world-class creative thought leadership in special education and technology we will continue to attract amazing talent to this regional office, and create a new genre of services where we deliver cutting edge, next-generation educational experiences,” said Steve Benfield, CTO and VP Product Management of Spectrum K12.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

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Spectrum K12 School Solutions Named Finalist for 2008 Codie Awards

TOWSON, Md. — Feb.19, 2008— Spectrum K12 School Solutions has been named a finalist for the 2008 Codie Awards as “Best Education Solution.” Established by the Software & Information Industry Association, the Codie Awards are among the most prestigious in the software industry, showcasing the finest software and digital content products and services across a wide variety of categories. Award winners will be announced May 20, 2008 at the 23rd Annual CODiE Awards Gala in San Francisco, Calif.

Spectrum K12 earned finalist consideration for its Web-based Encore IEP Service Assurance product, a unique audit-defensible mechanism to reconcile services provided against prescribed services by documenting all pertinent services provided to a student based on the prescription in the IEP.

“We are honored to be a finalist for such a prestigious award and to once again be recognized by the education industry as a leader in providing educators with the essential tools that are needed for student success,” said Jim Marshall, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “This award recognizes our commitment to provide the most effective management tools that individualize the learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions.”

"Competition is tough this year and that makes selection as a CODiE Finalist a real achievement," said Ken Wash, SIIA president. "All the companies on this year’s list should feel justifiably proud of their recognition."

For a list of finalists, visit http://www.siia.net/codies/2008/finalists.asp

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit www.siia.net.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Learn more...

Spectrum K12 and Horn, Smith, Wood & Preston Honor First Woman Commissioner of Education in Texas

Towson, MD., 02/14/2008-Dr. Shirley Neely, former Texas Commissioner of Education and longtime Texas educator, was honored at the Women of Educational Distinction Awards February 13, 2008 in Dallas, Texas. The award ceremony, “Ladies Tributes” is sponsored by Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of special education and IEP management software and Horn, Smith, Wood & Preston, by Texas Superintendent Consulting firm.

Dr. Neely, a Galena Park, Texas resident, was named the first woman Commissioner of Education for the state Texas Governor Rick Perry in 2004. In 2006, Dr. Neely was also inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame for her outstanding work in the field of education. She has been a committed educator of 35 years and a chief advocate for superior schools with a dedicated focus on ensuring all children are taught the necessary skills needed to become lifelong learners.

“We are honored to recognize Dr. Neely - a life long educator, a national public servant and someone who cares deeply about our children,” stated Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12. “She joins a distinguished list of education visionaries who are committed to raising the profile of education and focus on the needs of children in Texas.”

The annual Women of Educational Distinction Awards honors individuals and organizations that have “reached out” to impact the achievement of all students with an increased focus on helping disadvantaged and at-risk children and families in our nation.

“Dr. Neely’s educational leadership and enthusiasm is an inspiration to all future Texas leaders,” said Jenny Preston, of Horn, Smith, Wood & Preston. “Her legacy will continue to motivate and guide future women educational leaders of Texas to strive for excellence everyday.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions
Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Governor Branstad Elected a Director of Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc.

TOWSON, MD– February 12, 2008 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced former Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad has joined the board of directors of Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc.

“Governor Branstad’s experience is extensive and impressive. We are extremely pleased to have the Governor serving on our board. He will bring a keen intellect, strong business acumen, national education experience and fresh perspectives that will serve Spectrum K12 and our shareholders well,” said Spectrum K12 CEO, Jim Marshall.

Governor Branstad, President of Des Moines University since 2003, currently leads the nation’s second oldest osteopathic medical college. He served four consecutive terms as Governor of Iowa, from 1983-1999. When elected, he was the youngest governor in Iowa history; and, when he left office, he was Iowa’s longest-serving governor. On the national level, Governor Branstad served as chairman of the National Governors Association in 1989, leading the efforts of the historic national education summit in Charlottesville, Va. In 1997 he was chairman of the Republican Governors Association and from 1997-1998 he was chairman of the Education Commission of the States where his agenda was “Harnessing technology for teaching and learning.” While in office, Governor Branstad made education a top priority of his administration.

In addition to his efforts in restoring Iowa’s economic stature, he emphasized the need for all children in the state to receive the highest quality education, no matter what their ability and circumstances of birth. He led the effort that built a statewide fiber optics network to provide distance-learning opportunities to every school district, college and university in the state of Iowa.

After leaving the governor’s office in 1999, Governor Branstad established Branstad and Associates, L.C., and became a partner in the firm of Kaufman, Pattee, Branstad & Miller, a public policy firm based in Washington, D.C., with offices in West Des Moines, Denver, Boston, and Las Vegas.

Governor Branstad was appointed by President George W. Bush to chair the President’s Commission for Excellence in Special Education. The commission was charged with studying issues related to federal, state and local special education programs for students and resulted in major recommendations that framed the re-authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 Launches Response to Intervention (RTI) Needs Analysis

TOWSON, Md. – January 24, 2008 –Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education today announced the launch of a comprehensive RTI Needs Analysis. Beginning today, school districts can optimize their data as they work to build school and district capacity in core areas associated with improved performance and student achievement.

The Spectrum K12 RTI Needs Analysis features include:

An analysis of district’s current academic interventions implemented for at-risk students.

An analysis of school district’s RtI process, if in place.

Debriefing session, “Interventions Analysis,” with school or district leaders to discuss the findings and how they can be used to plan for effective classroom instruction, professional development, and school improvement.

One day professional development training on “Response to Intervention” that focuses on the specific needs of the schools based on the results of the “Interventions Analysis”.

“The launch of our RTI Needs Analysis service is part of a broader strategy to assist districts decide how to invest their limited educational resources,” said Jim Marshall, CEO, Spectrum K12. “The RTI Needs Analysis has allowed administrators and educators to individualize improvement strategies that will have the greatest impact on classroom learning.”

In addition, Spectrum K12 offers professional development training in how to implement a Response to Intervention model in a school district.

techLEARNING, January 2008

Dr. Douglas Brooks, a professor in the School of Education, Health and Society at Miami University, has joined with Spectrum K12 to develop GrantSuccess - an easy to use, repeatable process that gives school districts an effective way to train personnel to write successful grants. He provides some grant writing insights, skills and tips for beginners in techLEARNING.

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Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Director of Channel Management

TOWSON, MD– January 22, 2008 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today named Joanie Pond Director of Channel Management. As a member of Spectrum’s Corporate Development team, headed by Vice President Carmi Paris, Pond will be responsible for the strategic growth and supervision of the partner channel to raise the quality of products and services available to the K12 special population community.

“Joanie is one of the most highly respected and effective managers in the education marketplace today,” Marshall stated. “We are thrilled and honored to have her accept such a key position as we continue to build our incredible foundation of leadership. Joanie will further enhance our ability to partner with other award-winning companies across a complete range of education platforms.”

Pond comes to Spectrum K12 from Microsoft, where she served as the Strategic Account Manager for the largest K12 school districts in the Mid-Atlantic. Prior to joining Microsoft, Joanie spent over ten years with Apple Computer where her leadership was instrumental in delivering the nation’s largest 1:1 laptop learning initiative in K12 education by partnering with the Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia.

“Joining the team of Spectrum K12 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am honored to be chosen to bring the Spectrum K12 solutions to help even more special education and at-risk kids.” said Pond. “I look forward to helping Spectrum K12 continue to excel in both partnership development and in building an incredible team culture. I’m proud and excited to be a part of a company with such a great future.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Round Rock Independent School District Chose Encore to Manage Programs for Specials Populations

TOWSON, Md. – November 19, 2007 – Round Rock Independent School district, second largest school district in Texas’ Region 13, located outside Austin, Texas, selected Spectrum School Solutions, Inc. to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing programs for special populations. Round Rock implemented Spectrum School Solutions’ Encore™ program to manage data and individualized education plans (IEPs) for students receiving special services or interventions.

“Our district’s goal is to move to a more technology driven philosophy, so, with this new philosophy in sight, we researched computerized special education programs that would meet our district’s needs and leave behind our old way of completing ARDs (IEPs) by hand,” stated Round Rock ISD’s Director of Special Education Linda Noy. “We also wanted a system that would be easily accessible to our teachers and that would reduce the time they spent on paperwork and ARD (IEP) meetings while increasing their time in the classroom.”

Endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), and designed specifically for the K-12 education market, Encore serves districts with enrollments ranging from 300 to over 300,000 students. Founded in 1994, Spectrum K12 provides school districts with solutions designed to close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students by more effectively managing the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions.

“With Encore, we decreased the number of data clerks we needed to assist with paperwork from 21.5 to 12. Now we do not need as many individuals spending their time checking for complete ARDs (IEPs) and searching for data,” stated Round Rock ISD’s Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Toni Garcia. “We were able to reallocate those staff into positions that can work directly with the students.”

“Being able to align to our state reporting system, PEIMS, was crucial in our selection of Encore. Encore allows us to track and manage student data in a very concise way,” exclaimed Noy. “We also want to make certain that our special education process is in compliance. Encore’s built-in compliance checks prompt the user when something isn’t compliant so it can be corrected. With Encore, we can also build prompts into the system to meet the way we conduct the special education process in our district.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and Individualized Education Program (IEP) management software serving approximately 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 VP Elected to SIIA Education Board

Washington, DC (Nov. 15, 2007) - The Software & Information Industry Association today announced the new members of its Education Division Board of Directors. Fourteen executives from SIIA member companies will join seven of their peers to provide the ed tech industry with leadership, advocacy, and critical market information.

These executives will represent more than 160 member companies that provide software, digital content and other technologies for educational needs. Eight have been elected to serve two-year terms and six have been appointed to serve one-year terms. As members of the Education Board of Directors, they develop and prioritize the Division’s initiatives and determine the projects, activities and events to be undertaken each year. The newly elected board members serving two-year terms are:

Ellen Bialo, President, Interactive Educational Systems Design, Inc. (IESD)

Todd Brekhus, Vice President, Product Market Management, PLATO Learning

Lil Kellogg, Vice President, Education Networks of America (ENA)

Michael Golden, Vice President, Administration and Planning, Pearson

Scott Kirkpatrick, President, Houghton Mifflin Learning Technology, Houghton Mifflin Company

Carmi Paris, Vice President, Corporate Development, Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc

Farimah Schuerman, Managing Partner, Academic Business Advisors, LLC

Pat Walkington, President, Pat Walkington Education Sales & Marketing

The newly appointed board members serving one year terms are:

Valerie Crawford, Senior Research Scientist, SRI International

Kurt Gerdenich, VP, Director of Development, Cengage Learning

Eileen Lento, Lead K12 Strategist, Intel Corporation

Jeffrey Schultz, Vice President, McGraw Hill Higher Education

Steve Siegel, Group VP, Strategy and Business Development, Follett

Stuart Udell, Chief Executive Officer, Penn Foster (SIIA Board Liaison)

The seven board members serving the second year of their two-year terms are:

Karen Cator, Director, Education Leadership, Apple

Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer, eSchoolMall

Bridget Foster, Manager, Technology Products, Key Curriculum Press

Midian Kurland, Vice President, Technology and Development, Scholastic Education

Pamela Nelson, General Manager, College Board/Springboard

Mona Westhaver, President and Co-Founder, Inspiration Software, Inc.

Bruce Wilcox, K-12 Strategist, SMARTHINKING

"The Education Division grows stronger each year. The strength of this new board suggests that this growth in membership and participation will continue through 2008," said Ken Wasch, SIIA president.

Karen Billings, SIIA Education Division Vice President, added "Once again, we had a record number of nominations, all of whom would have been excellent additions to the board. I was impressed by the strongest voter turn-out on record and excited by the high level of member involvement in the Education Division. I look forward to working with each member of the new board."

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education and intellectual property protection to more than 800 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit http://www.siia.net.

About SIIA Education Division

SIIA’s Education Division serves and represents over 150 member companies that provide software, digital content and other technologies that address educational needs. The Division shapes and supports the industry by providing leadership, advocacy, business development opportunities and critical market information. SIIA provides a neutral business forum for its members to understand business models, technological advancements, market trends, and best practices. With the leadership of the Division Board and collaborative efforts with educators and other stakeholders, the Division undertakes initiatives to enhance the use of educational technology and the success of SIIA members.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Strengthens Technology Team

TOWSON, MD– November 12, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Ram Venkataraman Director of Architecture, Office of the CTO. Venkataraman brings more than 17 years experience as a proven technology architect and innovator. Mr. Venkataraman will be responsible for the overall technology architecture of all Spectrum K12 products.

Most recently, Venkataraman was Director of Product Management at Red Hat and managed the JBoss Enterprise Middleware stack; he was instrumental in helping transform JBoss’s open source projects into enterprise grade platforms. He also drove the creation of the Red Hat Developer’s Program and tooling strategy.

Before that, Venkataraman was CTO of ClearNova, a maker of rapid development tools for Java developers. ClearNova’s ThinkCAP JX product was the first open-source AJAX-based J2EE RAD tool in the marketplace. While at ClearNova, Venkataraman also architected and drove a major solution for Carlson Wagonlit Government Travel to handle travel reservations & billing for the federal government. In his spare time, he co-authored AJAX in Practice.

"Ram is the seasoned technology veteran that is perfectly suited to steer Spectrum K12 to great heights as we provide districts with greater capacity building in core areas associated with improved student achievement and compliance within special education," stated Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. "His dedication to and knowledge of state-of-the-art technology will make an immediate impact on improving the educational quality and results for districts dealing with the complexities of special needs and at-risk populations."

Venkataraman said, "Spectrum K12 is dedicated to fostering growth and innovation and we believe we can make a lasting impact on education. It’s this mission that I’m most proud to be a part of and am honored to lead."

Deaf Education Program at Texas Woman’s University and Spectrum K12 Solutions Inc. Partner

TOWSON, MD. – October 11, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education and the Deaf Education Program at Texas Woman’s University today announced that their efforts to train future teachers of the deaf to use Encore to create successful, federally compliant Individual Education Plans (IEP)/ Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) packets has exceeded all expectations.

“Graduates of the deaf education program are now able to enter the teacher workforce prepared to develop effective, legally compliant IEP packets because of their experience with Encore,” stated Dr. Chad Smith, Director of Deaf Education and Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at TWU. “Encore has provided the TWU Deaf Education teacher preparation faculty the assurance that future deaf education teachers will be able to readily address academic concerns and IEP issues that will arise among their own students,” stated Smith.

In an effort to promote both the IEP development and ARD process, TWU contacted Spectrum K-12 to secure access to the Encore data management system. The plan included teaching the system as a whole, and then using it in various courses in the degree plan. Students were required to review the system, to create appropriate IEP goals, develop appropriate coursework and lesson plans, and to create federally compliant ARD/IEP packets. Encore was also incorporated into Literacy and Deafness, Speech for the Deaf, Language and Deafness, and Parent- Professional Communication courses.

“Helping TWU expand their teacher preparation programs with practical, hands-on training of the IEP/ARD process and compliance using our market leading product, Encore, was the impetus behind this new strategic alliance,” stated Spectrum K12 CEO, Jim Marshall. "Working with TWU is an integral part of Spectrum K12’s ongoing mission to show the next generation of teachers how software like Encore ensures compliance while streamlining the IEP/ARD process so they can focus more time on student achievement.”

TWU and Spectrum K12 both support the significance of graduating truly high quality educators and understand that the process of teacher education has never been greater.

See Dr. Smith’s powerpoint from his presentation at the Deaf Education conference

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving approximately 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

About Encore

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, Encore helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for all special populations by ensuring compliance, automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the individualized education plan (IEP) process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement. Learn more...

About Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University occupies a notable position in higher education as the nation’s largest university primarily for women. Its four campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston are joined by a fifth “e-Learning” campus that offers innovative online degree programs in business, education, and general studies. Six consecutive semesters of enrollment growth have produced a record enrollment of 12,183 students. www.twu.edu

Tennessee’s Disability Coalition on Education Director Named Special Ed Advocate Extraordinaire

Towson, MD., October 18, 2007 –Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education today announced ms. holly lu conan rees as the recipient of their 2007 "Special Education Advocate Extraordinaire Award.”

Her focus and desire to see all students succeed, was recognized today at the Spectrum K12 School Solution award ceremony at the National School Board Association T&L conference in Nashville.

holly lu has been a strong advocate on behalf of families with children with disabilities for nearly two decades. She founded and continues to chair the Tennessee statewide Disability Coalition on Education, and she is also an active member of the “Advocacy For the Rights of Individuals With Disabilities Organization" also known as the Mother’s From Hell organization.

“I am proud to receive this prestigious award but the real star is my son, Samuel. He has been my inspiration since the day he was born 24 years ago with a rare chromosomal anomaly, Ring Chromosome 15,” stated ms. conan rees. “All of us who work with children are constantly presented with challenges that involve informed decision-making, care, and risk. It has been a great privilege to concentrate on meeting those challenges head on, facing the risks together and strengthening informed decisions to ensure that we can improve education for ALL students.”

"holly lu is a passionate ambassador for families and students in special education. We are pleased to honor her commitment and devotion so that all children can reach their fullest potential,” stated Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. “I commend holly lu for always questioning and always wrestling to define and redefine endlessly what the word “education” should mean for ALL students.”

About Spectrum K12’s Special Education Advocate Extraordinaire Award

The Special Education Advocate Extraordinaire Award program was created in 2007 as a way for Spectrum K12 to recognize the efforts of non-traditional advocates of families and students involved in special education. Award winners demonstrate an extra measure of commitment as teachers, researchers, community members, parents, public officials, administrators or friends of education who advocate in securing education for every child. Ideally the winner has made a meaningful impact on the awareness and importance of special education through a commitment of time, personal involvement, and passion. For more information go to: http://www.spectrumk12.com/advocate_award

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving almost 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 Solutions Inc. Proud Sponsor of the 2007 Intel® Schools of Distinction Award

TOWSON, MD. – October 10, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, the leading provider of comprehensive data management solutions for special populations in K-12 education today announced their sponsorship award package for the six winning schools of the 2007 Intel® Schools of Distinction Award. Spectrum K12 joined the Intel Foundation and other sponsors as they honored each school’s extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation.

Spectrum K12 presented their Schools of Distinction Sponsorship Award Package to the recipient schools at the Intel awards gala on October 4, 2007 in Washington, D.C. The Spectrum K12 Award package included:

The Spectrum K12 Needs Analysis on the effectiveness of each school’s Response to Intervention strategies.

This analysis identifies the effectiveness of interventions used with at-risk students and reviews the data collection system(s) used to monitor progress on those interventions. Spectrum K12’s educational software captures, monitors and analyzes the required data and information necessary for Response to Interventions.

Spectrum K12 customized Response to Intervention: from Theory to Practice Professional Development Training.

The RtI training is an opportunity for an entire staff to learn how to use a systematic approach to transform evidenced based research into practical intervention strategies for at-risk students. The training additionally focuses on how an effective RtI program can benefit at-risk students and result in increased student achievement results.

The winning schools for Mathematics Excellence are Balboa Elementary, San Diego, Sewell Middle School, Bremen, Ga., and Bergen Academies-Hackensack, Hackensack, N.J. The winning schools for Science excellence are Escalante Elementary School, Salt Lake City, Conyers Middle School, Conyers, GA. and Greenhills School, Ann Arbor.

“Spectrum K12 is honored to be a sponsor of the 2007 Intel School(s) of Distinction Awards. The schools that were presented with this prestigious award have worked extremely hard to achieve high academic standards for all students,” states Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. “We recognize and commend the winning schools as they understand the tie between school excellence and the desire to have special education, at-risk and ALL students achieve to their ability.”

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Launches Educational Webinar Series

Towson, MD., 09/25/2007 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, provider of the patented, special education and IEP management Encore® software, today announced they have teamed up with nationally recognized education and technology experts to host a dynamic new webinar series. The series is designed to bring lessons learned and real-world best practices to school administrators, teachers, and IT professionals.

"Successful Grant Writing" will kick off the Webinar Series on October 3rd, 2007 at 3:00 PM EST. Presented by expert Dr. Douglas Brooks, tenured full professor within the Department of Teacher Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, this webinar will provide an overview of best practices in how to more effectively respond to grant proposals and greatly increase the probability of creating successful grant applications. This webinar will introduce novice and experienced grant writers to a proven, innovative, team-based 4 stage/32 step model for creating successful grant applications. Dr. Brooks has written over $8.5 million in successful technology integration grants for schools across the nation.

The second webinar in the series, “A Special Educator’s Guide to NCLB and State Standards” presented by Cindy Atlas, M Ed Education Solutions Strategist, Spectrum K12 School Solutions will be held on October 16, 2007. This webinar highlights the key role NCLB plays in educating at-risk and special education students today. Educational leaders will take away practical tips for utilizing state standards & high stakes testing data as a guide for instructional change to achieve student success.

“Standards Based Goals, Objectives and Benchmarks,” the third webinar in the series will be hosted by Ginger Sewell, November 28, 2007. Sewell is a Facilitated Individual Education Plan (IEP) trainer with extensive experience in building strong teams while minimizing conflict reduction in special education.

Each webinar is free of charge and will be presented live at 3:00 PM EST. Scheduled to be one hour in length, the sessions will include an interactive Q&A session. To register: www.spectrumk12.com/resources/webinars.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving approximately 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Secures $5.7M in Expansion Funding

Towson, MD., 09/11/2007 - Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc, provider of Encore® the leading special education and Individualized Education Program (IEP) management software, today announced it has secured an additional round of venture funding led by Updata Partners and Novak Biddle Venture Partners. The funding will be used to accelerate development and marketing of Spectrum K12’s patented, award-winning solutions for K-12 school districts.

Founded in 1994, Spectrum K12 provides school districts with solutions designed to close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students by more effectively managing the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 has received recognition from leading organizations including EdNet and the Software & Information Industry Association and is endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education.

"The market for K-12 education technology solutions is rapidly expanding,” said Roger Novak, General Partner with Novak Biddle. “We are excited about Spectrum K12’s product vision and ability to leverage proven technology to extend their market leadership.”

"With their award-winning solution, strong management team and extensive customer list of leading K-12 districts, Spectrum K12 has a formula for great success," said Tim Meyers, General Partner of Updata. “Expanding marketing and selling efforts will further increase Spectrum K12’s rate of growth and bring the benefits of Spectrum K12’s solutions to an even larger set of school districts and students.”

“We are thrilled Updata and Novak Biddle have validated our view of the market opportunity and Spectrum K12’s leadership position,” Jim Marshall, President and CEO of Spectrum K12 added. “Our long history of delivering value to our customers and our continuous innovation are proof points for why we are the leader in our market. With this investment we are able to expand our product development, sales and marketing so we can help K-12 school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students.”

About Updata Partners

Based in Reston, Virginia and Edison, New Jersey, Updata Partners is a leading venture capital firm that invests in growth stage information technology companies with innovative intellectual property enabling market-leading products and services. Led by an investment team averaging more than 20 years of operational and private equity experience in the technology industry, we seek investments where the combination of our financial backing and operating expertise will accelerate growth. With over $400 million under management, the firm also selectively provides recapitalization and management buyout financing. For more information, please visit http://www.updatapartners.com.

About Novak Biddle

Venture Partners Novak Biddle Venture Partners is a leading early stage venture capital firm focused on unique, cutting-edge technology investments in the Eastern United States, as well as targeted opportunities nationwide. With $580 million under management, Novak Biddle operates five venture funds that currently provide equity financing and management assistance to 42 portfolio companies. Novak Biddle continues to seek business situations where the combination of ideas, dollars, experience, and relationships can create long term, sustainable value. A sampling of companies funded by Novak Biddle include: RFID first-mover Matrics, voice over IP trailblazer Telogy, education technology leader Blackboard Inc. and intelligent video surveillance pioneer ObjectVideo. For more information, visit http://www.novakbiddle.com.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Steve Benfield Chief Technology Officer

TOWSON, MD– August 13, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Steve Benfield Chief Technology Officer. Benfield brings more than 20 years experience as a proven technology visionary, evangelist, architect, and educator. Steve is responsible for product management, technology innovation, and cultivating strategic partnerships.

Most recently, Steve served as CTO of Agentis Software which developed advanced artificial intelligence-based process management systems. Before Agentis, Steve helped establish ClearNova as an early player in the Web 2.0 application development space which led to a successful acquisition by Infor. Steve was also Chief Technology Officer of SilverStream a publicly traded pioneer of Java Application Servers. Steve established SilverStream as a visionary in Web Services and SOA Business Processing resulting in a successful acquisition by Novell. Prior to SilverStream, Steve served in executive management positions for several start-up ventures & IT consultancies.

“Steve is a proven visionary who acts as a catalyst for innovation and the practical application of technology to real-world problems. His dedication to and knowledge of technology is unparalleled at the executive level,” said Jim Marshall, Spectrum K12 CEO. “Spectrum K12 is the market innovator in technology solutions in the area of special education and at-risk populations and Steve will focus his time on specific key strategic initiatives to enhance the company mission. We know that Steve’s expertise will enhance our breakthrough technology offerings that school districts find invaluable.”

Benfield said, "I am very pleased to join the Spectrum K12 team. Spectrum K12 has proven technology solutions that are providing critical functionality to K12 school districts. I’m excited about the possibilities for innovation and growth centered on applying technology and dynamic process automation to enable schools to more effectively manage the needs of special education and at-risk populations."

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

ENCORE!® from Spectrum K12 School Solutions Earns Schools Interoperability Framework Certification

TOWSON, Md. – July 25, 2005 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions, the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announced that ENCORE!® has achieved Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) Certification for release 1.5r1 of the SIF specification, the most current standard against which products may be certified.

The SIF Certification program is a voluntary program of the Schools Interoperability Framework Association (SIFA). SIFA is a nonprofit organization that brings together software vendors, school districts, state departments of education and other organizations in the K-12 education market to develop protocol and data specifications that ensure disparate software applications can seamlessly share data. SIFA established the SIF Certification program to provide accessible third-party documentation of an application agent’s compliance with the standard.

To achieve SIF Certification, Spectrum K12 School Solutions completed a multi-step process that involved performing development and quality assurance testing; completing a conformance statement describing ENCORE! and the way in which it meets the conformance requirements; registering ENCORE! for certification; performing formal testing; and undergoing an audit by the Open Group, SIFA’s third-party certification authority.

“The ability to seamlessly exchange data among diverse applications is becoming more and more important to school districts as their use of technology grows. In our work with districts across the country, we have found that ENCORE!’s ability to seamlessly interface with their student information system was a key consideration in their selection of ENCORE!,” said Nathan Day, director of product management for Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “ENCORE!’s compliance with the SIF 1.5r1 standard provides districts with another option for eliminating redundant data entry and ensuring that their applications share critical student-related data in a timely and effective manner.”

According to Day, the use of an application such as ENCORE! that adheres to the SIF standard results in less up-front customization to achieve interoperability between multiple applications, as well as in improved data accuracy. “In short,” he said, “ENCORE! now provides school districts with one more way to reduce administrative burdens while improving access to student information. The result is more time to focus on students and learning.”

SIF Certification is valid for a period of 12 months.

About ENCORE!

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for all special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the individualized education plan (IEP) process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations. Building upon its deep expertise in special education, 4GL helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions, including special education, at-risk, Section 504 and Limited English Proficient (LEP) students.

4GL works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the immense burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. Focused solely on K-12 education, 4GL’s proven, data-driven solutions help districts reduce paperwork, increase efficiency, improve staff morale and retention, increase revenue recovery, eliminate compliance issues, reduce unnecessary referrals to special education, and support successful achievement of individualized education plan (IEP) goals.

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Education Industry Association, December 2006

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District Administration, June 2006

By Pamela Wheaton Shorr

Thirty years ago, Congress announced that more than half of American children with disabilities were not receiving appropriate educational services. Today, American schools have a world-class system for differentiating instruction for all students, regardless of cognitive, emotional or physical limitations. That’s quite an accomplishment, and something about which educators should be proud.

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Scholastic Administrator, January 2006

By Walter G. Amprey

In today’s economic climate, technology can be a tough sell. Educators tend to view tech expenditures as yet another operating expense that squeezes more money from strained budgets and heaps more work on already overworked staff. In the corporate world, on the other hand, technology is viewed as an investment that will pay for itself and possibly improve revenues by replacing inefficient systems and increasing productivity.

Click here to read more »

School Business Affairs, November 2005

This article originally appeared in the November 2005 School Business Affairs magazine and is reprinted with permission of the Association of School Business Officials International (http://www.asbointl.org). The text herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of ASBO International, and use of this imprint does not imply any endorsement or recognition by ASBO International and its officers or affiliates.

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The Heller Reports, September 2005

DENVER (Sept. 13, 2005) - The Heller Reports, a QED company and leading provider of education market news and events, today announced the EdNET 2005 Industry Award recipients. The finalists and winners were honored for their positive work in education at a luncheon ceremony today during the 17th Annual EdNET Conference at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla in San Diego.

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AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, September 2005

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District Administration, June 2005

By Lisa Fratt

Quick--think special education. The typical district leader groans at high costs, paperwork and inefficiency. The assessment is frighteningly accurate, but a few districts are bucking the status quo by embracing technology.

Special education can eat districts alive, confirms Clark Easter, founder and chairman of 4GL School Solutions, Inc. It devours 20 percent to 25 percent of the average district’s budget with only 11 percent to 12 percent of students. Many special education teachers spend nearly half of the day buried under piles of paper. Inequitable resource allocation, staff burnout and turnover and near-zealous focus on compliance rather than instruction further complicate the scene.

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Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Carmi Paris Vice President of Corporate Development

TOWSON, MD– July 10, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Carmi Paris Vice President of Corporate Development. She brings to the company and its customers more than a decade of leadership in education technology. At Spectrum K12, Paris will expand collaborative partnerships and strategic alignments with corporations and other organizations committed to educational excellence for all students.

Paris began her career as a science teacher and high school track coach. With the advent of classroom technology, Paris pioneered curriculum development for at-risk youth, creating a web-based program called “I AM, WE ARE” (IAWA) that helped students develop goals and objectives to celebrate their ethnicity and cultural diversity. This drew Paris towards her current work in educational technology and in developing and educating the whole child, one who is engaged, healthy and academically challenged. Before joining Spectrum K12, Paris spent the past decade working with Riverdeep and then SchoolNet as national director of business development for both companies.

"Carmi brings a wealth of experience to her role with Spectrum K12,” said Jim Marshall, Spectrum K12 CEO. “Her proven ability to develop and manage partnerships will be an important part of Spectrum K12’s expansion into current and new markets. Her leadership ability and commitment to help narrow the achievement gaps for all students and enhance teaching proficiencies will impact our entire team and our valued customers.”

Paris said, “I am honored and pleased to join Spectrum K12’s outstanding team. Working to level the playing field for special populations—including special needs and at-risk students—has always been an area of education close to my heart. I have every confidence that, with the outstanding solution that Spectrum K12 offers, we will continue to lead the industry in helping school districts across America do an outstanding job managing the critical needs of these populations.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Two Education Industry Leaders to its Team

TOWSON, MD– June 27, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Dr. Searetha Smith-Collins as vice president education strategist and Jodie Butler as vice president of government relations.

Smith-Collins is a lifelong educator and businesswoman. Before joining Spectrum K12, she was senior education consultant for Promethean, Inc. and president of SEA-S Consultants. For more than 37 years, she has worked in a variety of positions in education and leadership, from teacher to principal, from curriculum and reading specialist to curriculum executive director and as deputy/associate superintendent and chief academic officer in large urban and suburban school districts. She was also manager of strategic initiatives at Apple Computer, Inc., and executive vice president of Syfr Corporation.

Smith-Collins holds a doctorate degree in policy, governance, and administration and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a BE degree in English and education from Seattle University. She is an accomplished author, a sought-after education consultant and popular keynote speaker.

Butler’s experience includes leadership roles in state government, education, a computer technology company, nonprofit organizations, and statewide education associations. In the 1990s, Butler, a former teacher, served as the Iowa governor’s education policy director for five years, helping him initiate innovative technology programs for Iowa schools.

She also served as the governor’s representative at the National Education Summit during the creation of Achieve, a public-private organization aimed at improving the quality and rigor of public schools. Butler represented the National Governor’s Association on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) during its 2000 study and helped prepare recommendations authorized by the National Assessment Governing Board. Butler was also a manager of state-level initiatives and key accounts at Apple Computer and has managed her own consulting firm. She is a graduate of Wayne State College and holds a masters degree from the University of Iowa.

“Searetha and Jodie add considerable skills and experience to Spectrum K12’s established leadership in education and education technology,” said Jim Marshall, CEO. “Their backgrounds include a wide range of strengths in solving education problems on the local, regional and national levels. We’re very excited to welcome them aboard.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Clayton County (GA) Public School System Chooses Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, MD– June 19, 2007 – The Clayton County Public School System, which comprises 61 schools and nearly 51,000 students in Georgia, has adopted the use of Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.’s special education IEP management software product ENCORE!®.

According to county special education administrators, ENCORE will provide Clayton with a powerful and effective system of administrative reporting and tracking for students who need special services. ENCORE! helps districts dramatically improve special education management by eliminating mistakes in IEP compliance, saving training time, eliminating duplicate data entry, providing ease of access to centralized information and – ultimately – saving hundreds of dollars per student.

Tamera Foley, director of special education for secondary schools and Brenda Keegan, director of special education for elementary schools, said ENCORE will significantly increase the system’s capability. Said Foley, “Clayton County selected ENCORE because no other special education IEP management software provides the accountability, ease of use and accessibility to data that we need. ENCORE’s automatic compliance checking and reporting will virtually eliminate manual verification of IEPs. ENCORE will also provide us with instantaneous access to more and better data that, among other things, will help us optimize our caseloads. With the data and reminders that ENCORE provides, we will be able to increase compliance in all areas.”

Keegan said, “Since ENCORE is web-based, our teachers will be able to access data from anywhere while also letting multiple team members collaboratively work on a single IEP.” She added, “It is reassuring to our teachers that – even with all of its powerful features – ENCORE is so easy to use. Our teachers can focus on teaching, not technology.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of special education and IEP management software serving nearly 10% of the U.S. K-12 student population including 20 of the top 100 school districts in the United States. Spectrum K12 helps school districts close the achievement gap for special education and at-risk students through more effective management of the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the administrative burden from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Chuck Amos Executive Vice President of Field Sales Operations

TOWSON, MD– June 13, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Chuck Amos executive vice president of field sales operations. Amos brings to Spectrum K12 nearly 15 years of experience in the education market.

Before joining Spectrum K12, Amos served as CEO of Atomic Learning where he refined and enhanced the organizational structure, product development methodology, business planning processes, budgeting processes and sales programs that resulted in significant year-over-year growth every year since joining the company in 2003. Also, under his leadership, the company experienced significant decrease in time-to-market, growth in new markets such as international and higher education and significant growth in its worldwide customer base. Amos will continue as chairman of the board of Atomic Learning. Prior to Atomic Learning, Amos spent eight years with Apple Computer where he was regional manager for the central U.S. Throughout his long career Amos has been committed to assisting schools with a wide range of technology related needs including hardware, software, networking and training solutions.

“Chuck’s track record in the K-12 education technology market shows that he is a strong, results-driven executive,” said Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. “His ability to organize and drive a field team to success and his experience working with decision makers at all levels of the education market from districts to state, federal and various international education ministry levels will be an asset to our entire team and to our customers.”

“I am extremely excited about my move to Spectrum K12,” said Chuck Amos. “Spectrum K12 is a company on the move and the team Jim Marshall, Spectrum K12 CEO has assembled is absolutely top-notch. Spectrum K12’s industry-leading solutions take a huge burden off schools and help schools effectively and efficiently manage the critical needs of special education and at-risk students. This is an essential area for schools and I am extremely excited to work with the industry leader in the market to serve the needs of special education administrators, teachers, students and parents.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

School Districts in U.S. in Early Adopter Stage for Response to Intervention (RTI) Says Spectrum K12

TOWSON, MD– April 25, 2007 – Only 2% of school districts in the U.S. have fully adopted the use of Response to Intervention (RTI) while 22 % are in the process of district-wide implementation and another 20% are piloting RTI and determining whether to adopt it, according to a survey recently conducted by Spectrum K12 School Solutions.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 provides school districts with the option of using a response to intervention model for early intervention for students experiencing difficulties. Using RTI can help districts identify students with learning disabilities sooner than they would otherwise and can help prevent students who do not have special needs from being mistakenly enrolled in such programs. IDEA 2004 authorizes up to 15% of IDEA funds to be used to provide services to students before they are identified with a disability.

Spectrum K12 found that among the school districts that responded to the survey, RTI has been implemented or will be implemented for reading (52%), math (24%), behavior (20%), writing (15%) and language (13%). In the majority of districts, RTI was initiated by the special education team with implementation championed by special education in 52% of the districts and by general education in the remaining 48%.

The Spectrum K12 School Solutions survey on RTI adoption was administered via a web-based survey between February 22 and March 26, 2007. Respondents were all district administration personnel (primary titles included RTI director, special education director, assistant superintendent). 41% of survey respondents work in districts with 2,500-5,000 enrollment, 15% in districts with 5,000-10,000 enrollment, 17% with 10,000-20,000 enrollment and 24% with more than 20,000 enrollment.

“Our recently completed survey provides unique visibility into how quickly, to what extent, and in what areas RTI is being adopted by school districts,” said Jim Marshall, CEO of Spectrum K12. “With this survey, Spectrum K12 continues its leadership in providing K-12 districts with information and solutions for managing students receiving special services or interventions.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, Md., Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information and to download a copy of the Response to Intervention (RTI) Adoption Survey report visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names Jim Marshall CEO

TOWSON, MD– March 15, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. today announced that it has named Jim Marshall CEO of the company. Marshall brings more than 30 years of enterprise-focused experience helping to lead high technology companies such as Apple and Oracle to profitability and market growth.

Spectrum K12 provides the industry’s benchmark special education software. Its ENCORE!® suite of products serves districts with enrollments of 250 through those exceeding 250,000 students. Designed expressly for the K-12 education market, its powerful benefits and ease of use help school districts more effectively manage the individualized education process (IEP) for students receiving special services or intervention.

Before joining Spectrum K12, Marshall was CEO of Agentis Software where he led the company through venture funding, a management buyout while driving several large new sales transactions. Prior to Agentis, Marshall was vice president of named accounts at FileNet where he created, deployed and managed a mid-market plan and unit for the corporation. Prior to that assignment, Marshall was vice president of Apple’s US Education Division, leading the overall education effort at Apple. This unit of Apple accounted for approximately 25% of the company’s annual revenues.

Marshall has also held executive positions at Informix, NeoMedia Technologies, Tandem Computers and Unisys. He has extensive experience in helping technology companies build and develop accomplished management, sales, marketing, professional services and channels teams.

“The chance to join the Spectrum K12 team is truly exceptional,” said Marshall. “Spectrum K12 is the industry leader and is dramatically changing the way K-12 school districts manage the special education and IEP process to eliminate special education compliance issues and achieve adequate yearly progress. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to play a leading role in such an innovative and impactful company.”

Marshall has received public recognition from the Governors of Michigan, Maine and Florida for his work in those states. He has been an active member of the Cobb County (Georgia) Education Foundation, where he has worked to help raise funds and drive awareness programs for the counties school system and has been recognized by the state school system of Georgia for his contributions. He was also a Director for the Florida Council on Economic Education that is charted with teaching fundamental finance and business concepts to high school students.

He holds a B.A., Management and General Sciences from the University of South Florida.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, Md., Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information visit http://www.spectrumK12.com.

Folsom Cordova Unified School District Chooses Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, MD– February 28, 2007 – Seeking to create a more powerful and effective system of administrative reporting and tracking for students who need special services, Folsom Cordova Unified School District in California has adopted the use of Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.’s special education IEP management software product ENCORE!® California. Folsom Cordova had been primarily paper-based and entering special education IEP and reporting data by hand. Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! software will provide Folsom Cordova with a solution that provides better compliancy, improved data integrity and management as well as a real-time system that will streamline and manage the entire workflow process. ENCORE! helps school systems dramatically improve special education management by eliminating mistakes in IEP compliance, saving training time, eliminating duplicate data entry, providing ease of access to centralized information and – ultimately – saving of hundreds of dollars per student.

Maureen Burness, Folsom Cordova’s assistant superintendent of student support services, said, “We wanted a system that would streamline our operations and give us the ability to much more accurately capture and report special education data. ENCORE! is a very robust system that is easy to implement and teacher friendly. That was important to us because we wanted it up and running by the 07-08 school year.”

Dr. Kelly J. Calhoun, Folsom Cordova’s director of Educational Technology & Information Systems, said, “In order to best serve our students with special needs, we need all that data and information we’ve gathered in the hands of the right people, when they need it, and where they need it. ENCORE! is designed to help us accomplish that goal. It’s designed to be sophisticated enough to keep track of the myriad of compliance requirements, but simple to use for our staff. Complete, seamless integration between ENCORE! and our student information system was another major reason we selected Spectrum K12. Eliminating redundant data entry will immediately reduce the time to complete IEPs, giving our teachers more time to focus on improving student achievement.”

“We are excited that Folsom Cordova has joined the expanding community of California districts using Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! special education and IEP management software,” said Jim Hermens, vice president of product management at Spectrum K12. “Folsom Cordova’s selection of Spectrum K12 after a comprehensive review of available solutions is a strong vote of confidence in our products, support services, and our team.”

About Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Folsom Cordova comprises 18,000 students in 30 schools—19 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools (with a third about to open), two continuation high schools, adult education and other service centers. It encompasses an area northeast of downtown Sacramento and includes the cities of Folsom and Rancho Cordova.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Teams Up with Tyler Technologies, Inc.

TOWSON, MD- January 23, 2007 - Teachers, administrators and school district staff across the country will now have seamless access to student data in real time thanks to a new alliance between Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc and Tyler Technologies, Inc (NYSE:TYL). The comprehensive Web-based package will track grades, schedules, attendance, billing, service programs, discipline information and other important data.

Districts will benefit by having a fully integrated solution through a single best-of-breed vendor. Seamless integration between Spectrum and Tyler’s Education Management Solution guarantees current and accurate data-100% compliance that is critical for state reporting-in both systems, without duplicate data entry. This will save time for teachers, administrators and IT staff regardless of which system generated or recorded the information. Also, it will help schools raise student achievement while fulfilling accountability requirements set by NCLB.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., provides the industry’s benchmark special education software. Its ENCORE!® suite of products serves districts with enrollments of 250 through those exceeding 250,000 students. Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, its powerful benefits and ease of use help school districts more effectively manage the individualized education process for students receiving special services or intervention. Spectrum and Tyler have more than two decades of combined experience in providing software solutions to school districts across the country and have established long-term relationships with their customers.

"Enabling school districts to adopt a full suite of services will cut even further the time, costs and efforts involved in carrying out administrative duties," said Scott Cary, Spectrum K12 vice president of marketing. "Tyler is one of the great industry leaders in providing solutions to K-12 school districts and we are excited to team up with them for the benefit of teachers, administrators and district staff."

Tyler’s Education Management Solution (TEMS) is a feature-rich, scalable solution for any size school, district, or state-wide education system. With Tyler Education Management, clients can meet state and federal reporting requirements, increase productivity and communication, and easily track student and staff information-online, and within one fully-integrated system. This system includes student registration, health and immunization, scheduling, grading, attendance, discipline, testing and assessment, reporting, staff management, transportation, and a parent portal.

"This really rounds out Tyler’s ability to deliver a fully integrated system that includes our financial management and student information system, and now the country’s leading special education management system," stated Gary Dube, Tyler’s Education Management Solutions national sales manager. "Few companies have had more success in the education software market than Tyler and Spectrum K12."

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

About Tyler Technologies, Inc.

Based in Dallas, Tyler Technologies is a leading provider of end-to-end information management solutions and services to local governments. Tyler partners with clients to make local government more accessible to the public, more responsive to needs of citizens, and more efficient. Tyler’s client base includes nearly 6,000 local government offices throughout all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Forbes Magazine named Tyler one of the "200 Best Small Companies" in America in 2004. More information about Tyler Technologies can be found at http://www.tylertech.com.

Northern and Central Indiana School Cooperatives Choose Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, MD– January 16, 2007 – Two major Indiana school cooperatives have chosen Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.’s special education management software product ENCORE!® to handle administrative reporting and tracking for students in all of their districts who need special services.

The Elkhart County Special Education Cooperative (ECSEC), which is made up of six districts—Baugo, Concord, Fairfield, Goshen, Middlebury and Wa-Nee Community Schools—is in the northern part of the state. It comprises 34 elementary, secondary and high schools. The other organization is the RISE Special Services Cooperative in central Indiana, serving 41 schools in four districts including Beech Grove City and the townships of Perry, Decatur and Franklin.

Both cooperatives chose Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! to help them more effectively manage the special education process for students receiving special services or interventions so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. ENCORE! helps schools dramatically improve special education management by eliminating mistakes in IEP compliance, saving training time, eliminating duplicate data entry, providing ease of access to centralized information and – ultimately – saving of hundreds of dollars per student.

“We chose Spectrum K12 for many reasons,” said Mary Beth Hamilton, ECSEC’s director of special education. “Most of all, we found it to be more comprehensive than any of the other programs we looked at. It is also teacher friendly and visually compatible with what we are already using, so it is easier for teachers to learn. The end result will be that we will be able to improve the way in which we serve our students. That is the main value to us.”

Bill Dreibelbis, director of RISE Special Services, said, “We have been using a paper-based IEP data collection process, with some teachers using an older electronic template of the IEP form, where the forms come to the cooperative’s office from our schools and districts. Data must be entered by hand into the state’s CODA reporting system. This dual entry of data has been very frustrating and time consuming to us and is one of the key reasons we selected ENCORE!. Spectrum K12’s web based, centralized software application and database offers improved efficiency and accuracy, while maintaining confidentiality. This will permit teachers, administrators, and central personnel to save time and resources that can be better used in assisting student achievement.”

Dreibelbis said that another factor in RISE’s decision is the tracking ability that ENCORE! provides regarding general education intervention and progress monitoring. Should a referral to special education be required, the data is already logged and available to staff involved. He said, “This will be an advantage for our teachers and providers.”

“A major factor for both cooperatives is that ENCORE! captures student and teacher certification data directly supporting Indiana state CODA reporting requirements,” said Jim Hermens, vice president of product management at Spectrum K12. “This will allow the cooperatives to provision files that provide data necessary for CODA reporting, allowing the districts to in-turn, directly upload data to CODA.” He added, “The choice of Spectrum K12 by both Elkhart and RISE is a strong vote of confidence in our products, support services and our team. We’re excited to work with both organizations.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc., Announces Addition of Three Executives to its Team

TOWSON, MD– January 9, 2007 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., a special education software company helping school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions, today announced the addition of three new executives to its team. The new executives are Scott Cary, vice president of marketing; Don Fabricant, executive vice president of sales; and James Hermens, vice president of product management.

“Spectrum K12 has become the standard by which other special education software products are judged,” said Lou Pugliese, Spectrum K12 chairman of the board. “Scott, Don and Jim bring to our team and our customers years of hard-won accomplishments in marketing, sales and product management. We’re excited to welcome them aboard.”

Cary has more than 20 years of experience in product management and marketing in the technology industry, and has led more than 50 product launches. Prior to joining Spectrum K12, he founded the Product Management Institute where, for 10 years, he helped organizations transform product management into product performance. He also led marketing organizations at Legent, Best Software and British Telecom. Scott holds a B.S. in systems engineering with a concentration in management information systems from the University of Virginia.

Fabricant leads the national sales team in selling the full suite of products including ENCORE® and professional development training. Prior to joining Spectrum K12, he was senior vice president of sales for Thomson Learning’s career and professional group division. He was responsible for sales strategy and results across all education markets. Fabricant received his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, and is a cum laude graduate of the Babson Graduate School of Business where he received his M.B.A. degree.

Hermens leads product management of the complete product line including the innovative ENCORE® product suite. Prior to joining Spectrum K12, he served as senior vice president of global services at Blackboard Inc., a leading provider of e-Education enterprise software applications and services. Prior to Blackboard, Hermens served as a managing director with Hollinger Digital and with Laureate Education (formerly Sylvan Learning Systems) as vice president of operations for Laureate International Universities, implementing emerging educational and business strategies among the company’s initial university network of institutions in Latin America and Europe. Hermens earned a B.S. with honors from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, Md., Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the special education process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Partners with Edustructures

TOWSON, MD and SALT LAKE CITY, UT – December 14, 2006 – School systems across the country that use Spectrum K12 School Solutions to manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions will have a more seamless integration of instructional, administrative and communication tools thanks to a new business partnership between Spectrum K12 and Edustructures.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all K-12 students receiving special services or interventions. Edustructures is the leading provider of Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF®) solutions for the K–12 education market.

The companies will be working together to bring a more comprehensive, SIF-compliant special education data management solution to districts and educational service centers based on Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! and Edustructures SIFWorks integration platform.

SIF is a leading industry standard, based on a robust technical specification, which enables diverse education software solutions to interact and share data efficiently, reliably, and securely regardless of the platform. SIF increases the value of school districts’ technology investments, allowing them to integrate new software and online tools into the ones they are already using. A single investment in SIF infrastructure provides interoperability across all SIF compliant software solutions resulting in greater effectiveness and significant cost savings.

“This partnership between market leaders—Spectrum K12 in special education software and Edustructures, the top SIF-based solution provider—will give our customers the greatest flexibility and power to use technology tools most effectively,” said Scott Cary, vice president of marketing for Spectrum K12 School Solutions.

“As more districts and state education agencies adopt SIF for data interoperability, we’re seeing a growing demand for the integration of special education data via SIF,” said Steve Curtis, CEO of Edustructures. “We’re pleased that our partnership with Spectrum K-12 will allow both companies to better respond to the needs of educators.”

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

About Edustructures

Edustructures is the recognized leader in SIF integration solutions for the K-12 education market, making it possible for market-leading solutions to reliably and securely share data in real-time. Through its SIFWorks® integration platform, comprehensive professional services and business relationships with technology providers and educators, Edustructures connects the systems that power education. For more information about Edustructures, please visit http://www.edustructures.com.

Denver Public Schools Selects Encore! from Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, Md. – November 14, 2006 – Denver Public Schools (DPS) has selected ENCORE!® from Spectrum K12 School Solutions to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing its special education program. The district, which serves approximately 75,000 students across 151 schools, joins several Colorado districts — including St. Vrain Valley School District, Cherry Creek School District, and the South Central BOCES — in implementing the award-winning ENCORE! solution to manage all phases of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for special populations.

“Previously, our teachers created IEPs using a ‘home-grown’ software program that was installed on individual computers throughout the district. The program was rarely networked and was never available on the Web. Paper copies of the IEPs were created at meetings and sent to the central office. Once received, salient pieces of the paper documents were manually entered into the districts’ student information system. This process was staff intensive and did not adequately manage the increasing demands for student data," said Lisa Bernadett, director of operations for student services at Denver Public Schools.

"We were looking for a more robust, yet efficient, system that would streamline the management of IEP paperwork, guide our teachers gently through an IEP meeting, while tracking and making available the data we need for reporting,” Bernadett said. “The people at Spectrum K12 focus exclusively on special education. They know the complexities inherent in the process, and have built a solution that will save our teachers time, and allow them more time to deliver quality instruction while increasing the quality of the collected data.”

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. As data are entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

“Coupled with our dedication to student achievement, the Denver Public Schools is committed to compliance with special education law,” said Bernadett. “So, one of the main reasons we selected ENCORE! was its built-in compliance engine. It prompts the user when data entered into the system aren’t compliant so the data can be corrected before the completion of the IEP meeting. With ENCORE! we can also build prompts into the program and customize it to match the unique processes we have implemented in Denver. We conducted a thorough review of all available products, and there is no question that ENCORE! is by far the superior solution.”

About Denver Public Schools

While its roots can be traced to 1859, when the city was founded, the Denver Public Schools was officially created in 1902 when voters approved a constitutional amendment that created the City and County of Denver. Today, the district is widely recognized as one of the best urban school systems in the country. Under the direction of Superintendent, Michael Bennet and Chief Academic Officer, Jaime Aquino, the DPS embraced the Denver Plan which outlines the revitalization of this urban school district and delineates the changes required in its relentless pursuit of student achievement.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, Md., Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from educational professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement.

Jim Hermens Joins Spectrum K12 School Solutions As Vice President Of Product Management

TOWSON, MD. – Oct. 3, 2006 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announced that Jim Hermens has been appointed vice president, product management. In this position, Hermens will oversee all product management activities, including future releases of the ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations in K-12 education. Hermens will report directly to Spectrum K12 President and CEO Allison Duquette.

“Spectrum K12’s mission is to provide K-12 schools with the foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for special populations so that educators can spend less time on paperwork and more time in the classroom focusing on improving student learning and performance,” said Duquette. “The addition of Jim to our senior management team will ensure that Spectrum K12’s record of innovative, market leading solutions continues to uniquely serve educators’ needs.”

"I am tremendously excited to be joining the market leading provider of software applications and professional development for teachers and administrators of special populations. Spectrum K12’s record of product innovation has been recognized by its customers and industry leaders alike. The combination of innovative products and a customer base ranging from districts of 250 to over 250,000 students perfectly positions Spectrum K12 for further expansion and rapid growth,” said Jim Hermens.

Most recently Hermens served as Senior Vice President, Global Services at Blackboard Inc., a leading provider of e-Education enterprise software applications and services. In that position he oversaw a considerable broadening and growth of the training, hosting and consulting solutions offered in support of higher education and K-12 deployments of Blackboard’s software solutions.

Prior to Blackboard, Hermens served as a managing director with Hollinger Digital, the venture capital arm of Sun Times Media Group (formerly Hollinger International), and with Laureate Education (formerly Sylvan Learning Systems). At Laureate, Hermens served as Vice President, Operations for Laureate International Universities, implementing emerging educational and business strategies among the company’s initial university network of institutions in Latin America and Europe.

Hermens holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School. An Air Force and Desert Storm war veteran, Hermens served as a White House military social aide for Presidents Bush (41) and Clinton.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Partners with Software Answers

TOWSON, MD. – Sept. 12, 2006 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education and Software Answers, Inc., the leader in comprehensive solutions for monitoring student progress in a standards-based world, today announced a partnership designed to provide school districts with Spectrum K12’s market-leading ENCORE! solution. For those districts or educational service centers with a strong need for a comprehensive special education data management solution, Software Answers will refer customers to Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! solution.

“Software Answers is excited to partner with Spectrum K12 School Solutions, the market leader in special education data management. Spectrum K12 is known for helping school districts eliminate compliance issues, reduce paperwork, increase efficiency, and improve staff morale and retention,” said Paul Chaffee, founder and President of Software Answers, Inc.

Formally endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and named a finalist for the EdNET 2006 Pioneer Award, Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! is a web-based software solution that serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for special populations. In addition, Spectrum K12 also offers professional development training courses to meet the needs of all K-12 educators and administrators.

Spectrum K12’s ENCORE! is an award-winning, web-based solution suite. ENCORE! uses effective business practices and proven data and process management systems to help districts eliminate compliance issues, reduce the administrative paperwork burden, increase efficiency and revenue recovery, improve staff morale, ensure accountability, automate Medicaid claims processing, and support successful achievement of individual education program goals — directly and positively impacting student learning.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

About Software Answers, Inc.

Based in Akron OH., Software Answers, Inc. helps K-12 school districts more efficiently track and report student progress in both a traditional and standards-based educational environment. Software Answers software product ProgressBookTM is a web based grade book, lesson plan and parent access system integrated into one comprehensive solution.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names New Vice President of Sales

TOWSON, MD. – Sept. 6, 2006 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, has named Don Fabricant as executive vice president of sales. Fabricant comes to Spectrum K12 from another K-12 market leader, Thomson Learning, where he spent the past 15 years in executive level sales positions in various Thomson divisions.

"Spectrum K12’s field force is known for helping school districts master the complexity of managing special populations so teachers can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. Maintaining such a reputation requires outstanding leadership skills and an in-depth knowledge of the K-12 marketplace. Don is clearly the ideal person for this position," said Allison L. Duquette, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions.

"I am tremendously excited to be joining the market leading provider of software applications and professional development for teachers and administrators of special populations. The strength of Spectrum K12’s product and scope of its customer base ranging from districts of 250 to over 250,000 students perfectly positions Spectrum K12 for further expansion and rapid growth,” said Don Fabricant.

Fabricant joined Thomson Course Technology in December 1991 as the national sales manager for institutional sales. Over the years he was promoted to various senior management positions including vice president of channel sales, senior vice president of the corporate training strategic market group, and executive vice president of global sales.

Most recently, Fabricant was senior vice president of sales for Thomson Learning’s career and professional group division. In that position he was responsible for the sales strategy and results across all education markets, including the two- and four-year college, vocation/technical, career ed and school markets.

Fabricant received his bachelor’s degree from Tufts University, and is a cum laude graduate of the Babson Graduate School of Business where he received his M.B.A. degree.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Selected as Finalist for EdNET 2006 Pioneer Award

Towson, Md. – Aug. 16, 2006 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, has been named one of three finalists for the EdNET Pioneer Award. Part of the prestigious EdNET Industry Awards, the EdNET Pioneer Award is given to the organization that has most significantly contributed to the growth of the education market over the previous year.

This marks the third consecutive year Spectrum K12 (formerly 4GL School Solutions Inc.) has been named a finalist in the EdNET Industry Awards program. In 2005 Spectrum K12 won the EdNET HERO Award and in 2004 it was a finalist for the same award, which honors organizations that have made the most significant positive impact on education through educational technology and telecommunications.

This year, Spectrum K12 earned finalist consideration for its leadership role in driving innovation in education. In 2006, Spectrum K12 introduced State Editions of its award-winning ENCORE!® suite of products to meet the unique needs of students and school districts. Designed specifically for K12 education, ENCORE! is a web-based software solution that serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process for special populations. In addition, Spectrum K12 further expanded industry offerings by introducing Professional Development training courses to meet the needs of all K-12 educators and administrators involved in the development and facilitation of IEPs.

“Since 1996, innovation and expansion of Spectrum K12’s products and services have fueled its rise to market-leading provider of special population solutions for school districts of all sizes,” said Allison Duquette, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “Today Spectrum K12 helps districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. To be honored by the EdNET Industry Awards three years in row is a testament to the vital roles cutting-edge technologies and innovation play in helping districts positively impact learning for all students.”

A panel of leading education industry experts selected the finalists for the EdNET 2006 Industry Awards, which is coordinated by The Heller Reports and Quality Education Data (QED). The EdNET Industry Awards program recognizes organizations that have made important contributions through their products and programs to the education industry in the past year.

“Our goal in providing ongoing coordination of the EdNET awards is to recognize the finalists as model organizations that are moving the industry forward, making a unique contribution that embodies the spirit of business in service of K-12 education,” said Michael Jay, president of Educational Systemics.

“We commend the EdNET Industry Award finalists for going the extra distance to inspire and support educators in their efforts to advance classroom learning, so that our nation’s students will be prepared to compete in an global economy,” said Andy Lacy, general manager of QED.

Award winners will be announced Sept. 19 during the EdNET Conference in Boston.

About EdNET

The EdNET Industry Awards program was created in 1992 to champion the efforts of progressive organizations helping to revitalize the nation’s educational system. The program has become a focal point of the EdNET Conference, the education market’s premier annual networking conference produced by The Heller Reports, a Quality Education Data company. The EdNET Conference brings together education executives, school administrators, and policymakers to network and build strategic business partnerships. The EdNET 2006 Conference will be in Boston on Sept. 17-19. For more information about the EdNET Conference and awards program, visit http://www.QEDData.com or phone 877-435-5373, ext. 9421.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Lou Pugliese Named Chairman of the Board at Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Towson, Md. – Aug 3, 2006 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announced the appointment of Lou Pugliese as chairman of its board of directors. Pugliese succeeds Clark E. Easter, who has served as chairman since the company’s founding in 1996 and will remain on the board.

Pugliese is president of Learning Diagnostics Inc. (LDI), an education holding company and consulting organization that provides assistance to Fortune 500 organizations involved in global e-learning initiatives. Prior to LDI, he held several senior executive positions including CEO of Blackboard Inc., a leading provider of enterprise software and services to the education industry; Educational Testing Services; Scholastic Inc.; and Turner Education Services. Pugliese also served as an Entrepreneur In Residence at Novak Biddle Venture Partners.

Pugliese serves on numerous local and regional boards in education and software related businesses. He also served on George W. Bush’s Presidential IT Steering Committee and the Commission on Technology and Adult Learning.

According to Allison Duquette, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions, recent changes in student demographics and other trends have coalesced to put huge pressures on K-12 districts to track and provide services to a rapidly increasing number of students, both in and outside of special education programs. "This convergence means expanding markets and applications for Spectrum K-12’s solutions," said Duquette. "Lou Pugliese brings an incredible breadth and depth of experience in all levels of the education technology market. We’re very excited about the contributions he will make toward our continuing growth."

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, MD, Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement.

Loudoun County Public Schools Chooses ENCORE! to Manage Programs for Special Populations

TOWSON, Md. – April 24, 2006 – One of the nation’s fast growing districts, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Loudoun County, Va., has selected Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing programs for special populations. LCPS will implement Spectrum K12’s ENCORE!® program to manage data and individualized education plans (IEPs) for students receiving special services or interventions, including special education, Section 504 and English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

“We had an in-house solution that we’d been using for a number of years but it was very cumbersome and time-consuming,” said Mary Kearney, director of special education for LCPS. “We asked our stakeholders to look at a number of products and compare the options available. It was their consensus that Spectrum K12 had all the features we needed in one product, rather than having to pick and choose pieces from other companies’ products.”

The ENCORE! suite of products serves districts with enrollments of 250 to over 250,000 students. Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for special populations. ENCORE! is a software solution that reduces the time required to plan and track student achievement while increasing the completeness, accuracy and accessibility of program information. As a result, educators can spend less time on paperwork and more time in the classroom focusing on improving student learning and performance.

“One aspect we particularly like about ENCORE! is that it is user friendly. Our district is growing so rapidly. We need a solution that will allow us to track and manage student data across the district in a very concise way,” said Kearney. “We also want to make certain that our special education process is in compliance. ENCORE!’s built-in compliance checks prompt the user when something isn’t compliant so it can be corrected. With ENCORE!, we can also build prompts into the system to meet the way we conduct the special education process in our district, unlike off-the-shelf products that may or may not be able to be customized. That was another key feature provided by Spectrum K12.”

About Loudoun County Public Schools

Loudoun County Public Schools enrolls more than 47,000 students in 68 school facilities. Located 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., LCPS is annually ranked in the top 10 of 140 public school systems in Virginia, according to student achievement test results.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

4GL School Solutions Changes Name to Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, MD — April 5, 2006 — 4GL School Solutions, Inc. announced today that it has changed its company name to Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. Along with the name change, the company adopted a new corporate identity, including a new logo, visual identity and Web site that can be found at http://www.spectrumk12.com.

“Our new name reflects the full range of value we now provide for K12 special population students and educators,” said Allison Duquette, CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “Innovation and expansion of Spectrum’s ENCORE! suite of products has enhanced our position as the market leading provider of special population solutions for K12 school districts of all sizes. Our new corporate name and identity are more representative of the breadth of solutions we provide to our customers and the future direction of the company.”

In addition to the ENCORE suite of products, Spectrum K12 School Solutions also provides professional development training for K12 educators and administrators involved in the development and facilitation of individual education plans for special populations.

About ENCORE!

The ENCORE! suite of products serves districts with enrollments of 250 to over 250,000 students. Designed specifically for the K12 education market, ENCORE! serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for special populations. ENCORE! is a software solution that reduces the time required to plan and track student achievement while increasing the completeness, accuracy and accessibility of program information. As a result, educators can spend less time on paperwork and more time in the classroom focusing on improving student learning and performance.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, MD, Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. Spectrum K12 works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information, visit http://www.spectrumk12.com or call 1-800-490-8445.

Farmington Municipal School District Chooses ENCORE! to Manage Special Education Program

TOWSON, Md. – March 15, 2006 – Farmington Municipal School District in Farmington, New Mexico will transform how it manages its special education program when it replaces its paper-based system with a comprehensive, Web-based solution. The district will be the first in New Mexico to implement the ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations from Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (Spectrum K12), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education.

ENCORE! will help the district reduce the amount of time teachers spend on paperwork, manage individualized educations plans (IEPs) and automate and streamline data collection and management. Additionally, the Web-based system will ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

“It takes a tremendous amount of time to do all the paperwork required for special education and individualized education plans,” said Sandi Sandrick, director of special education for Farmington Municipal School District. “With our paper-based system, there were no compliance checks so it was easy to accidentally skip a page or leave an area blank. One of the main reasons we selected ENCORE! was the built-in compliance checks. If you leave something blank that shouldn’t be, the system lets you know and won’t let you finalize the document until all of the required pieces are complete. Our goal is that this will help improve compliance with state and federal regulations, and help teachers reduce the amount of time they spend on paperwork and meetings so they can spend more time in the classroom with students.”

About Farmington Municipal School District

Farmington Municipal School District in Farmington, New Mexico is located in the Four Corners region of the American Southwest. The district consists of 10,200 students and 1,200 staff members.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Baltimore City Public School System Chooses 4GL’s ENCORE!® Solution

TOWSON, MD – Feb. 14, 2006 – Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS) will transform how it manages its special education program when it replaces its current Special Education Tracking System (SETS) product with the comprehensive, Web-based solution ENCORE! The district, Spectrum K12 School Solutions’ (4GL) first public school client in 1996, chose ENCORE! to reduce the amount of time teachers spend on paperwork and individual education plans (IEPs) for its special education population.

“4GL is very proud of our reputation as the premier provider for special education administrative technology and professional development. We are particularly pleased that BCPSS has chosen to upgrade their older SETS product, as their conversion to ENCORE! enables us to realize a 100 percent successful conversion of our SETS client base to our web-based product,” said Allison Duquette, president and CEO of 4GL. “BCPSS, as with our numerous clients across the country, will realize dramatic improvements in the time that teachers are able to dedicate to instruction and student achievement through removing the enormous paperwork overhead associated with managing special education students.”

The ENCORE! suite of products serves districts with enrollments of less than 2,500 through districts exceeding 250,000 students. Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for both general and special populations. ENCORE! is a software solution that reduces the time required to plan and track student achievement while increasing the completeness, accuracy and accessibility of program information. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom focusing on improving student learning and performance.

About Baltimore City Public School System

Baltimore City Public School System, the fourth largest school district in Maryland, serves more than 87,000 students in over 195 schools.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Based in Towson, MD, Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions. 4GL works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Three Texas Districts Choose New ENCORE! Service Deployment Model from Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, Md. – Dec. 13, 2005 – Three Texas school districts have chosen Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing their programs for special populations. Sherman Independent School District (ISD), Tomball ISD and Goose Creek ISD will implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations, accessing ENCORE! through 4GL’s new Application Service Provider (ASP) deployment model.

During the 2005-06 school year, each district will transition from its own paper-based system to the ENCORE! solution to automate and streamline data collection and management, and manage individualized education plans (IEP) for its special populations. ENCORE!’s ASP deployment option provides small to medium-sized districts with a cost-effective alternative to the traditional local implementation approach, enabling them to minimize their investment in hardware infrastructure and related support personnel. Utilizing a combination of “pre-customized” state forms and service offerings, the ASP model maintains all the features and benefits of the current, Web-based ENCORE! suite, providing a complete solution for managing the administrative complexities and critical decision-making processes inherent in programs for special populations.

Sherman Independent School District

Sherman ISD in Sherman, Texas will implement ENCORE! to manage programs for all its special populations, including about 1,000 special education students. Located approximately 50 miles north of Dallas, the district enrolls approximately 6,500 students in seven elementary schools, two intermediate schools, two high schools and one alternative school.

“We reviewed a number of different programs and felt that ENCORE! was the one program that best aligned with the needs of our staff. With ENCORE!, our administrative and instructional staff will be able to access information in real time, rather than have to wait for paperwork, which will help us better address the needs of our students,” said Vicki Hubbard, director of special education and health services. “What I appreciate about 4GL is that they recognize the fact that smaller school districts have as many critical needs as large districts for this kind of system, if not more, because we tend to wear multiple hats in our positions. This will be a powerful solution for everyone for data integrity, collection and accessibility.”

Tomball Independent School District

Tomball ISD will implement ENCORE! to manage its special education program, which serves approximately 775 students. The district encompasses 83.4 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. It enrolls more than 8,600 students in five elementary schools, three intermediate schools, two junior highs, and one high school.

“Because we’re a growing district, we needed better access to student data and reports. We had some data integrity problems and saw an increasing need to move from paper to electronic forms,” said Rebecca Lofton, director of special services for Tomball ISD. “When we compared ENCORE! to other programs, we felt that it was the most comprehensive program for the price. With ENCORE!, we’ll be able to provide our staff with secure access to student data from any computer that’s connected to the Internet, which is very important to us. It will make data management much easier.”

Goose Creek Independent School District

Goose Creek ISD will also implement the ENCORE! system to manage its special education program, which serves approximately 1,750 students. Just a short drive from southeast Houston, the district covers 128 square miles in Harris and west Chambers counties. It enrolls nearly 20,000 students and encompasses 25 educational centers and additional support facilities.

“One of challenges we faced was the need to improve the integrity of our data. We also wanted to be able to update special education forms more easily and to use technology during ARD/IEP meetings to facilitate a more collaborative planning process,” said Jackie Townsend from Goose Creek ISD. “We selected ENCORE! because of the quality of the product, the reputation of the company, and the excellent people who work with 4GL in Texas.”

About ENCORE!

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions, including special education, at-risk, Section 504 and Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. 4GL works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. The company is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Awards and Recognitions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions is pleased to provide this listing describing awards and recognition our company has earned and presented.

2009

Spectrum K12 School Solutions named finalist for 2009 CODiE Awards for "Best K-12 Enterprise Solution"

2008

Spectrum K12’s EXCEED/RTI named one of the Top 100 Products of 2008 by the readers of District Administration Magazine List of winners: www.districtadministration.com/winners

Best of NECC Tech & Learning Magazine named Spectrum K12’s EXCEED/RTI solution in their Best of NECC article.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions named winner for 2008 CODiE Awards for "Best Education Solution"

Spectrum K12 named “Best Education Solution” winner for the Software & Information Industry Association’s 23rd Annual CODiE Awards List of winners: http://www.siia.net/codies/2008/winners.asp SIIA Press Release: www.spectrumk12.com//uploads/file/SIIA_CODIES_Release.pdf

Dr. Shirley Neely recognized at the Women of Educational Distinction Awards

The award ceremony, “Ladies Tributes” is sponsored by Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. and Horn, Smith, Wood & Preston

2007

Spectrum K12 School Solution’s"Special Education Advocate Extraordinaire Award"

The Special Education Advocate Extraordinaire Award program was created in 2007 as a way for Spectrum K12 to recognize the efforts of non-traditional advocates of families and students involved in special education.

ms. holly lu conan rees

Tennessee’s Disability Coalition on Education Director Named Special Education Advocate Extraordinaire

2006

2005

2005 EdNET Hero Award Winner

ENCORE!® Endorsement from Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)

2005 Codie Award Finalist

Schools Interoperability Framework (SIF) Certification

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Publishes White Paper Forecasting Trends in K-12 Special Populations

TOWSON, Md. — Dec. 2, 2005 — Thirty years ago today, President Gerald R. Ford signed into law the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), completely overhauling the education of children with disabilities. In honor of that signing, Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, has published a white paper analyzing current and future trends that affect the management of special populations.

A “Perfect Storm” in K-12 Education: Tough Trends and Mandates Require Tracking Technology explains that NCLB mandates, requirements of the 2004 renewal of IDEA, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), changes in student demographics and other trends, have coalesced to put huge pressures on K-12 districts to track and provide services to a rapidly increasing number of students, both in and outside of special education programs.

The current reporting system for special education is a costly "morass of rules, regulations, and litigation," according to the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education. Adding other special populations—Limited English Proficient, gifted and talented, Section 504, at-risk, and early intervention, among others—to the list of those that must be tracked will present significant management challenges for K-12 districts.

The paper summarizes that specialized software systems has become a necessity for K-12 districts to manage the timelines, triggered events and reams of legal paperwork for special education, as well as track the progress, learning trends, and academic outcomes of all students with individualized learning plans. The benefits of such systems include: decreased expenses, more in-class time for special educators, increased achievement of student goals, and prevention of unnecessary referrals to costly special education programs.

A copy of A “Perfect Storm” in K-12 Education: Tough Trends and Mandates Require Tracking Technology can be downloaded from the Spectrum K12 School Solutions Web site at: http://www.4glschools.com/. For more information contact Spectrum K12 School Solutions at 800-490-84GL (8445).

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

4GL School Solutions Announces Record Growth

TOWSON, Md. — Oct. 25, 2005 — For the recently completed fiscal year, 4GL School Solutions Inc. (4GL), the largest privately-held provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, has realized 40 percent year over year growth and more than doubled the number of students served nationwide.

In FY 2005, 4GL launched a number of innovative solutions including ENCORE!™ OnLine, the ASP delivered offering of their flagship ENCORE! product suite. The 2005 results come as no surprise after what was, by all indications, a banner year for the company known throughout the industry as the leader in helping school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for all special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden.

“The response to our new offerings has been nothing less than outstanding," said Allison Duquette, president and CEO of 4GL. "With sales nearly doubling over the past year, specifically to small and medium-sized districts, 4GL today holds nearly 10 percent market share, touching almost one in ten of public school children in the United States.”

"In 2005, 4GL far surpassed $20 million in annual revenues and it was our most profitable year in the company’s history. Last year we spent nearly $4 million in on-going R&D investments in our products to bring to market solutions that schools need to effectively track and manage their programs for special populations, and to determine what is needed to take these students to the next level. Judging from market response, we’ve struck the right chord," said Matt Yancisin, CFO for 4GL School Solutions. "4GL is made up of former educators, IDEA specialists, researchers, and experts in the field of K-12 data management. We offer a powerful combination of insight and leadership that forward-thinking districts are seeking out."

Just last month, 4GL received the 2005 the EdNET HERO Award. Sponsored by education industry watchdog The Heller Reports, a QED company, the award recognizes organizations that have had the most significant impact on education through educational technology and telecommunications.

Earlier this year 4GL’s ENCORE! was named a finalist in the 2005 Codie Awards for “Best Business Administration System.” Established by the Software & Information Industry Association, the Codie Awards are among the most prestigious in the software industry, showcasing the finest software and digital content products and services across a wide variety of categories.

4GL School Solutions is also the first comprehensive management solution for special populations to receive the endorsement of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), a division of the Council for Exceptional Children.

About 4GL School Solutions

4GL School Solutions Inc. helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions, including special education, at-risk, Section 504 and Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. 4GL works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement. The company is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Park County School District #1 Selects Spectrum K12 School Solutions’ ENCORE!®

TOWSON, Md. – Oct. 18, 2005 – Park County School District #1 in Powell, Wyo. has selected Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing its special education program. The district, which serves approximately 1,600 students across seven schools, will be the second in Wyoming to implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations.

“We had another software system for special education management but it couldn’t do what we needed it to do. We were looking for a more efficient system that would create a more manageable process for handling all the IEP paperwork, while also tracking the data we need for reporting and other documentation,” said Luke Danforth, special education director for Park County School District #1. “We felt that ENCORE! presented the best option for us to meet those needs.”

Park County School District #1 will implement ENCORE! to automate and streamline data collection and management, and manage the individualized education plan (IEP) process for approximately 170 special education students. ENCORE! conforms to the School Interoperability Framework (SIF) Implementation Specification. This set of platform independent, vendor neutral rules and definitions enables software programs from different companies to share information.

“ENCORE!’s compliance with the SIF program and its ability to share data with other systems was very important to us,” said Danforth. “It will make it possible for our professionals to have secure access to the most current student data available, without having to shut down and transfer around to other systems. It will also allow our professionals to spend less time with the bureaucratic part of the IEP management process and more time working with students and providing the instruction they need.”

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

About Park County School District #1

Park County School District #1 enrolls more than 1,600 students. It encompasses seven schools, including four elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Wins 2005 Ednet Hero Award

TOWSON, Md. – Sept. 22, 2005 –Spectrum K12 School Solutions, Inc. (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, is the recipient of the 2005 EdNET HERO Award for for-profit companies. Presented last week at the 13th annual EdNETConference in San Diego, Calif., the HERO Award, recognizes the non-profit and for-profit organizations that have made the most significant positive impact on education through educational technology and telecommunications.

"Improving education by innovating means taking risks. It’s very gratifying to see such risk taking yielding beneficial results for students and schools, as well as becoming the basis for a self-sustaining business model," said Nelson B. Heller, president of The Heller Reports, a QED company, and sponsor of the EdNET Conference. "We’re delighted that 4GL is getting this special recognition from the education industry. We have high expectations for their continued growth and contributions to education."

An EdNET finalist for two years running, 4GL won consideration for its Web-based ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations. In presenting the award, EdNET judges remarked that, "4GL has provided new solutions to a challenging aspect of special education management and from that, actually creating tools that might allow us to…manage personalized instruction for ALL students."

ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the individualized education plan (IEP) process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

“4GL and its customers truly believe that the key to achieving the absolute best for our special population students lies with specialized data management solutions,” said Allison Duquette, president and chief executive officer of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “The ENCORE! solution has been proven to help districts manage programs for all special populations, reduce unnecessary referrals to special education, and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and identify best practices and key trends. It exemplifies what the EdNET Awards are all about, technology that makes a positive contribution and impact on education.”

About the EdNET Awards

EdNET is a national education conference that brings together education executives, school administrators, and policymakers. Each year, The Heller Reports, a QED company and the conference host, announces its EdNET HERO Award winner as a way of recognizing private industry’s support of education. Past EdNET HERO for-profit winners include Kurzweil Educational Systems, IntelliTools, and Riverdeep, among others.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations. Building upon its deep expertise in special education, 4GL helps school districts more effectively manage the individualized learning process for all students receiving special services or interventions, including special education, at-risk, Section 504 and Limited English Proficient (LEP) students.

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Named Finalist For 2005 EdNET Hero Award

TOWSON, Md. — August 30, 2005 — For the second consecutive year Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, has been named one of three finalists for the EdNET HERO Award. The 13th annual EdNET HERO Award, which will be presented Sept. 13 at the 2005 EdNET Conference in San Diego, Calif., recognizes organizations that have made the most significant positive impact on education through educational technology and telecommunications.

4GL earned finalist consideration for its Web-based ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations. ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the individualized education plan (IEP) process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

“4GL is honored to be a finalist for this prestigious award two years in a row,” said Allison Duquette, president and chief operating officer of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “In the past year, we’ve continued to lead the industry in special education data management solutions while also introducing several new solutions to help districts manage programs for all special populations, reduce unnecessary referrals to special education, and analyze data to assess program effectiveness and identify best practices and key trends. It’s quite a validation to have the EdNET industry awards’ panel of education market experts recognize our accomplishments and commitment.”

About the EdNET Awards

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Natrona County School District Chooses Spectrum K12 School Solutions To Provide Web-Based System

TOWSON, Md. — August 19, 2005 — Natrona County School District (NCSD) in Casper, Wyo. has chosen Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing its programs for special populations. Natrona County School District will be the first Wyoming district to implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations.

With nearly 35 schools spread out over 5,600 square miles, NCSD will implement 4GL’s ENCORE! suite to automate and streamline data collection and management across the district, and manage individualized education plans (IEPs) for more than 1,600 special education students.

“With the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, we will see a lot of changes in the coming months in processes, rules, regulations and forms. And, we know that our needs will continue to become more sophisticated in the future. We feel that ENCORE! has the capabilities to meet our needs today and down the road, which is very important to us,” said Dr. Tammie J. Bertelson, special education coordinator for NCSD.

"Our previous system was primarily paper and pencil. We had some people using computerized systems but they weren’t consistent, so things were done in a variety of ways. 4GL Schools’ ENCORE! offering will help us create consistency across the district, and help ensure that we are compliant and are meeting students’ needs," she said.

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

President and CEO Allison Duquette, stated that 4GL Schools is pleased to be working with a district that understands the need for a solution that addresses the complexities related to managing multiple types of special student populations. "Special student populations within K-12 education are our exclusive focus. While the Natrona district is experiencing some of the same challenges as many districts across the country, they have a unique set of needs, too. We’re very excited to be able to work with them in gaining efficiencies in managing the paperwork and processes for their special education and other special needs students."

About Natrona County School District

Located in Wyoming, Natrona County School District encompasses 5,600 square miles, including all the city of Casper as well as Midwest, Edgerton, Mills, Evansville, Bar Nunn, Alcova, Mountain View and Powder River. Approximately 11,500 students are taught in the three senior high schools, five middle/junior high schools, 23 elementary schools, one K-12 school and two K-8 schools.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Duval County Public Schools Chooses ENCORE!® To Manage IEPs and Medicaid Claiming

TOWSON, Md. — August 10, 2005 — Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) in Jacksonville, Fla. has chosen Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs. One of the nation’s largest public school districts, serving nearly 130,000 students across 160 schools, Duval County will be the first Florida school district to implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations.

DCPS will install 4GL’s ENCORE!® Special Education and ENCORE!® Claims Tracker™ solutions. ENCORE! will help the district automate and streamline data collection and management, and manage individualized education plans (IEP) for more than 24,000 students participating in ESE programs. With the Web-based system, the district aims to improve data-driven decision making in the provision of appropriate education and related services; simplify administrative processes; improve compliance with applicable laws and policies; and maximize revenue reimbursement.

“We used a cross-functional team to assess our needs in a number of areas. Our priority needs included the creation, storage, updating and archiving of IEPs, and the handling of Medicaid claiming,” said Walter Carter, treasurer for Duval County Public Schools. “We reviewed products from a number of well-qualified firms. 4GL’s combination of product attributes and market leadership is what made the difference for us.”

Dr. Diane Gillespie, general director for Exceptional Student Education, said, “Our goals with the ENCORE! system are to improve our service to students and their parents; to reduce the administrative time requirements on ESE teachers and providers of related services; to provide accountability and tracking of service delivery; and to develop Medicaid claiming to enable the program to be self-funding in three years.”

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the identification process and IEP development process for school districts. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

An add-on module for the ENCORE! suite, Claims Tracker allows districts to perform Medicaid billing internally to maximize revenue recovery. Claims Tracker optimizes a district’s Medicaid recovery by converting encounter data from ENCORE! into electronic claims that can be automatically transmitted to processing agencies for reimbursement. In addition, Claims Tracker enables districts to use state Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) record formats to automatically maintain student Medicaid eligibility information, prepare and submit Medicaid reimbursement claims, and process claims remittance advice.

About Duval County Public Schools

Duval County’s public school district consists of more than 160 schools throughout the Jacksonville metropolitan area. The district, which is divided into five geographical regions, includes 105 elementary schools, 27 middle schools, and 19 high schools. In addition, there are five alternative schools and three exceptional education schools. As one of the nation’s largest public school districts, Duval County serves nearly 130,000 students.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Announces Letter of Intent to Acquire Tranquility Solutions Inc.

TOWSON, Md. — August 2, 2005 — Spectrum K12 School Solutions (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announced it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Tranquility Solutions Inc., developers and marketers of a software-based, process management tool for special education practitioners.

The Tranquility product line has been implemented in more than 150 school districts throughout the United States, including more than 40 districts with student enrollments in excess of 10,000. This acquisition will nearly double Spectrum K12 School Solutions’ market share as well as provide a foothold in key states and market segments where it has yet to establish a presence. Tranquility’s strong success in small- to medium-sized school districts will additionally help accelerate 4GL’s recent entry into the under 10,000-student segment, via a new service deployment model for its ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions, announced earlier this year.

Trends within K-12 education are driving increasing demand among districts of all sizes for Web-based solutions that help manage special populations. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than one in 10 students in grades K-12 now have individualized education plans, fall under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations, and must be tracked and reported on by districts. In addition, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 aligns IDEA more closely to the No Child Left Behind legislation, making it even more likely that students will need to be monitored using a formalized process consistent with federal reporting regulations.

While Spectrum K12 School Solutions has been a leader in the K-12 market through delivering innovative solutions that assist schools in meeting these demands, a broader reach into previously untapped territories will even further accelerate the company’s success, says Allison Duquette, president and CEO of 4GL Schools Solutions.

“In the past year we’ve continued to lead the large district market in special education data management solutions that enable teachers to spend more time in the classroom and less time on paperwork. We have also introduced several new products to track other special populations, automate the Medicaid claims process, and analyze special education information for key trends. The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Tranquility Solutions is a highly-respected organization with a strong and loyal client base. This acquisition gives us access to geographical areas we haven’t yet fully penetrated, and also provides an opportunity to offer their clients additional 4GL products and services that supplement the Tranquility products. We look forward to continuing to support the Tranquility clients through the expanded resources available to the organization as a result of the acquisition.”

“The insight and vision that has enabled Spectrum K12 School Solutions to be the most successful solution provider for managing special populations in some of the nation’s largest and most complex school districts is very admirable,” said James Stukenborg, president and CEO of Tranquility Solutions. “We are pleased to become part of a very progressive organization and, more so, to be able to offer our Tranquility customers the benefits of Spectrum K12 School Solutions’ experience and financial strength.”

Formally endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), 4GL’s ENCORE! is an award-winning, Web-based solution suite. ENCORE! uses effective business practices and proven data and process management systems to help districts eliminate compliance issues, reduce the administrative paperwork burden, increase efficiency and revenue recovery, improve staff morale, ensure accountability, automate Medicaid claims processing, and support successful achievement of individual education program goals — directly and positively impacting student learning.

The acquisition is expected to be complete within 30 days. Terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

4GL works collaboratively with districts of all sizes to deliver scalable, easy-to-use software solutions that lift the burden of paperwork from education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement.

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Spectrum K12 Introduces Medicaid Billing Software to Help Districts Increase Revenue Recovery

TOWSON, Md. — July 13, 2005 — As school districts across the country clamor for funding, many lose millions of dollars each year simply because they do not file claims for all the services that are reimbursable under Medicaid. While some school districts outsource Medicaid claiming, others attempt to claim internally — often under claiming — or opt to not claim at all. All too often, these situations result in significant revenue losses.

Indeed, according to the book, “Technology for Students with Disabilities: A School Leader’s Resource Guide," published by the National School Boards Association, "In most school districts, because accurate data is lacking, and in an many cases, seriously flawed or non-existent at the time it is required, up to 5% of the child count funding and up to 50% of the Medicaid funding in an educational agency is left on the table, not recovered and not available to the very programs the money was intended to support."

To help districts maximize revenue reimbursement, Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announces ENCORE!® Claims Tracker™. An add-on module for the ENCORE! suite of software and service solutions for special populations, Claims Tracker allows districts to perform Medicaid billing internally to maximize revenue recovery while avoiding costly contingency-based consulting fees for third-party billing agents.

Reviews conducted by 4GL of hundreds of school districts show that as much as 50 percent of all billable services fail to be reported. This underreporting translates to lost revenue worth millions to districts. On average, school districts recover 50 percent of Medicaid monies due under their respective state’s service claiming program.

The most significant challenges that impact revenue recovery from Medicaid are often linked to information management. Many districts lack the ability to track the provision of related medical services for special populations, which often results in under-servicing and under-reporting of Medicaid billable services. In addition, many districts employ a paper-driven system that operates outside the special education program. Thus, they often lack the capacity to cross-check provided services against the individualized education plan (IEP) and may bill Medicaid for services without sufficient documentation, which puts them at risk of making inappropriate claims and having to pay back the money.

Claims Tracker optimizes a district’s Medicaid recovery by converting encounter data from ENCORE!, or from another external encounter entry system, into electronic claims that can be automatically transmitted to processing agencies for reimbursement. In addition, Claims Tracker enables districts to use state Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) record formats to automatically maintain student Medicaid eligibility information, prepare and submit Medicaid reimbursement claims, and process claims remittance advice.

“Claims Tracker provides school districts with a win-win solution for Medicaid billing. By allowing districts to perform Medicaid billing themselves, it eliminates the need for outside billing agents. For some districts, the annual savings in contingency fees alone can actually pay for the entire ENCORE! product suite within one to two years. For districts that already handle Medicaid recovery themselves, Claims Tracker can help improve efficiency while lowering costs associated with identifying eligibility, and claims filing and processing, which translates into increased revenue,” said Allison Duquette, CEO of 4GL.

To help districts increase data accuracy and efficiency, Claims Tracker automatically applies the correct state rates, codes and rules when generating claims. In addition, it produces a series of financial and management reports to give administrators the data they need to monitor claim submissions, perform financial analysis, monitor remittance advice, and perform claims analysis and investigation. The automated billing application can help districts easily identify denied claims that warrant further investigation, as well as create an audit trail that can be used to defend revenue generated from the billed claims.

Claims Tracker meets standard reporting requirements and the HIPAA guidelines to ensure the confidentiality of information.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Announces Data Analysis Tool to Identify Best Practices & Programs

TOWSON, MD — June 6, 2005 — While a nationwide debate rages about the inclusion of special education students in No Child Left Behind performance requirements, all sides agree on one thing: That performance scores of special education students are significantly behind those of other students, perhaps by as much as 30 to 40 percent, according to a survey published in Education Week in 2004.

Part of the problem, say some experts, is that districts lack detailed information on the effectiveness — and inadequacies — of the interventions prescribed for students with special needs. Reliable, real-time information about what works and what does not with what types of students, and in what types of settings, would allow educators to identify the best programs and practices to help their special population students meet learning goals.

To address these challenges, Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announces ENCORE!® Ensight™. An add-on component of the ENCORE! suite of software and service solutions for special populations, Ensight is an innovative data-analysis tool that allows districts to quickly assess program effectiveness, identify best practices and long-term trends, and evaluate the impact of targeted procedural changes for special programs.

Highly flexible, Ensight is similar to a custom reporting tool, allowing the breakdown of information from the ENCORE! software in a variety of ways and across numerous topics. Administrators can review meetings, ordered tests, documents, prescribed services, and all their related timelines. Ensight summarizes student information in a clear, graphical format, allowing district administrators to easily:

Make decisions relating to special programs based on current, real-time data

Discern trends across ethnicity, gender, disability, and event type

Monitor special program compliance to ensure it adheres to best practices

Compare special program performance to selected baselines

“While considered part of the general population, a huge percentage of students require special interventions. ESL students, those with dyslexia or reading disabilities…all of these sub-populations must be tracked if schools are to really serve their needs, to know what’s working and what’s not, and to keep these students from being mis-identified and placed in costly special education programs,” said Allison Duquette, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions.

“Ensight provides an organized method for managing the quality of service, instructional focus, and strategies — and for finding out what works through regular, recorded touch points with every child as they move through their prescribed interventions. This is data that gives clear insight into the accomplishments and challenges of programs for special populations, thereby allowing informed decision making to increase staff performance and student outcomes,” she said.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 1-800-490-84GL (8445).

West Central Joint Services Blazes New Trail for 10 Indiana School Districts

TOWSON, Md. – May 27, 2005 – West Central Joint Services, a Special Education Cooperative of 10 school districts in Indiana, has chosen Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing services for its special needs students. The Indianapolis-based Cooperative will be the first in Indiana to implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations.

ENCORE! will provide West Central Joint Services and its participating school districts with a complete solution for managing the administrative complexities and critical decision-making processes inherent in programs for special populations. The Web-based software solution will help the Cooperative automate and streamline data collection and management; provide secure, real-time access to data; and manage individualized education plans (IEP) for more than 8,600 special education students across the participating school districts.

“We had been using a standalone database program to manage student information and generate IEPs and Case Conference Committee reports, but there was no connectivity. The only way you could access information was if it was printed out on paper or provided on a diskette. We wanted to move to a Web-based management system to enable local staff and Cooperative staff to easily access student data and IEPs, track progress, and make decisions based upon the data,” said Julia Prather, director of West Central Joint Services. “We looked at a variety of programs and found ENCORE! to be very comprehensive. The main benefits of the system are twofold. One, it will provide teachers with better access to student information which will make it easier for them to do their jobs and work more efficiently. Two, it will provide administrative staff with easier access to the data generated from the field, so they can better monitor the provision of services and improve data-driven decision making.”

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for all special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

About West Central Joint Services

West Central Joint Services, located at Sanders School in the Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Wayne Township, is a 10 school corporation Special Education Cooperative. Staff provide services for special needs students in the school districts of Avon, Brownsburg, Mooresville, Plainfield, MSD Pike Township, MSD Wayne Township, Speedway, Danville, Zionsville, and Monroe-Gregg. The mission of West Central Joint Services is to assist participating school corporations in the provision of a continuum of special education services, related services, and supports to students, staff, and community within a fluid and flexible framework, and to support individual districts as they strive to provide outstanding educational services and experiences to the diverse learners in their communities.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 800-490-8445.

Lakota School District to Lead the Way in Special Populations Management with ENCORE!

Towson, Md. – May 16, 2005 – The Lakota Local School District in Liberty Township, Ohio has selected Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution to help serve the district’s special populations. The rapidly growing district, which is expanding by nearly a school a year, will be the first in Ohio to implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® solution.

“Although our previous system enabled special education teachers and related service personnel to ‘write’ individualized education programs and multi-factored evaluations, it was not able to meet the emerging needs of a growing school district. It became clear that Lakota needed a different software system — one that would help us manage the process of special education and improve accountability at both the school and district levels,” said Vicki Curtis, director of special services for the Lakota Local School District. “ENCORE! will help us ensure that IEPs are completed in a compliant and timely fashion, as well as help us manage all of the timelines, events and forms that are part of special education. Looking ahead, we think it will help people complete the administrative parts of their work more efficiently, so they will have more time to devote to instruction.”

The Lakota Local School District will install 4GL’s ENCORE! suite of software and service solutions for special populations, as well as the ENCORE!® Intervention and ENCORE!® 504 components. Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for all special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the individualized learning process for special education, at-risk, Section 504 and Limited English Proficient (LEP) students, among others. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

“When we were evaluating systems, we were looking for something that would interface with our student information system and, more important, provide us with a proven solution to help us better manage the process of special education. The most significant difference between ENCORE! and other systems is that ENCORE! manages the processes that are part of special education, not just the forms,” said Curtis. “ENCORE! is a powerful software system that will help us establish consistency and uniformity throughout the district.”

About the Lakota Local School District

Located in southwestern Ohio, Lakota is the eighth largest school district in the state and the largest school district in Butler County. With two high schools, a freshman school, four junior schools, and 12 elementary schools, Lakota has grown in the last 20 years from a rural district to a suburban district with student population of almost 17,000.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 800-490-8445.

Pittsburgh Public Schools Chooses Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, Md. – May 3, 2005 – Pittsburgh Public Schools has chosen Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing its programs for students with exceptionalities. 4GL is the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education.

Pittsburgh Public Schools will implement 4GL’s ENCORE!® suite of software and service solutions for special populations. ENCORE! will help the district automate and streamline data collection and management, and manage individualized education plans (IEP) for more than 10,000 students participating in special education and gifted education programs in its 86 schools.

“In our district of 35,000 students, we continue — as most urban districts do — to have compliance issues. We have about 7,000 students with disabilities and 3,000 gifted students, so we manage IEPs and data for about 10,000 students. We wanted a system that could help us better manage timelines, data, and state reporting,” said Dr. J. Kaye Cupples, executive director of programs for students with exceptionalities for Pittsburgh Public Schools. “Because of the complexity of special education in the state and nationally, you can’t keep up with paper and pencil processes. We are pleased that 4GL can do everything we asked them to do.”

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps school districts increase the effectiveness of their programs for all special populations by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The comprehensive, Web-based software solution serves as a foundation for managing all phases of the IEP process for both general and special populations. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning and achievement.

“When we met with 4GL, we were very impressed with their level of knowledge about what special education teachers go through on a daily basis,” said Dr. Cupples. “They understand special education instruction and compliance processes, and showed us how ENCORE! could help us save money and help teachers recover a number of hours per week in instructional time by helping them to complete their paperwork. The system’s point-and-click features and drop-down menus make it very teacher friendly. Our staff is quite pleased.”

About Pittsburgh Public Schools

Pittsburgh Public Schools enrolls more than 34,000 students in 53 elementary schools, 17 middle schools, 10 high schools, two alternative programs and four special schools.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 800-490-8445.

Cherry Creek School District Chooses Spectrum K12 School Solutions

TOWSON, Md. – April 27, 2005 – The Cherry Creek School District in Greenwood Village, Colo. has selected Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL) to provide a comprehensive, Web-based solution for managing its special populations. 4GL is the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education.

The Cherry Creek School District will install 4GL’s ENCORE!® Special Education, ENCORE!® Intervention, ENCORE!® 504, and ENCORE!® Ensight!™ solutions. The ENCORE! suite of products will help the district automate and streamline data collection and management, and provide an integrated solution for managing individualized learning plans for its growing student population.

“When we started looking for a new solution, we noticed that we had learning plans not only for special education students but for a variety of others as well — from gifted students to students identified as needing reading interventions through the Colorado Basic Literacy Act,” said Mark Semmler, special education technology specialist for the Cherry Creek School District. “We had 15 to 20 different learning plans, and each had a different process and different forms. We wanted a solution that could integrate all of these plans into one system, and establish consistency from one plan to the next. We conducted a lengthy and thorough search to find a solution. 4GL’s ENCORE! rated the highest in meeting our requirements.”

According to Semmler, the district’s goals for the ENCORE! system are to: allow teachers to complete their paperwork quickly and efficiently; ensure that learning plans are written and available in a way that will help support student achievement; and provide tools for data analysis to both administrators and teachers.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with 4GL,” said Semmler. “They approach the business very professionally.”

About ENCORE!

ENCORE! Intervention and ENCORE! 504, which are fully integrated with ENCORE! Special Education, help districts simplify the management of intervention and Section 504 processes, and reduce the number of unnecessary referrals to special education.

ENCORE! Ensight is an analytical tool that allows districts to easily aggregate and disaggregate information about their special education programs to provide administrators with the data to make decisions that can increase staff performance and student outcomes. Learn more...

About the Cherry Creek School District

The Cherry Creek School District comprises 39 elementary schools, eight middle schools and six high schools. It enrolls approximately 47,000 students, including more than 5,000 special education students.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 877-678-8070.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Names New Vice President of Sales

TOWSON, Md. – April 15, 2005 – Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc., a leading provider of proven, data-driven solutions for managing special populations, announces the appointment of Mark Allen Nixon as vice president of sales. Nixon’s senior level experience with such distinguished firms as Pearson Educational Measurement and America Online brings a unique combination of skills to the Spectrum K12 School Solutions leadership team.

“4GL has realized significant achievements and advances in the past two years, including launching an ASP solution for mid- to small-sized districts, and launching products to help meet the challenges of tracking 504 and Intervention programs. We’re growing rapidly and applying our expertise in new areas — that requires strong sales leadership, change management, market savvy and the capacity for creative strategies,” said Allison L. Duquette, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “Mark Nixon’s track record is unparalleled. He’s the ideal person to help us reach the thousands of districts that need our solutions, and dramatically change the efficacy of data-driven special population programs in our nation’s schools.”

With 20 years of experience in the education technology marketplace, Nixon most recently served as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Pearson Educational Measurement. Previously, he was executive director of education at America Online Inc. where he envisioned and developed AOL@SCHOOL and won several awards, including eSchool News 2001 award for outstanding support of school reform through technology. Nixon’s previous experience also includes executive positions with TRW/BDM International Inc. as well as sales and sales management positions with National Computer Systems Inc. Nixon’s education service career began with Purchasing/Business Administration positions in both Creighton School District and Peoria Unified School District in Phoenix, AZ.

Nixon earned a B.S. in business administration from Youngstown State University in Ohio.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc.

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 877-678-8070.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Adds Intervention and 504 Modules

TOWSON, Md. — April 19, 2005 — Spectrum K12 School Solutions (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive management solutions for special populations in K-12 education, today announces ENCORE!® Intervention and ENCORE!® 504. Part of the ENCORE! suite of software and service solutions for special populations, ENCORE! Intervention and ENCORE! 504 are designed to provide districts with an easy way to manage caseloads, establish consistency in their processes, and reduce the number of unnecessary referrals to special education.

Unlike special education, the intervention process for special populations such as at-risk students is not federally mandated or funded. Yet, these programs require extensive administration, caseload management and paperwork. Practices are often left up to individual school districts, which can result in inconsistencies among schools, inappropriate referrals to special education, and increased costs.

Indeed, a key requirement of the recent Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reauthorization is that K-12 school districts address the critical issue of students who are over-identified or misidentified in terms of special education requirements.

Building on the immense success of ENCORE!’s dynamic business process solution for special education, ENCORE! Intervention helps school districts establish a consistent pre-referral intervention process to ensure interventions are developed, implemented and reviewed before initiating a formal, special education evaluation. For those students who do ultimately require special education referral and services, a complete history will ensure their special education program builds on successful strategies.

ENCORE! Intervention records intervention plans to address each student’s learning or behavioral difficulties, including the strategies to be executed, persons responsible for executing the interventions, start and end dates, and frequency of services. In addition, it gives intervention team members the ability to rate the effectiveness of the interventions during the review process. This allows districts to easily track the effectiveness of specific interventions and determine which have proven to be most effective for a particular area of concern.

ENCORE! 504 allows districts to easily capture and track Section 504 plan information to accommodate any physical disabilities that may hamper a student’s academic progress. It records such information as the student’s impairment, accommodations, persons responsible for carrying out the plan, and start and end dates.

By automating and streamlining caseload management and paperwork, ENCORE! Intervention and ENCORE! 504 allow educators to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time working with students. The Web-based software solutions are fully integrated with 4GL’s ENCORE!® Special Education, the leading comprehensive special education data management system for K-12 schools and districts.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions is based in Towson, Md. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 877-678-8070.

ENCORE!® Special Education Endorsed by CASE

TOWSON, MD — April 5, 2005 — ENCORE!® Special Education, a Web-based solution suite that streamlines the administrative complexities and challenges of delivering special education, has received the official endorsement of the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), an affiliate of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The endorsement will be announced at the CASE membership meeting during the CEC Annual Conference in Baltimore, April 6-9.

The ENCORE! suite, developed by Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL), was endorsed by CASE after an extensive review to ensure the solution meets or exceeds criteria including a strong research base to support the product, proven effectiveness, and enhancement of professional practice as advocated by CASE/CEC policies and standards.

“We are pleased to endorse this system,” said Luann Purcell, Ed.D., CASE executive director. “4GL’s ENCORE! product suite has clearly demonstrated that by using technology to manage the complicated system of paperwork and compliance regulations inherent in the special education process, teachers and administrators can recapture many productive hours every week that can be dedicated to instructional activities.”

Studies from the CEC and the Department of Education have shown that 30 to 50 percent of all special educators’ time is spent on paperwork and administrative duties. Frustration with the overwhelming burden of paperwork causes many special educators to leave the teaching profession, further contributing to the shortage of skilled, highly qualified professionals to work with special needs children. ENCORE! Special Education has demonstrably reduced the time educators spend on paperwork and administrative duties, and consequently the related costs, usually by $300 to $700 per special education student. As a result 4GL clients realize reduced staff turnover, and most important, improved student results.

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! Special Education uses effective business practices and proven data and process management systems to help districts eliminate compliance issues, reduce the paperwork burden, increase efficiency and revenue recovery, improve staff morale, ensure accountability, automate Medicaid claims processing, and support successful achievement of individual education program goals — directly and positively impacting student learning.

About the Council of Administrators of Special Education

The mission of CASE is to provide leadership and support to members by shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of education. For more information, visit http://www.casecec.org.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive, special education management solutions to K-12 school districts across the United States. With nearly 25 percent of its employees holding special education or education credentials or experience, 4GL’s depth and breadth of experience in special education help districts drive successful program implementations based on effective business processes and best practices.

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions serves more than 2.5 million students nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.4glschools.com or call 877-678-8070.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Announces New Service Deployment Model

TOWSON, Md. — Feb. 1, 2005 — Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. (4GL), the leading provider of comprehensive, special education management solutions to top-tier school districts, today announces a new service deployment model that addresses the needs of districts with student populations of 10,000 and under.

Utilizing a combination of “pre-customized” state forms and service offerings, the new model maintains all the features and benefits of the current, Web-based ENCORE!® suite, providing smaller districts with a complete solution for managing the administrative complexities and critical decision-making processes inherent in programs for special populations.

As part of this new offering, Spectrum K12 School Solutions now offers districts the option of accessing ENCORE! through a hosted/Application Service Provider (ASP) model. According to a recent report from Quality Education Data, districts are expected to increasingly turn to ASP technology to reduce IT overhead costs as the technology becomes more familiar and mainstream.

“Although smaller districts serve fewer students, they, too, feel the pain of teachers overburdened with paperwork and legal issues surrounding compliance as they attempt to ensure students are learning. Providing an ASP deployment option for the ENCORE! suite, versus the traditional local implementation approach, will provide these districts with cutting-edge, cost-effective technology that enables them to minimize their investment in hardware infrastructure and related support personnel,” said Nathan Day, director of product management with Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “4GL is pleased that we can now help small and medium-sized districts in the same way we’ve helped large districts, such as Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, save millions of dollars while at the same time improving the quality of their special education programs.”

The new ENCORE! deployment model will be rolled out on a state-by-state basis, beginning this month in Texas, where the company already has several successful implementations including the Dallas Independent School District and Ft. Worth Independent School District.

About ENCORE!

Designed specifically for the K-12 education market, ENCORE! helps districts increase the effectiveness of their special education programs by automating time-consuming data collection and reporting processes, and reducing the paperwork burden. The Web-based solution is based on a dynamic business process database that manages all phases of the individual education process for students. As data is entered, compliance requirements are automatically verified, ensuring that paperwork is completed accurately and on time. As a result, special educators can spend more time in the classroom, focusing on improving student learning.

By streamlining data collection and management, automating reporting and billing processes, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, ENCORE! also helps districts decrease expenses associated with special needs programs and increase revenue reimbursement.

About Spectrum K12 School Solutions

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive, special education management solutions to top-tier school districts across the United States. With nearly 20 percent of its employees holding special education or education credentials or experience, 4GL’s depth and breadth of experience in special education help districts drive successful program implementations based on effective business processes and best practices.

Focused solely on K-12 education, 4GL’s proven, data-driven solutions help districts eliminate compliance issues, reduce the paperwork burden, increase revenue recovery, increase efficiency, improve staff satisfaction, ensure accountability, and support successful achievement of IEP goals.

Founded in 1996, Spectrum K12 School Solutions serves more than 100 school districts representing more than 2 million students nationwide. For more information, visit www.4glschools.com or call 877-678-8070.

Spectrum K12 School Solutions Named Finalist for 2005 Codie Awards

TOWSON, Md. — Jan. 21, 2005 — Spectrum K12 School Solutions has been named a finalist for the 2005 Codie Awards as “Best Business Administration System.” Established by the Software & Information Industry Association, the Codie Awards are among the most prestigious in the software industry, showcasing the finest software and digital content products and services across a wide variety of categories. Award winners will be announced Sat., May 28 at the 20th Annual Codie Awards Gala in Universal City, Calif.

4GL earned finalist consideration for its Web-based ENCORE!® suite of products, a complete enterprise solution that manages special education workflow and compliance functions. By automating and streamlining data collection and management, ENCORE! lifts the burden of paperwork from special education professionals and helps districts increase the effectiveness of their special education programs, decrease expenses, and increase revenue reimbursement.

“4GL is honored to be a finalist for such a prestigious award,” said Allison L. Duquette, president and CEO of Spectrum K12 School Solutions. “It recognizes our commitment to provide the most sophisticated and comprehensive special education data management system on the market today.”

The Codies distinction comes on the heels of last fall’s announcement that 4GL Schools had been named one of three finalists in the 12th annual EdNET Awards. Sponsored by education industry watchdog The Heller Reports, a QED company, the EdNET HERO award recognizes organizations that have had the most significant impact on education through educational technology and telecommunications.

As the only peer-recognition competition in the software and information industry, the Codie Awards program provides a unique opportunity for companies to earn the praise of their peers. The 20th Annual Codie Awards received a record-breaking number of nearly 1,000 nominations for more than 60 software, content and education technology categories. For a list of finalists, visit http://www.siia.net/codies2004/finalists.asp.

About SIIA

The Software & Information Industry Association is the principal trade association for the software and digital content industry. SIIA provides global services in government relations, business development, corporate education, and intellectual property protection to more than 700 leading software and information companies. For further information, visit http://www.siia.net.

About 4GL School Solutions

4GL School Solutions, Inc. is the leading provider of comprehensive, special education management solutions to top-tier school districts across the United States. 4GL’s depth and breadth of experience in special education help districts drive achieve program success through the use of effective business processes and best practices.

Focused solely on K-12 education, 4GL’s Web-based, ENCORE!™ suite of products provides a complete solution for managing the administrative complexities and critical decision-making processes inherent in programs for special populations. ENCORE!™, the most sophisticated and comprehensive special education data management system on the market today, lifts the immense burden of paperwork from special education professionals so they can focus on the most important part of their work: educating children and improving student achievement.

Founded in 1996, 4GL School Solutions serves nearly 100 school districts representing more than 1.9 million students nationwide. For more information, call 877.678.8070.

Latest News

Articles, reviews, and other news about Spectrum K12 School Solutions and our suite of proven district-wide technology solutions.

Sponsorships

Spectrum K12 School Solutions is proud to sponsor a wide variety of industry organizations to further the role of technology in education.

Industry Sponsorships

Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)

Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)

Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS)

National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE)

TX Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE)

Urban Special Education Leadership Collaborative (USELC)

American School Board Journal, May 2005

By Sam Dempsey

Every year, it seems, school districts are expected to do more with less. That’s not an easy task, given the complexity of public education and the tight budgets facing many districts. Yet, despite these obstacles, there is a way schools can save millions of dollars—without slashing spending or cutting personnel.

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