Kaplan Publishing Receives Parents' Choice Award For Non-Fiction For Homework Heroes and 20-Minute Learning Connection

(NEW YORK, NY April 1, 2002) -- Kaplan Publishing announced today that it has earned a Recommended Award for the Homework Heroes series and an Approved Award for the 20-Minute Learning Connection series from the prestigious Parents' Choice Awards program. Both series were recognized in the in the non-fiction category.

Kaplan has a 64-year history of empowering students to succeed academically. Since its inception in 1996, Kaplan Publishing -- a joint venture between Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster -- has published books on test preparation, admissions, education, parent involvement, career development, and life skills.

"We are thrilled to receive these Parents' Choice awards," said Maureen McMahon, publisher of Kaplan Publishing. "Our goal is to provide parents and children with the best tools to help them succeed in school and in life. Today's award acknowledges the quality of our books, the messages and expertise of our authors, and the pressing need for these resources."

The Parents' Choice Awards designation recognizes products that meet and exceed standards set by educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and yes, kids. The Parents' Choice Awards Committees seek out and recommend products that help kids grow -- imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally -- and that are fun, safe, and socially sound.

ABOUT THE AWARD WINNING BOOKS

Recommended

Homework Heroes (January 2002, from Kaplan Publishing), with editions for grade K-2, 3-5 and 6-8, addresses both the psychological and the practical issues involved in creating a successful, more positive homework experience. The introduction is by noted learning specialist Priscilla L. Vail. In the introduction, Vail addresses twenty important homework questions for parents to consider before homework gets out of control. Homework Heroes describes common homework assignments and offers strategies to help parents guide students who are struggling (without taking ownership for the assignment away from the child). The series also covers new terminology and provides a basic review of important math, English, science, and social studies concepts.

BOOK DETAILS
Homework Heroes, Grades K-2 ISBN: 0-7432-2257-1
Homework Heroes, Grades 3-5 ISBN: 0-7432-2258-X
Homework Heroes, Grades 6-8 ISBN: 0-7432-2259-8

By Drew and Cynthia Johnson, with introduction by Priscilla L. Vail,
M.A.T.
Price: $10.00 each
Kaplan Publishing, January 2002

About the authors: Cynthia Johnson is the author of several educational books for young people, two of which received the prestigious Parent's Choice Gold Award in 1995 and were listed in Curriculum Administrator magazine's "Top 100" educational products for 1996. Drew Johnson is an education writer and editor, creating workbook, textbook, and Web-based education materials for children of all ages. The Johnsons have authored Kaplan's Learning Power, a guide for improving study skills, and Kaplan's Parent's Guides, No-Stress Guides and Ultimate Guides to various statewide and standardized tests. They live in Alabama. Priscilla L. Vail is a former teacher and consultant who designs and leads teacher and parenting workshops across the country. She is the author of twelve books, including Smart Kids with School Problems, Learning Styles, and Reading Comprehension. She is a parent of four and grandparent of six. She lives in Bedford, NY.

Approved

20-Minute Learning Connection: A practical guide for parents who want their children to succeed in school (Kaplan Publishing, $13.00, available in elementary and middle school editions) offers parents a practical approach to the challenge of higher academic standards combined with jam-packed family schedules. Written by Douglas B. Reeves, Ph.D., a renowned expert and innovator in the field of educational assessment and accountability systems, the 20-Minute Learning Connection is the only series that systematically explains state-specific learning standards and tests to busy parents. The series includes state-specific editions for California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and Texas. An invaluable resource, this guide gives parents the tools they need to become an active part of their children's success in school and on state assessment tests.

Features include:

An easy-to-understand overview of state learning standards
A guide to state tests, district tests, and common diagnostic tests
250 home activities designed to reinforce the skills and state-specific standards students need to master
Helpful tips on how parents can work together with teachers when a child is struggling in a particular subject

This practical handbook also provides checklists, resources, and a valuable overview of the changing education landscape.

BOOK DETAILS

20-Minute Learning Connection: A practical guide for parents who want to help their child succeed in school Elementary School Editions for California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and Texas by Dr. Douglas Reeves

State Editions
California ISBN: 07432-1168-5
Florida ISBN: 0-7432-1173-1
Illinois ISBN: 0-7432-1175-8
Massachusetts ISBN: 0-7432-1174-X
New York ISBN: 0-7432-1171-5
Texas ISBN: 0-7432-1172-3

Price: Each book is $13.00 (Note: Texas edition is $14.00)
Kaplan Publishing, September 2001

20-Minute Learning Connection: A practical guide for parents who want to help their child succeed in school Middle School Editions for California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York and Texas, by Dr. Douglas Reeves

State Editions
California ISBN: 0-7432-1176-6
Florida ISBN: 0-7432-1181-2
Illinois ISBN: 0-7432-1183-9
Massachusetts ISBN: 0-7432-1182-0
New York ISBN: 0-7432-1177-4
Texas ISBN: 0-7432-1178-2

Price: Each book is $13.00
Kaplan Publishing, January 2002

About the Author: Douglas Reeves, Ph.D., is the author of more than 25 books, including "Crusade in the Classroom," "Making Standards Work" and the forthcoming "Reason to Write." As president of the Center for Performance Assessment and the non-profit International Center for Educational Accountability, Dr. Reeves has helped school districts throughout the United States and the world transform their approach to standards, assessment, and accountability.

Homework Heroes and 20-Minute Learning Connection are available wherever books are sold.

About Kaplan Publishing: Kaplan Publishing is a joint venture between Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster. In 2001, Kaplan publishing introduced 65 new titles on test preparation, admissions, education, parent involvement, career development, and life skills. With Congress' passage of the President's "No Child Left Behind" education package, Kaplan Publishing is well positioned to meet the needs of parents and students seeking state-specific test preparation and parent involvement tools. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO.)

About Parents' Choice: Founded in 1978, Parents' Choice is the nation's oldest not-for-profit consumer guide to quality children's media: books, toys, audios, software, television, videos, and magazines. The Foundation's mission is to impart solid information about the vast array of children's media products and toys that are on the market; helping parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make informed decisions about which new products are right for their children.

For additional information about the awards and a description of the significance of each awards level, consult the Parents' Choice Foundation's Web site (http://www.parents-choice.org).

Press Contact:

Lori Duggan Gold
PR Manager
Kaplan Publishing
Tel: 212-492-5903
lori_duggangold@kaplan.com

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