Kaplan and Simon & Schuster Publish New Book for the Georgia Grade 3 State Test:
PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE GEORGIA CRCT FOR GRADE 3
By Cynthia and Drew Johnson

New York, NY (September 2001)-The growing importance of high stakes standardized tests is the most hotly debated education topic in decades. Never before has understanding the test - and performing well on it - been more important. Kaplan, Inc, the leader in test preparation, is helping students and their families get a handle on Georgia's challenging new Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) with the publication of Parent's Guide to the CRCT for Grade 3 (Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster; September 2001; $6.95.)

Following Georgia's implementation of the Quality Basic Education Act, which introduced ambitious new state learning standards, the state's challenging CRCT was administered to fourth graders for the first time in April 2000; third graders will be tested beginning in 2002. While most parents understand the importance of the CRCT, many are confused and anxious about the details. Kaplan offers Georgia parents the first and only guide to help their children succeed on this important test.

"As this new testing program is rolled out, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the exams, the passing score, and the content of the test," says Maureen McMahon publisher of Kaplan Publishing. "Kaplan's guide is designed to dispel anxiety and allow parents to approach the CRCT with confidence. Parents need help to determine the consequences for their child, their school, and their families. This book offers guidance during this confusing time."

Parental involvement has been shown to make a difference in how well students perform in school and this new guide provides parents with valuable information and tools to help their children face these challenging tests. In addition to explaining the basic structure of the tests and the objectives measured, this concise guide offers a range of activities designed to introduce students to basic test-taking techniques and to help them develop the critical skills measured by the test. Kaplan's Parent's Guide to the CRCT for Grade 3 shows parents how they can help demystify the test and help their children approach the exam with confidence.

The Guide includes:

A detailed overview of the test and its consequences.
Test strategies specifically tailored to the question types found on the test.
Home activities to build problem-solving and reading comprehension skills measured by the test.
Tips for reducing test anxiety.
Parent's Guide to the CRCT for Grade 3 is the latest book by Drew and Cynthia Johnson. The authors are state test experts and have written test review titles for 10 other states.

About the Authors:
Drew Johnson is the author of more than 20 state test preparation guides and a national expert on state tests. He is co-author of Kaplan, Inc.'s Learning Power, a guide to improving study skills. Drew is currently an education writer and editor, creating workbook, textbook, and Web-based educational materials for students of all ages.

Cynthia Brantley Johnson is the author of several educational books for young people, including Word Smart Junior and Writing Smart Junior, both of which received the prestigious Parents' Choice Gold Award in 1995, and were included in Curriculum Administrator magazine's list of "Top 100" educational products for 1996.

Drew and Cynthia Johnson are also the authors of Kaplan's Ultimate GHSG: Expert Tips to Boost Your Score, a review book for Georgia high school students facing the state's graduation test (ISBN: 0-7432-0500-6, price: $8.00) and are AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW to serve as experts on the Georgia tests, test taking strategies, and trends in state testing.

About Kaplan Publishing: Kaplan Publishing, a division of Kaplan's Test Prep and Admissions business, is a joint venture between Kaplan, Inc. and Simon & Schuster. In 2000, Kaplan Publishing released 71 new titles in the areas of test preparation, admissions, education, and career development. Books are offered in traditional paper form or pre-packaged with computer software. Select titles are also available as e-books. Kaplan, Inc. has emerged as a leader in statewide assessment services through its publishing venture with the release of 24 new state test titles in 2000. In addition, Kaplan has forged relationships with schools and school districts to prepare students for state tests and to offer professional development for teachers and administrators through its K-12 Learning Services Division. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO.)

PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE CRCT FOR GRADE 3
ISBN 0-7432-0494-8; $6.95
Publication date: September 2001

For TV producers: Kaplan, Inc. has created a B-roll Package on state tests. The B-roll includes cover shoots of Kaplan's state test titles, interviews with education experts, teachers, community leaders, parents and students. Please email lori_duggangold@kaplan.com if you would like to review the beta tape.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
To arrange an interview with the authors, please contact Lori Duggan Gold, PR Manager at Kaplan Publishing at lori_duggangold@kaplan.com or by phone at 212-492-5903

2001-2002 TEST SCHEDULE
The CRCT will be administered April 15 - May 3, 2002

Press Contact:  Lori Duggan Gold, PR Manager, Kaplan Publishing - (212) 492-5903
 
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