BEDFORD, Mass. – March 15, 2004

Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. Joins the National Center for Learning Disabilities to Recognize School for Outstanding Support for Students with Learning Disabilities

Muskegon High School to Receive Kurzweil 3000 Software as Part of NCLD 2004 Carrie and Pete Rozelle Award

Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc., innovator of reading technology for individuals with visual or learning disabilities, will present Muskegon High School of Muskegon, Michigan with a Kurzweil 3000 software award in conjunction with the National Center for Learning Disabilities’ (NCLD) Carrie and Pete Rozelle Award on Wednesday, March 17th. Muskegon High School has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education for all students. In addition to a cash award of $5,000 from NCLD and gift certificates from two publishers, the high school receives complimentary licenses of Kurzweil 3000, the premier reading, writing and learning software for struggling students, as well as complimentary support services from Kurzweil Educational Systems.

Each year with the Carrie and Pete Rozelle award, NCLD recognizes a school or a school-related program that addresses the educational, social and emotional needs of all children, including those with learning disabilities. Nominees for the award must demonstrate: unique opportunities for students and their families; careful decision-making about curricula and support; and staff development and ongoing attention to self-improvement to enhance accountability and opportunities for professional growth.

“Muskegon High School truly exemplifies the spirit of the Carrie and Pete Rozelle Award,” said Sheldon Horowitz, Director of Professional Services, at the National Center for Learning Disabilities. “For example, they have adopted a Comprehensive School Reform model in which supplemental courses are used in place of remedial classes for students struggling with math and reading, and they pay explicit attention to strategic learning. In addition, the school has provided training to all English teachers on Student Team Literature, a program developed at John Hopkins University that addresses the needs of at-risk students. In an effort to help students with special needs become more active and successful learners, and to provide opportunities for intensive instruction for general education students, Muskegon High has also provided training to both special education and core content general education teachers on the Strategic Instruction Model, implementing the approach school-wide within both the special and general ed curricula.”

The Carrie and Pete Rozelle Award will be presented to Muskegon High School on Wednesday, March 17th at the morning keynote address at the 41st Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) conference to be held at the Atlanta Hilton Hotel in Atlanta, GA on March 17- 20, 2004. The cash award from NCLD combined with Kurzweil 3000 software and training from Kurzweil Educational Systems will enable Muskegon High School to expand their programmatic and staff development opportunities that focus on incorporating effective teaching practices into the classroom for the benefit of all students.

“Schools and programs that are committed to boosting the learning experience for traditionally underserved groups of students deserve to be recognized,” said Michael Sokol, President and CEO of Kurzweil Educational Systems. “Kurzweil Educational Systems is proud to partner with NCLD to present this award to Muskegon High School. We applaud Muskegon for their impressive record of implementing programs within their high school that address the educational, social and emotional needs of all students, especially those with learning disabilities.”

Nominations for this award are made by the NCLD staff, members of the NCLD Awards Committee, Professional Advisory Board, and Board of Directors, as well as through the NCLD web site. Selections are made after the NCLD Awards Committee reviews all applications and presents its recommendation to NCLD’s Executive Director. Preference is given to schools or programs that serve underprivileged and under-served communities, or schools or programs that have demonstrated unique impact for students with learning disabilities

About NCLD The mission of the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is to increase opportunities for all individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their potential. NCLD accomplishes its mission by increasing public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities, conducting educational programs and services that promote research-based knowledge, and providing national leadership in shaping public policy. Visit www.LD.org for more information.

About LDA The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) is a non-profit grassroots organization whose members are individuals with learning disabilities, their families, and the professionals who work with them. LDA strives to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities. Visit www.ldanatl.org for more information.

About Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc.

Kurzweil Educational Systems, founded in 1996, is the industry leader and innovator of reading, writing and learning solutions for people with learning disabilities, and people who are blind or visually impaired. Ray Kurzweil, a co-founder of the original company, invented computer-based reading machine technology 25 years ago to provide access to printed text for the blind. With a pioneering history in developing assistive technology, the company has received worldwide recognition for enabling people with disabilities to lead more independent lives through improved reading and writing abilities. Kurzweil 3000, the company's flagship product for individuals with reading and writing disabilities, recently won a "District's Choice Top 100 Product" 2003 award published by the District Administration magazine, a "Media and Methods Awards Portfolio" 2003 award from Media and Methods magazine, and three eSchool News 2003 Readers’ Choice Awards for K-12 Instructional Software from eSchool News magazine. For more company or product information, visit www.kurzweiledu.com.

Contact

Collaborative Insight, Inc.

Hepzi Fonseca
617-357-7713
fonseca@collaborative.com

Collaborative Insight, Inc.

Julie Doucette
617-357-7789
doucette@collaborative.com