Archipelago Learning Releases New Graphic Novel as Part of Study Island Web-Based Education Program for K-12

Resurgence of the Comic-Book Style of Art and Story Combined Gives Schools a Creative, Affordable Option for Reading Intervention and English Language Learners


DALLAS, March 8, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Archipelago Learning (Nasdaq:ARCL), a leading subscription-based online education company, today announced the release of Tin Can Floyd & Alice, the newest addition to Study Island's popular graphic novel series Reading: Reconsidered & Revisited (R&R). An easy-to-use online reading intervention program, Study Island Reading R&R is an engaging, affordable, and effective tool that helps build reading confidence in struggling readers, reluctant readers, and English language learners (ELL) in grades K-12.

The use of graphic novels as an instructional tool has recently gained wide-spread acceptance and acknowledgement because of their ability to address multiple literacies. Indeed, an article published in English Journal, a publication of the National Council of Teachers of English, stated, "The graphic novel now offers English language arts teachers opportunities to engage all students in a medium that expands beyond the traditional borders of literacy."

"When we introduced our first graphic novel in 2009 the positive responses we received were overwhelming. Teachers reported that previously unreachable students were suddenly interested, enthusiastic, and on their way to becoming successful readers," said Heather Harper, vice president of Publishing, Language Arts and Social Studies at Archipelago Learning.   "We know that struggling readers – and even those who are on grade level but bored with the material – require alternative approaches. Like all our graphic novels, Tin Can Floyd & Alice engages the reader in the study of literature and language. Kids have a blast reading these stories."

Designed for early-grade elementary students, Tin Can Floyd & Alice includes math skills reinforcement for cross-curricular usage, and a Spanish translation of the book for ELL readers. The book joins Archipelago's existing library of graphic novels which includes:

  • The World as You Know It – a Study Island original, six-book series with a middle school reading level and a high school interest level
  • Graphic Planet by ABDO Books – a nonfiction series featuring major world events and biographies of fascinating people
  • "The Timbertoes" by Highlights for Children – a two-volume series covering comprehensive reading and math skills for young students

Some of the Study Island graphic novel content is also available for the iPod Touch and iPhone through the iTunes App Store. For a glimpse of the art and story of Tin Can Floyd & Alice, as well as other Study Island graphic novels,go to http://www.studyisland.com/intervention/.

About Archipelago Learning

Archipelago Learning is a leading subscription-based online education company that provides standards-based instruction, practice, assessments and productivity tools that improve the performance of educators and students via proprietary web-based platforms. Study Island, the core product line, helps students in kindergarten through 12th grade master grade-level academic standards in a fun and engaging manner. Study Island products are utilized by approximately 9 million students in more than 21,500 schools in 50 states and Canada. For more information, please visit www.archipelagolearning.com. Archipelago Learning is headquartered in Dallas.

The Archipelago Learning, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6864

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the Company. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.



            

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