CONTACT:
Ben Weintraub (212-675-8567)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Raise Student Achievement, Leverage Existing Resources
New online writing exercises help schools use labs for instruction, not just for computer skills

Website Links:
http://www.paragraphpunch.com
http://www.essaypunch.com

Increasing student achievement while making the most of existing resources is now a priority for every U.S. school. Over the past several years, a lot of money has been spent to build computer labs, buy software, and train teachers, with the expectation that technology will raise student achievement.

Although there have been some successes, schools, for the most part, are now using computer labs mostly to teach computer skills, not for course instruction.

Ironically, just as many schools have abandoned trying to use technology with instruction, many advances have occurred that help teachers successfully integrate technology into the curriculum.

The new Punch online writing programs -- Paragraph Punch and Essay Punch – are examples of this trend. The exercises in these programs lead students step-by-step through the process of writing clear and concise paragraphs or essays. They make school computer labs more effective.

The Punch writing exercises use technology resources schools already have in place to teach writing skills. With the Punch programs, students receive immediate feedback and personalized, targeted instruction. Learners develop their critical thinking skills and ability to craft expository and descriptive texts. Teachers have more time to help those who need additional support.

Students of all abilities benefit from using the Punch online writing programs. The writing exercises cover a wide span of interests and can be used to supplement instruction in almost any classroom. Built-in hints and tips tutor students as they work. Because the Punch online writing exercises are a web-delivered teaching tool, teachers can also assign work for home use.

The Punch online writing exercises require little teacher training. Teachers receive unlimited, free curriculum and technical support.

To complement ease of use, Merit Software is pleased to announce a new, flexible pricing option for schools. Based on customer feedback, Paragraph Punch and Essay Punch, the popular online writing exercises, are now offered in 3-month units for as little as $85 per class.

Prior to their introduction as an online learning tool, the Punch programs were only available as a Windows application and required installation on each computer. Schools had to purchase network licenses and the I.T. staff had to install and manage the software. The alternative to using the Punch writing programs was to use workbooks. Now that Punch is online all these costs have been eliminated.

Merit’s language arts software, including the Punch writing programs, has been rigorously researched and shown through randomized controlled trials to improve standardized test scores.

School administrators and teachers are looking for ways to use technology to increase student achievement. They want personalized computer-assisted instruction that is easy to use and effective. Teachers also want the option of using new tools intensely with their students before committing to a larger purchase. The new pricing structure for the Punch online writing exercises helps teachers and administrators achieve their goals.

ABOUT MERIT SOFTWARE:

Since 1983, Merit Software (www.meritsoftware.com) has been producing educational software that addresses the core competencies that students require to succeed. The emphasis is on strengthening students' ability to read, analyze data and communicate their ideas.

Merit Software's programs are known throughout the industry for providing context-sensitive tutorials for students and convenient record management features to aid teachers, tutors and parents.

Visit www.meritsoftware.com to examine the company's library of educational applications currently being used in thousands of educational facilities worldwide.

Merit's educational software has been the subject of rigorous, independent, scientific-based research. These studies have concluded that Merit's software provides an effective supplement to everyday instruction. Research findings are available on www.meritsoftware.com/research.

###