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Summer's a Good Time to Develop a Game Plan for Academic Success; SCORE! Can Help

Chicago, July 5, 2006 — Summer is the season for fun and play for most kids, but it's also a good time for parents and children to develop a plan for academic success in the coming school year, according to SCORE! Educational Centers, Inc., a leading provider of after-school learning programs for children in grades pre-K through 10 and a part of global education leader Kaplan, Inc. “Now is the time for parents to work with their children to develop a game plan to build strong study skills,” said Justin Serrano, president of SCORE!. ”By creating a strategy, parents can not only create good study habits for their children, they can also motivate them and build their self confidence to ensure academic success.” The following tips can help parents play a part in building good study habits: Tip #1: Establish a Schedule. Students have an easier time studying if they have a routine. Set aside a specific time every day for your child to study. Keep this time the same every day and be sure to include time for breaks and a snack. Tip #2: Create a Positive Environment. Kids will leave their studying to watch TV or play the newest football video game, if given the option. Create a clutter-free, well-lit area for your child to study and minimize distractions. Designate your child's ‘study time’ as your ‘study time.’ Sit down with him or her and do your ‘homework’ (pay bills, write letters, make grocery lists, etc.) too. Children gain the motivation to study when they have company. Tip #3: Determine Trouble Areas. Understanding where your child may be having difficulties is very important. Have your child explain his or her assignments and trouble areas. Work out the problems together to show your support. If he or she needs additional assistance, talk to your child's teacher to get the necessary help. Tip #4: Make Learning Fun! Children learn the best when they are motivated to learn. By making learning fun, your child will be eager to study. Create a study group of your child's friends and set a specific day and time for them to meet. Provide interesting and challenging resource materials, such as educational games. Take your kids on field trips to enhance their learning experience — this also gives him or her a powerful incentive to study! SCORE! Can Help Along with a good study environment, children need the right resources. If your child needs additional assistance, an outside tutor may be the answer. SCORE!'s Study Skills Program helps students develop effective time management and organization skills, identify their own learning style, effectively process information and adequately prepare for tests. About SCORE! SCORE! Educational Centers, Inc. is a division of Kaplan, a leading provider of after-school learning programs for children in grades pre-K through 10. With the goal of helping children reach their academic potential in math, reading, spelling and writing, SCORE!'s program includes personal coaching, positive reinforcement and a customized curriculum that adapts to each child's pace and learning needs. SCORE! serves 82,000 students annually in 165 centers located in 11 states across the country. Kaplan is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For further information, please visit www.escore.com or call 1-800-49-SCORE.