[April 22, 2015]

Kaplan Test Prep Partners with Aztec Software to Shake Up the High School Equivalency Preparation Landscape

Global education leader Kaplan and the adult education software experts at Aztec Software have joined forces to offer students getting ready for a High School Equivalency Diploma the most comprehensive preparation experience available. The partnership integrates Kaplan's highly effective content into Aztec Software's proven computer and mobile-based program. This pairing comes at a critical time for adult learners, as recent figures show a sharp drop off in the number of people who completed a High School Equivalency. GED Testing Service® , which writes the GED® , reports successful tests fell from 540,000 in 2013 to 90,000 in 2014, and both the HiSET, Educational Testing Service's test offering, and TASC from McGraw Hill, are too new to offer much insight. This drastic decline has been attributed by many adult education experts to the increased difficulty of the tests relative to previous versions of the GED and the change in test-taking mode, from paper and pencil to computer-based.

The combined course, called Kaplan Learning System powered by Aztec Software, is a tutorial program that not only gauges a student's readiness with complete assessments, but creates individualized learning plans and the corresponding academic content that each learner needs to ensure success on high school equivalency exams like the GED, TASC, and HiSET. Available online, offline, and on every major mobile platform, the course allows students to prepare virtually anytime, anywhere.

"Aztec Software's powerful approach to learning, combined with its ability to bolster adult educational development ad achievement, aligns well with Kaplan's mission of helping individuals succeed in reaching their educational and career goals ," said Lee Weiss, head of New Product Ventures, Kaplan Test Prep. "This partnership reinforces Kaplan's commitment to adult learners who are already in the workforce. We know that when they succeed the American economy can succeed too."

"This partnership is a game changer in an adult education landscape that is constantly in flux," said Jonathan Blitt, CEO of Aztec Software. "With a combined 100-plus years of experience of preparing students to successfully complete the increasingly rigorous battery of high-stakes exams, the combination of Kaplan's deep understanding of test-taking strategies and Aztec Software's interactive software will create the most student-centric learning experience ever offered to adults. Most importantly, adult learners, unlike their K-12 counterparts, are our current workforce. Their need is immediate, and the economic impact of more educated workers can be felt in real-time in every community in every state in the country."

For more information, please contact Russell Schaffer at [email protected] or 212.453.7538.

GED is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education, which neither sponsors nor endorses this product.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services. Additionally, Kaplan operates new economy skills training (NEST) bootcamps designed to provide immersive training in skills that are in high demand in today's job market and prepare participants for hire.

About Aztec Software

Founded in 1980 by educators, not technologists, Aztec Software has been in the business of improving adult and young adult lives through computerized skills remediation from its inception. Used throughout the country in community colleges, correctional facilities, one-stop centers, job corps centers, middle schools, and high schools, Aztec has become an integral part of today's complete educational curriculum.

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC)

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