What does the contract cover?
I-PLN includes
- Unlimited perpetual licenses for over 2500 hours of K-12 Reading, Language Arts and Writing,
and Mathematics courseware—delivery by LAN, WAN, or Internet—with upgrades provided for the duration
of the contract;
- that is research-based and aligned with Idaho standards
(Other alignments, to name a few, include ISAT, SAT, ACT, and GED tests);
- Instruction that is delivered using full-color graphics, animation, sound,
and interactive units with all material provided in age-appropriate formats and examples;
- Modular structure: each contains self-paced tutorial, practice, and assessment elements;
- Internal reports to allow teachers to track student progress through the curriculum;
- Breadth and range of courseware to allow teachers to use to remediate, enrich,
and/or accelerate student learning across the K-12 curriculum;
- Teacher access to multiple other resources/tools for classroom and lesson planning use;
- Capacity to use a student’s ISAT RIT score to automatically provide a recommended list of
course modules to complete; teacher may subtract or add modules to customize the curriculum
for individual students; and
- In addition to the courseware, includes installation, and on-site,
hands-on professional development for which teachers may receive college credit.
What courses are included?
Reading, Language Arts, and Writing
Mathematics
Foundational Mathematics (was added in early 2006)
Writing Process & Practice (was added in 2005)
How long does the contract last, and what is the cost?
The contract with Plato Learning, Inc. is for two years with three one year optional extensions. The first two years, which cover unlimited perpetual licenses for over 2500 hours of courseware, installation, engineering services, and professional development for users, cost $5,025,000. Each optional one year extension would cost $600,000 and cover maintenance and updates for the courseware. At its April 2006 meeting the Board voted unanimously to continue the contract until June 2007. The renewal of the contract has already provided an upgrade in the management system for all Idaho K-12 clients.
How do I find out more about the contractor?
Find out more at: www.plato.com
Can Educators get credit for I-PLN professional development?
Both Continuing Education Units and college credits are available
for teachers who participate in the I-PLN professional development.
Approximately three days (total time) are provided to each district.
Northwest Nazarene Univesity
Syllabus ED 550 PLATO Learning System 2005
College of Southern Idaho
EDUC 199E C03: Idaho PLATO Learning Network
Who does the district contact to learn more about I-PLN?
Please contact Dave Lanz dlanz@plato.com at 1-208-841-9148 for additional information.
What happens to the courseware when the contract with the Board ends?
The contract for I-PLN provides for unlimited, perpetual licenses for K-12 public schools.
At the end of the contract, including after any optional years that are determined to be desirable,
the licenses will remain with the current users. It will be up to the individual users to
determine whether to contract at their own expense continued courseware maintenance and updates.