Gale and K12 Inc. Announce Agreement to Create and Distribute New World Language-Learning Products

Gale, part of Cengage Learning, and K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) today announced an agreement to develop and distribute a new line of world language-learning products to libraries. Power-Glide Language Courses, Inc. (known as powerspeaK12), a subsidiary of K12 Inc., will develop web-based language courses, which Gale will distribute exclusively to the library market. Languages will include Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Spanish ESL.

The courses developed for Gale customers will use the research-driven powerspeaK12 language learning methodology which includes a variety of multi-sensory activities to take full advantage of the brain’s ability to acquire language. Designed specifically for use by the diverse audience of library patrons, the courses will include a combination of scored online activities, lessons and games.

Course activities will be bound together with an adventure story containing rich graphics, audio, video, music and an intuitive way to track progress. Learners will also be challenged to practice speaking and writing in a variety of interactive modules designed to simulate real conversations with native speakers.

Initial course offerings are scheduled to be available later this year.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Gale to distribute our language-learning courses to people across the world,” said Ron Packard, founder and chief executive officer of K12 Inc. “Language is one of the last barriers in today’s global economy and K12 is determined to help make learning a new language easier than ever before. Our partnership with Gale will give more people the opportunity to learn a new language using an exciting Web-based program that combines innovative methodology and powerful technology.”

“A highly effective online language-learning program has long been in demand among libraries,” said Jim Draper, vice president and publisher at Gale. “We are delighted to partner with powerspeaK12, an innovative leader with a global reputation for meeting the needs of language-learners. The new program will provide users the best and most engaging language-learning experience available.”

About Cengage Learning and Gale

Cengage Learning delivers highly customized learning solutions for colleges, universities, professors, students, libraries, government agencies, corporations and professionals around the world. Gale, part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet. It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data, addressing all types of information needs – from homework help to health questions to business profiles – in a variety of formats. For more information, visit www.cengage.com or www.gale.com

About K12 Inc.

K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), a technology-based education company, is the nation’s leading provider of proprietary curriculum and online education programs to students in kindergarten through high school. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K12 has delivered over one million semester courses to students worldwide. Currently, more than 50,000 students in 21 states are enrolled in online public schools that use the K12 program. K12 Inc. also operates the K12 International Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting online private school serving students in over 35 countries.

K12 Inc. is accredited through the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). It is the largest national K-12 online school provider to be recognized by CITA.

K12’s mission is to provide any child the curriculum and tools to maximize success in life, regardless of geographic, financial, or demographic circumstances. More information can be found at www.K12.com.

© 2009 K12 Inc. K12 is a registered trademark, and the K12 logo, powerspeaK12, Unleash the xPotential and xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.