To provide an accurate assessment of student knowledge and comprehension, all student work in the study at Carmichaels was graded using a new automatic grading/assessment technology developed by Quantum. Utilizing Quantum's patented artificial intelligence technology, the tool evaluates every step in the student's work and assigns partial credit, rather than simply grading whether an answer is right or wrong as with multiple-choice tests.

Mr. Willis used the new assessment technology during the research and commented, "The automatic grading/assessment tool is able to gather more information about a student's actual understanding of a concept than traditional by-hand grading, not to mention, it is more accurate! This feedback is important to the teacher and student alike."

According to validation studies, the AI grader has been established as significantly more accurate and reliable than teachers grading by hand.

For the student, the grading/assessment software automatically grades the student's work and provides immediate, detailed feedback as well as tutoring help on topics and concepts needed to improve future test scores. For the teacher, the software eliminates the administrative time and human error and fatigue associated with grading papers, while providing teachers with real-time data for analyzing how the class performed on the concepts tested with drill-down detail to each individual student's work. This on-demand assessment is particularly useful as states struggle with increasing graduation requirements in science, standards-based instruction and high-stakes testing.

The research studies conducted at Carmichaels Area Junior/Senior High School in western Pennsylvania is part of a national research effort in collaboration with the Wexford Institute, a nationally recognized nonprofit agency dedicated to creating equitable and excellent educational opportunities for all learners, to measure the effectiveness of the Quantum Tutors and new automated AI-based grading/assessment technology in preparation for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) science assessments in 2007. Research funding for these studies is provided by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation.

ABOUT QUANTUM
Quantum Simulations, Inc. develops artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring, assessment and professional development software that empowers teachers and inspires students from middle school through college to improve their knowledge and appreciation for the sciences. Teacher tested and approved by educators across the United States, Quantum's AI software is proven in research studies to improve comprehension, problem solving skills and test scores by as much as 50%. Quantum's intelligent tutoring engines are integrated with existing web-based learning products, providing a strong competitive edge for distributing partners.

A "technology think tank", Quantum is funded and supported by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For a virtual demonstration of the Quantum Tutors, visit www.quantumsimulations.com/demo.html.

For a list of distributing partners visit www.quantumsimulations.com/partners.html