Straighterline Exceeds Industry Standards for Online Student Identity Verification

    BALTIMORE, MD, February 09, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- StraighterLine (http://www.straighterline.com) announced today that it has added two identity verification safeguards to its online courses. They are:

* An automated, telephone based interactive voice response system that requires students to provide identifying information and a voice sample prior to taking an exam; and

* An optional web-based proctoring service delivered by ProctorU (www.proctoru.com) and paid for separately by the student.

With these new systems, StraighterLine's identity verification systems meet or exceed the standards used by most online distance learning courses. StraighterLine is implementing two systems to create the redundancy necessary to assure test-taking credibility. The first system applies to all courses. The second is available to students enrolling at colleges that require proctored exams for credit transfer.

"The implementation of these systems is further evidence of StraighterLine's commitment to affordable, effective and credible online college courses," says Burck Smith, StraighterLine's CEO.

Currently, StraighterLine offers 15 entry-level college courses online, including College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, Business Writing, Introduction to Biology for nonmajors, Introduction to Biology for nonmajors with a lab, General Chemistry 1, General Chemistry 1 with a lab, English Comp I, English Comp II, Accounting I, Accounting II, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Business Statistics and two developmental courses, with more to be offered soon.

About StraighterLine

StraighterLine is a leader in making a quality college education more affordable. StraighterLine's programs are a great way to tackle the escalating cost of four-year college tuition and avoid a mountain of student debt.

StraighterLine offers two innovative programs. The "Freshman Year for $999" program is designed to help college students and their families address rampant rising tuition costs of college education. Students can take up to 10 StraighterLine courses for a single fee of $999 and realize savings of more than 90 percent versus the first-year tuition at many colleges. Students can also enroll in a subscription package for $99 a month that allows students who can move the material even faster an opportunity for even greater savings. Both programs include up to 10 hours of one-on-one instructional support.

Students who successfully complete StraighterLine online courses for college credit receive credit when they enroll with any school in our rapidly expanding network of regionally accredited partner colleges and universities. In addition, the American Council on Education's College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT - www.acenet.edu/acecredit/) has also evaluated and recommended college credit for StraighterLine courses. ACE CREDIT helps students gain access to academic credit at colleges and universities for formal courses and examinations taken in settings outside traditional higher education. StraighterLine also offers a tuition assistance program as a benefit for companies to provide to employees interested in earning their college degree. For information, visit http://www.straighterline.com or call 202-507-7020 or 1-877-str8erline (1-877-787-8375).

About ProctorU

ProctorU provides distance proctoring services for colleges, universities, and certification organizations that offer examinations online. The service allows students to take their exams in a secured environment from anywhere. ProctorU uses a three step process (patent pending) that assures that the student who registered for the exam is the student who is taking the exam. ProctorU proctors monitor the entire process in order to assure that a high level of integrity is maintained throughout. ProctorU uses live, person to person, real time monitoring to over 50 colleges, universities and training organizations. For more information, contact Don Kassner, President. 205-451-2072.

For information on online distance learning courses, and online courses for college credit visit http://www.straighterline.com or call 202.507.7020 or 1.877.str8erline (1.877.787.8375).

# # #