(SAN JOSE, Calif.) - A teacher's task of searching for easy online access to current events and education news just got easier. Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet network solutions, has teamed with Education World, an Internet guide for educators, located at www.education-world.com, to sponsor their Web page, "News/Eye On Schools." The "News/Eye On Schools" section of Education World offers up-to-the-minute headline news, plus updates on trends in education through a link (partnership) with USA Today. Cisco also supports Education World's "Cool School of the Week" award program, which recognizes outstanding K-12 school Web sites.

Education World and Cisco expanded the "Cool School of the Week" program to honor a "Cool School of the Year." This annual award nationally recognizes schools that are leaders in integrating technology and the Internet into the classroom. The first annual winner, winning over $10,000 in networking equipment from Cisco, was Georgia O'Keeffe Elementary in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For schools just starting to use the Internet, Cisco has announced plans to develop a "Being Wired" section that outlines ideas and benefits for schools who want to become wired to the Internet. "Educators don't have time to 'surf' the Internet for information. Education World's 'News/Eye On Schools' program is designed to provide teachers with easy access to current events, while at the same time, recognizing role model schools from across the nation who are successfully integrating the Internet into the classroom," said Steve Sandis, Cisco's project manager for education market development.

"Our partnership with Cisco allows us to offer better resources to help educators do their jobs," said Rob York, president of Education World. "Cisco's expertise in Internet networking will be helpful for schools who are searching for network solutions."

Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Sponsorship of Education World is only one part of Cisco's corporate-wide initiative to provide the benefits of Internet access and international communication in today's classrooms. More information about all of Cisco's education programs is available at www.cisco.com/edu.

Education World, an Internet Web site located at www.education-world.com, is the educator's complete guide to the Internet. The site features an education-specific search engine with more than 100,000 links, plus original lesson plans, curriculum materials and Web site reviews. Currently Education World receives more than 500,000 page views each month, and is funded by corporate advertisers and sponsors.

For more information about Cisco's education programs, please contact Steve Sandis at ssandis@cisco.com. For information about Education World, please call Karla Mickey at 405/416-7837.