Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - March 16, 2009

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Captures Majority of the 6–12 Education Market in Florida

Company’s McDougal Littell Literature selected in largest school districts statewide

BOSTON — March 16, 2009 — Major school districts in Florida have overwhelmingly selected McDougal Littell Literature, published by global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, as their number one choice for middle and high school literature instruction.

Flexible and innovative, McDougal Littell Literature allows for both a standards-based and integrated approach to teaching literature in grades 6–12. Developed by a team of distinguished authors, including Janet Allen, Robert Marzano, and Carol Tomlinson, the program uses interactive and media components to engage learners at every level. It features:

• InterActive Reader & Writers: Two levels of reading and writing support help develop active reading skills for below- and on-level learners and further promote critical thinking skills for on- and above-level students. Both workbooks use core selections from the textbook paired with one or two related nonfiction pieces, test-taking tips, and practice and assessment opportunities for reading comprehension.
• Media Workshops: Incorporated with the textbook, these workshops allow students to apply literary skills to different types of media, such as art, film, commercials, news, political ads and documentaries.
• MediaSmart DVD-ROM: Complete lessons with media clips and discussion questions guide students through the critical analysis of media techniques and connect these techniques to literary concepts, including plot development, persuasion and mood.
• McDougal Littell Assessment System: This comprehensive online assessment tool provides many opportunities to gauge student progress, target differentiated instruction and prescribe remediation.

William Purtell, instructional materials specialist for Palm Beach County Public Schools, noted, "McDougal Littell Literature reflects current and confirmed research and provides critical elements such as explicit, systematic instruction to encourage and support the children of Palm Beach County."

"With the review process well under way, we're pleased that Florida school districts, including two of the largest—Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade Public Schools, are choosing McDougal Littell Literature over any other program," said Mike Lavelle, K–12 president, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Once all the selections are finalized, I am confident that we will have improved upon our already high market share from the state's previous literature adoptions."

To learn more about McDougal Littell Literature, visit http://holtmcdougal.hmhco.com.

About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company is a global education leader and the world's largest publisher of educational materials for pre-K–12 schools. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of best-in-class educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for students and educators. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit www.hmhpub.com.