Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - March 23, 2009

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Named Exclusive U.S. Provider of Singapore-based K–5 Math Program

Great Source's Math in Focus uses proven Singapore approach to ensure comprehensive understanding of math topics

BOSTON — March 23, 2009 — Global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and leading Asian educational publisher Marshall Cavendish bring Singapore's highly effective mathematics pedagogy to K–5 classrooms across the United States. With exclusive license to distribute a customized Singapore program, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will unveil Great Source's eagerly awaited Math in Focus next month at the National Conference of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in Washington, DC.

According to the latest findings of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), students in Singapore consistently rank among the highest in science and mathematics achievement. Based on Singapore's proven approach, Math in Focus provides a concrete-to-visual symbolic progression of instruction. It focuses on fewer topics in greater depth to give students a solid understanding of critical math concepts, and it aligns to the NCTM Focal Points.

"As many educators and policymakers from around the world look to Singapore to mimic its 12 year success in international math assessment, we are fortunate to be able to work with Marshall Cavendish to bring the actual curriculum used in Singapore to the United States," said U.S. consultants Andy Clark and Patsy Kanter. "Math in Focus retains the Singapore program's content, focus, coherence and high expectations. We are confident that it will be part of the solution that enables the United States to continue to significantly improve math instruction and achievement."

"With Math in Focus, we bring the goodness of Singapore mathematics to U.S. classrooms in a form that American teachers and students will feel comfortable with," said Duriya Aziz, deputy general manager and publisher, Marshall Cavendish.

Additional components, such as teacher and student eBooks; virtual manipulatives and classroom manipulative kits; and extra practice, reteaching, and enrichment support, enhance the program for students in the United States. Professional development services will ensure successful implementation, program fidelity and delivery of results for teachers.

"The results of this program for students in Singapore are notable," said Mike Lavelle, K–12 president, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Math in Focus fits well within our robust portfolio of math offerings, which includes such highly effective programs as Math Expressions and Saxon Math. We are thrilled to offer an additional choice, with an already proven record of success, to districts nationwide."

Clark and Kanter will showcase Math in Focus at the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt booth at NCTM on April 21–25. To learn more about the program, visit www.greatsource.com/mathinfocus.

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.

About Marshall Cavendish
Marshall Cavendish is an international publisher of books, directories and magazines. We produce material in both print and digital formats. With anextensive global network, we publish in 13 different languages across a wide variety of genre, including education, general interest, home and library references, and business information. A publisher of choice and winner of numerous awards and accolades, Marshall Cavendish remains committed to its customers — bringing innovative, authoritative and attractive value-added products created by its rich pool of international talent. For more information, please visit www.marshallcavendish.com. Marshall Cavendish is a member of Times Publishing Limited.