Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - April 13, 2009

Steck-Vaughn Announces Keys to GED Success

New series provides unparalleled research-based approach to GED Test preparation

BOSTON— April 13, 2009 — Steck-Vaughn, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company and the exclusive distributor of the Official GED Practice Tests, today announced the release of an unprecedented GED Test preparation series, Keys to GED Success. Written in collaboration with the American Council on Education's GED Testing Service, Keys to GED Success offers a first-of-its-kind research-based approach to GED subject skills development and test preparation.

"Getting a GED in today's job market is a wise decision for anyone, especially those in transition without a high school diploma," said Mike Lavelle, K–12 president, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "We are proud to offer the first and only series that pinpoints the GED skills identified by researchers as most lacking in adult test-takers. The Keys approach enables test-takers to master the GED Tests, thereby empowering them to join the ranks of the nation's skilled workforce."

Each of the series' five elements — mathematics, language arts writing, language arts reading, social studies and science — includes an Official GED Practice Test comprised of unique problems, which acquaints students with a comprehensive set of the most difficult skills in a single review. Additionally, a performance analysis chart, Answers and Explanations section, set of practice exercises, and helpful teaching tips target students' weaknesses, elucidate confusing material, reinforce essential skills and cultivate valuable test-taking strategies.

"These books are truly exceptional," said Kay Maples, veteran teacher and program supervisor at White County Adult Education Programs in Sparta, Tennessee. "Students have access to targeted practice that dramatically reduces the amount of time needed to develop and refine skills required to pass the GED Tests." Karen Bell, lead teacher at Dixie Hollins Adult Education Center in St. Petersburg, Florida, witnessed a student increase his score by forty points after "just a quick review using Keys."

The GED Testing Service and Steck-Vaughn offer multiple written versions of the Official GED Practice Tests including large print and audio, French and Spanish versions, as well as electronic versions that provide item analysis, tracking reports and individual prescriptions tailored to students' needs.

About Steck-Vaughn
Steck-Vaughn, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, is the leader in adult education and GED Test preparation. For more than seven decades, Steck-Vaughn has engineered innovative, research-based products to improve student vocabulary, fluency, phonics operations, comprehension and testing abilities.Steck-Vaughn's broad product portfolio includes TABE preparation materials, ESL instruction and Pre-GED and GED preparation materials. For more information, visit www.steckvaughn.com. To learn more about Steck-Vaughn adult education products, visit www.steckvaughn.com/adulted.

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.

GED^®and the GED Testing Service^® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education^® and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education. TABE^® is a registered trademark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. RR-648