Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - August 27, 2009

Criterion^® Online Writing Evaluation Service Launches Version 9.1 with Parent Communication Feature and Two New Bilingual Handbooks

CHICAGO — August 27, 2009 — The Criterion^® Online Writing Evaluation service, distributed by leading educational publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, today announced the launch of version 9.1 of its web-based application. The new version includes an innovative communication feature that enables parents and teachers to collaborate to improve students' writing skills, as well as an extended bilingual writing handbook library that includes Japanese-English and Korean-English editions.

"We are committed to delivering cutting-edge, holistic assessment solutions that benefit students within and beyond the classroom," said Mike Lavelle, K–12 president, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Criterion use not only appeals to various types of learners, but to their teachers and parents as well."

The Criterion^® service, developed by the Educational Testing Service and distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, helps students plan, write and revise essays and provides instant score reports and diagnostic feedback to students and teachers for holistic instruction.

Criterion^® version 9.1 includes a parent communication feature that allows teachers to send students' essays and reports, annotated with comments and feedback, to fellow teachers, administrators and parents directly from the Criterion service, providing them with accurate, up-to-date information on student performance. Additionally, version 9.1 includes new Japanese-English and Korean-English Writer's Handbooks complete with essay samples and essential writing tips. The Criterion collection already contains seven Writer's Handbooks, including two additional bilingual editions in Spanish-English and Simplified Chinese-English.

"Our students are writing more, teachers are coaching more effectively and our writing program is experiencing ongoing progress with the use of the online Criterion program," said Kathy Richter, an English teacher at Plymouth High School in Plymouth, Indiana.

To learn more about the Criterion Online Writing Evaluation service, visit www.riversidepublishing.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.