Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - September 16, 2009

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Launches Virtual Sampling for K–12 Educators

Cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly technology provides a better experience for teachers and administrators

BOSTON — September 16, 2009 — Houghton Mifflin Harcourt today announced the launch of virtual sampling for nearly 1,000 of its K–12 curriculum offerings, providing teachers and school administrators nationwide with a faster, easier and more powerful way to evaluate the Company's acclaimed and award-winning learning solutions.

The digital alternative to traditional printed samples provides a better experience for teachers and administrators. The ability to access product information from anywhere, at any time, allows them to make informed decisions that benefit classrooms and individual students in the short and long term.

"As a publisher, we have a higher responsibility with regard to making a difference — in the classroom, in the community and in the environment," said Mike Lavelle, president K–12, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "We see virtual sampling as one of the key steps to fulfilling that higher responsibility."

Last September, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt became the first education publisher to pilot the new digital format by making samples of its Math Expressions program available online. For the first time ever, teachers and administrators evaluated program components for all grade levels, as well as searched standards, skills and favorite topics, with the click of a mouse instead of by leafing through physical pages. The digital format's efficacy and accessibility greatly improved the user experience.

Within the next several weeks, more than 7,000 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt product offerings will be available for virtual sampling and soon all product offerings will be sampled online.

To learn more about virtual sampling, visit http://hmheducation.com/virtualsampling.

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.