Biology: The Dynamics of Life Improves Student Performance

McGraw-Hill Education has released a new report called "RESULTS with Biology: The Dynamics of Life," which highlights eight case studies of schools that have been successful in teaching biological concepts and improving academic performance.

The schools in the report serve as inspiring models of effective teaching practices. Each credits the significant increases in their students' success to Biology: The Dynamics of Life, a biology program published by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.

The critical thinking practice students receive through Biology: The Dynamics of Life helps students succeed. For example, since implementing the program, 10th-grade students at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio are continuing to build upon their excellence in science. In 2003, 90.4% passed the 10th-grade Science Proficiency Test compared to 89.6% in 2002 and 87.3% in 2001. For the 2001-02 and 2002-03 school year, student scores on the Prairie State Achievement Examination at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Illinois were higher than student scores at other schools in their district and above the average score in the state of Illinois.

Biology: The Dynamics of Life, fully supports the National Science Education Standards with direct linkages that identify the specific Content Standards that need to be met in each lesson. Biology: The Dynamics of Life combines the best research on "reform" curricula with the best "traditional" curricula, incorporating interactive tools for students as they study important scientific ideas. The text includes MiniLabs, Problem-Solving Labs, and BioLabs as well as more traditional vocabulary reviews and practice test sections.

  The profiles in the report include:

   -- Bay Shore Senior High School, Bay Shore, NY
   -- Hillside High School, Hillside, NJ
   -- John F. Kennedy High School, La Palma, CA
   -- John Glenn High School, Walkerton, IN
   -- Lakewood High School, Lakewood, OH
   -- La Quinta High School, La Quinta, CA
   -- Northampton Area High School, Northampton, PA
   -- Willowbrook High School, Villa Park, IL

Each profile includes a written description of the school's student population, history of issues related to science education, steps taken to strengthen the school science programs, and graphs of measurable results. Contact information for each school is included and readers are encouraged to contact school leaders for additional information.

"The information documented in this report includes the type of data school administrators need to make informed decisions about materials and curriculum," said Dr. Gene Carter, executive director, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. "The experiences and practices of these schools with the Biology: The Dynamics of Life curriculum are encouraging examples of schools that are reaching for the highest levels of academic achievement."

"Biology: The Dynamics of Life is teacher- and student-friendly. It is well organized, with a nice blend of academic science data and activities ... and most importantly, it aligned with our state science standards exactly," said Glen Young, science department chair at Northampton Area High School, Northampton, PA

"The schools profiled in this report should be commended for building a curriculum that helps students explore the world of science and technology," said Dr. Thomas Houlihan, executive director, Council of Chief State School Officers. "Implementing programs that engage students and provide active learning opportunities with real-world experiences has a significant impact on sparking a student's interest for future learning and success."

Review the Report

The entire report can be downloaded at www.mheducation.com. To request printed copies of the report, contact: Dr. Charlotte K. Frank, senior vice president, McGraw-Hill Education, Research and Development, (212) 512-6512, charlotte_frank@mcgraw-hill.com.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of electronic and print products that enhance teaching and learning in pre-K through Grade 12, higher education and professional markets. It is a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's and Business Week. Founded in 1888, the corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2003 were $4.8 billion. Additional information is available at www.mheducation.com.

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Education

CONTACT: April Hattori
McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-2078
april_hattori@mcgraw-hill.com
Diane Lopez
(212) 904-3214
diane_lopez@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/