Texas Study Shows SRA Snapshots Video Science™ Increases Test Scores for Students of All Subgroups

A recent study in Blue Ridge Elementary School in the Fort Bend (Texas) Independent School District showed students using the SRA Snapshots Video Science™ program experienced a mean score increase of 32 percentile points, outscoring peers across the district. SRA Snapshots Video Science™ is a supplemental videotext program published by SRA/McGraw-Hill, designed to teach students in Grades 3-5 core science concepts and key vocabulary.

The study comes at a crucial time when American students fail to rank in the top 10 percent compared to students from other industrialized nations in terms of science knowledge, according to the 2003 Third Mathematics and Science Study. A body of research points to deficiencies in curriculum as a possible cause of students' lackluster performance in science.

SRA Snapshots Video Science™ targets key science topics identified as essential by the National Science Teachers' Association in its "Science Anchors" initiative, which was a response to the growing concern over student achievement in science. In addition, SRA Snapshots Video Science™ incorporates video-based, multimedia instruction, which has proven to be an effective approach to learning according to a number of studies. With this program, students see science through SRA's exclusive videotext lessons, hear science through high-energy narrators (English and Spanish), and read science in the Student Edition.

Study Results Show Impressive Impact

SRA/McGraw-Hill's research team administered the science portion of the TerraNova California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition to all students who used SRA Snapshots Video Science™. In spring 2008, these students took the post-test. All students experienced gains from pre-test to post-test: On average, students gained 26 percentile points after being exposed to SRA Snapshots Video Science™.

"The largest gain was by fifth grade students, with an effect size of 1.1 (36 percentile points). By any standard, this is an impressive gain," said James Demery, director of research for McGraw-Hill Learning Group. "We also compared students of similar demographics, and we found students using SRA Snapshots Video Science™ scored on average 21 points higher on the TerraNova science tests than their control group counterparts, holding all other variables constant. Interestingly, English language learners scored significantly better on average than students who are proficient in English."

"SRA Snapshots Video Science™ helped my students make significant gains on our district and state assessments," said April Pleasant, instructional specialist at Blue Ridge Elementary School. "This program is student-centered, very engaging, and a wonderful supplement for any teacher. I recommend this program for any school that wants to see student learning and scores soar!"

To learn more about SRA Snapshots Video Science™ and watch a sample video, visit SRASnapshots.com. Click on Research to download the full Evaluation Brief.

About Blue Ridge Elementary School

Located in Houston's Fort Bend Independent School District, Blue Ridge Elementary School's student population (PreK-5) is 83% African American, 16% Hispanic, and 1% Caucasian. The school has a high incidence of economically disadvantaged students, with 73% eligible for free or reduced meals. For more information about Blue Ridge Elementary School, visit Fortbend.K12.TX.US/Campuses/bre.

About SRA/McGraw-Hill

SRA/McGraw-Hill is the top provider of specialized research-based educational programs and professional development for the elementary market. Leading programs include SRA Imagine It! reading program, Direct Instruction, SRA Number Worlds, and additional core and supplemental programs. SRA is part of McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment, and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at mheducation.com. For more information on SRA/McGraw-Hill's products, call 1-888-SRA-4543 and visit SRAonline.com.

      Contact:  Lisa Tullos
                SRA/McGraw-Hill
                (614) 750-7287
                lisa_tullos@mcgraw-hill.com

                Melina Metzger
                Paul Werth Associates
                (614) 224-8114 Ext. 236
                mmetzger@paulwerth.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: SRA/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Lisa Tullos, SRA/McGraw-Hill, +1-614-750-7287,
lisa_tullos@mcgraw-hill.com, or Melina Metzger, Paul Werth Associates,
+1-614-224-8114 Ext. 236, mmetzger@paulwerth.com

Web Site: http://fortbend.k12.tx.us/Campuses/bre
http://sraonline.com/
http://www.srasnapshots.com/