SRA/McGraw-Hill Invites Direct Instruction Educators and Advocates To Join Free Online Community

Fans of SRA/McGraw-Hill's Direct Instruction curricula can now connect with each other and gain valuable insight into intervention programs and techniques at a new Web site, SRADirectInstruction.com. The site also serves as the gathering place for Signals, a free online community for Direct Instruction and intervention educators.

SRADirectInstruction.com is a single, comprehensive source of information on Direct Instruction teaching and intervention programs published by SRA. The site includes basic program information and digital samples, opportunities for training and professional development, special product offers, and live online events.

Anyone who registers for Signals can participate in Forum conversations, respond to blog articles written by authors, teachers, and education thought leaders, and receive early updates on changes made to the Web site as well as new products and special offers from SRA.

"Direct Instruction has a very strong user community, and we hope to provide a place for them to share their experiences and learn more about the curricula to maximize its use," said Karen Sorrentino, director of marketing for SRA/McGraw-Hill.

  Key site features:
  --  Product Previews (Digital and Printed) -- Downloadable files of
      program brochures, sample lessons, scope and sequence charts, and
      additional information to help inform purchase decisions.
      SRADirectInstruction.com will be closely integrated with
      SRAonline.com, SRA's primary Web site for product purchasing.
  --  News Ticker -- Links to press releases and news articles related to
      Direct Instruction and intervention products, as well as links to
      relevant education industry articles, Web sites, and additional
      sources of news and press.
  --  Upcoming Events List -- Information about upcoming training events,
      conferences, etc. -- as well as links to sites for registration and
      additional information.
  --  Technology Product Overview Videos -- Online videos provide an
      introduction to technology products available for Direct Instruction
      programs, and explain how the print and electronic components can be
      used in conjunction to improve overall teaching effectiveness.
  --  Direct Instruction Teaching Blog -- Articles written by publishing
      industry representatives, as well as guest articles from teachers,
      administrators, consultants, and other members of the academic
      community. The articles discuss current and high-interest topics
      related to Direct Instruction, educational politics, academic trends
      and innovations, and teaching.
  --  Direct Instruction Educator's Forum -- An open venue for educators to
      discuss product information, share teaching methods, and discuss any
      current issues related to education or teaching in the United States.
  --  "Share With a Friend!" Feature -- Gives site visitors the option to
      invite others to visit by automatically generating an e-mail-based
      invitation.


  About Direct Instruction

Direct Instruction is a structured teaching method based on 40 years of research. Now it is used in classrooms of all types throughout the world, with students ranging from those with learning difficulties to very bright students. Direct Instruction's programs are based on two beliefs: All children can learn regardless of their learning histories, and all teachers can be successful when given effective materials and presentation techniques. These programs have been proven to work even when other programs fail. They provide a well-structured learning process that helps students learn "how to learn" while building specific skills in reading, math, spelling, and language arts. Today, more than 1 million students in a third of the country's schools use a Direct Instruction program.

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 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.

  Contacts:  Mark Merz                      Melina Metzger
             SRA/McGraw-Hill                Paul Werth Associates
             (614) 750-7339                 (614) 224-8114 Ext. 236
             mark_merz@mcgraw-hill.com      mmetzger@paulwerth.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

SOURCE: SRA/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: Mark Merz of SRA/McGraw-Hill, +1-614-750-7339,
mark_merz@mcgraw-hill.com; or Melina Metzger of Paul Werth Associates,
+1-614-224-8114, Ext. 236, mmetzger@paulwerth.com

Web Site: http://www.sradirectinstruction.com/
http://www.sraonline.com/