SRA/McGraw-Hill Launches eSuite Classroom Technology for Direct Instruction and Read to Achieve Programs

SRA/McGraw-Hill has launched the Direct Instruction eSuite, a comprehensive set of online tools that integrate technology into instruction to save daily planning time for teachers and increase student engagement. A product tour is available online.

The eSuite is available with Direct Instruction programs Reading Mastery and Corrective Reading as well as SRA's new adolescent literacy program, Read to Achieve.

"The state-of-the-art technology within the eSuite tools are designed to streamline daily lesson planning for educators and further engage students through the interactive component," said Mark Merz, product manager for Direct Instruction and Intervention.

  The components of online eSuites include:
  --  ePlanner - Create an academic calendar, preview lesson objectives and
      materials needed for each day, and check state standards for alignment
      to each lesson
  --  Electronic Teacher's Edition - Preview program content electronically
      and prepare for upcoming lessons by accessing the complete Teacher's
      Edition online
  --  Professional Development - Access electronic resources for program
      training and information, review exercise formats through video and
      text-based instruction, and facilitate training through electronic
      presentation
  --  eInquiry - Provide students opportunities to apply their understanding
      of concepts through independent and small-group projects using Web
      site resources
  --  SmartSort - Determine when program vocabulary words are introduced,
      produce lists of words used within any range of lessons, enter brief
      text passages, and instantly view an alignment to all words presented
      in a program

  The eSuite is priced at $60 per teacher for a one-year subscription.

Users of Direct Instruction and the eSuites can join an online community to share tips and best practices at SRADirectInstruction.com.

About Direct Instruction

Direct Instruction is a scripted teaching method based on nearly 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 structured learning process that helps students learn "how to learn" while they build 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 Read to Achieve

SRA Read to Achieve is a new adolescent literacy program for Grades 6-12 from SRA/McGraw-Hill. The program helps boost achievement with explicit reading-for-understanding instruction. Tailored to meet the more complex literacy requirements of middle and high school students, the program specifically targets the challenges faced by adolescent readers and helps teach word-learning and comprehension strategies students can apply to content-area classes. Additional information is available at SRAonline.com.

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.

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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.sraonline.com/