McGraw-Hill Education Releases New Version of Building Blocks™ to Improve Student Math Skills with 50 Percent More Games and Adaptive Learning Technology

NEW YORK, March 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- McGraw-Hill Education today launches a new version of Building Blocks, a supplemental math program that uses personalized lessons and research-based learning paths to improve student math skills and confidence through games and adaptive learning technology. The new version includes 50 percent more games, increased support through Grade 8 based on Common Core and state standards, and iPad accessibility.

Based on more than a decade of research, Building Blocks has been shown to drive learning gains in math skills. The program was developed by and reflects the research of distinguished authors, Doug Clements and Julie Sarama. As a complementary solution for mathematics intervention and early childhood education programs, Building Blocks tailors instruction based on each student's unique understanding and learning trajectory. Students play a series of games based on their abilities or as assigned by the teacher, and progress automatically through the program once they master each math concept.

If a student struggles to understand a particular concept, Building Blocks will deliver content and games designed to improve his or her fundamental understanding through targeted remediation and feedback. This allows students to develop the necessary math skills at their own pace, aligning the learning experience with students' natural development.

The Building Blocks software update includes several new capabilities and features:

• Expanded Support through Grade 8: While the previous version of Building Blocks supported students in Pre-K through Grade 6, the newest iteration supports students up to Grade 8.
• Comprehensive Reporting: With access to comprehensive reporting on Common Core standards and learning trajectories, teachers, parents and administrators gain actionable insights on student performance and improvement areas.  
• More Activities: The updated version of Building Blocks features approximately 50 percent more activities, with 215 games and 56 drills. New activities cover topics including fractions, decimals, algebra and geometric measurement.

The software update also features a comprehensive and easy-to-use teacher management system that allows teachers to create assignments and benchmark student progress against the designated learning trajectories or Common Core standards. This provides teachers with deeper insights into student comprehension, which improves learning outcomes.

"Our newest version of Building Blocks increases students' skills and confidence in math—a critical skill for today's economy," said Christine Willig, president of McGraw-Hill Education's K-12 group. "This software works best as a supplemental math program in computer labs, libraries, after school programs and at home. Students can use Building Blocks to catch up to grade level math requirements, or accelerate math performance above grade level. Classrooms that are already using the updated Building Blocks software report greater student engagement and higher math scores." 

Building Blocks comes standard with McGraw-Hill Education's PreK-8 math intervention product, Number Worlds, or as a standalone product. Compatible with iPad and other devices, Building Blocks is now available for purchase.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educators and professionals drive results. McGraw-Hill Education has offices across North America, India, China, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions available in nearly 60 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

Contact: 
Brian Belardi
McGraw-Hill Education
(646) 766-2951
brian.belardi@mheducation.com

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcgraw-hill-education-releases-new-version-of-building-blocks-to-improve-student-math-skills-with-50-percent-more-games-and-adaptive-learning-technology-300052359.html

SOURCE McGraw-Hill Education