Discovery Education Releases Results on Rock Hill Schools #rockhill #rhsd3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2014	Contact:	Christina Scripps, Discovery Education 240-662-6502 christina_scripps@discovery.com

NEW RESEARCH FINDS DISCOVERY EDUCATION’S DIGITAL SCIENCE TEXTBOOK SUPPORTS INCREASED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

-- Data Illustrates Use of Science Techbook Accelerates Student Achievement in Science --

SILVER SPRING, Md., May 14, 2014 − A new study released today found that usage of Education’s digital science textbook is associated with higher science achievement scores in elementary school students. Specifically, the data suggests that the Discovery Education Science Techbook™ increases student science achievement and bolsters the effectiveness of teaching when educators integrate it into classroom instruction.

Conducted by independent research firm Merola Research, LLC, the study reviewed results on the 2013 Science Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) for fourth grade students in York County, South Carolina. During the 2012-2013 school year, District Three partnered with Discovery Education to pilot the Discovery Education Science Techbook, a digital textbook for their K-5science curriculum. Included in the implementation was in-depth, customized professional development from Discovery Education’s professional development team, which supported elementary school educators as they integrated the Science Techbook into classroom instruction.

Key findings from the study include:

·         Fourth grade students whose teachers used Science Techbook for instruction scored six points higher on average on the 2013 Science PASS than fourth grade students whose teachers had not used Science Techbook for instruction.

·         Students in classrooms using Science Techbook were more likely to score at the “exemplary” performance level by exceeding grade level standards than students in classrooms not using Science Techbook.

·         21 percent of students using the digital textbook scored at or above the exemplary level on the Science PASS, compared to 15 percent of students who were not using the digital textbook.

“This study shows that Discovery Education’s Techbook series has the power to advance achievement when used by talented educators who are deeply committed to student success and passionate about transforming the learning experience with digital media,” said Dr. Harriet Jaworowski, Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Accountability in Rock Hill School District Three. “We are proud to collaborate with Discovery Education to offer our teachers high-quality resources and professional development that ultimately results in students being authentically engaged in the learning process and prepared for successful futures.”

Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a complete digital solution that replaces traditional textbooks and features compelling video; interactive text; digital simulations and explorations; virtual and hands-on labs; and an interactive glossary with animations, audio and video. The series is available for K-8 science and high school courses including Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science and Physics. To support the effective integration of digital textbooks into classroom instruction, Discovery Education provides each educator using the Techbook customized, job-embedded professional development.

“The results of this study are a testament to the fact that when educators are empowered with dynamic digital content and robust professional development, they can create the authentic learning environments that inspire students and prepare them for life beyond the classroom,” said Rob Warren, regional director at Discovery Education. “Discovery Education is proud to support educators with cutting-edge tools and resources that foster engaging learning experiences and meet students’ diverse instructional needs.”

Since 2004, Rock Hill Schools has partnered with Discovery Education to create authentic learning environments that build the critical thinking skills today’s students need for college, careers and citizenship. Students throughout the district currently use Discovery Education Streaming, a library of 100,000 digital assets aligned to state and national standards, as well as the Discovery Education Techbook series, a digital textbook solution which includes K-12 science and middle school social studies subjects.

To review a full copy of the study, visit: http://www.discoveryeducation.com//what-we-offer/partner-success-stories/explore/rock-hill-schools-district-stem-instruction-results-in-higher-pass-scores.cfm. 

For more information about the Discovery Education Techbook series and its suite of digital solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

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