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