Transition to Dynamic Digital Content as Core Instructional Resource Positions Oregon School District as State Leader in Science Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education
240-662-2893
[email protected]

Emily Embury, C. Blohm & Associates
608-839-9800
[email protected]

–Ontario School District leads state in adoption of digital science ‘techbook’ from Discovery Education–

Silver Spring, Md. (Sept. 14, 2010) – Leading the state in embracing digital content to meet the learning needs of 21st century students, Ontario School District in Oregon has adopted Discovery Education Science K-5/6 , the dynamic digital science “techbook” from Discovery Education. Ontario School District will use the Discovery Education solution as their core instructional resource for 4th and 5th grade science curricula.

The first digital, basal instructional solutions to be approved for statewide use in Oregon as part of its K-12 Science and 9-12 Mathematics Instructional Materials Evaluation Process, Discovery Education Science K-5/6 and Discovery Education Science 6-8 are correlated to Oregon Science Curriculum Standards. Organized around an inquiry-based framework, both techbooks cover the physical, earth and space, and life sciences, encourage student exploration, and stimulate critical thinking and deepen students’ understanding of science.

“Within Discovery Education Science K-5/6 , videos, reading passages, engaging hands-on virtual labs, and more come together to bring the world of science alive for every type of learner,” Linda Florence, superintendent of Ontario School District said. “The Discovery Education Science techbook helps district educators address every type of learning modality and engages students in the digital world in which they live. Discovery Education’s unique digital service represents the future of science education.”

The district’s forward-thinking decision to implement online curriculum follows the creation of five technology-rich learning environments at Ontario Middle School in January 2010 through a $274,000 technology grant.

Featuring up-to-date, standards-based videos, virtual labs, simulations, ebooks, text passages, and more, Discovery Education Science solutions offer digital content in multiple modalities. Each Ontario School District student will be able to access the service with a unique username and password, so that educators can differentiate instruction to meet the many learning styles of their students through engaging video, colorful text passages and interactive explorations. DVDs, printable worksheets, activities and hands-on suggestions facilitate use of the service outside the classroom or where Internet access is unavailable.

The formative assessment tool built into the digital instructional materials provides educators and students with information on which skills and concepts have been mastered, and directs individual students to remedial activities that address areas in need of improvement. Educators can quickly identify student understanding of science concepts throughout the learning process via a pre-test, mid-point check and post-test.

In addition to high-quality digital assets and a powerful assessment tool, the Discovery Education digital instructional materials feature comprehensive professional development resources and printed teacher’s guides. These elements showcase best practices and highlight new techniques for integrating digital content into classroom instruction, making it easier for teachers to plan, teach and improve student academic achievement.

“We are sensing a shift in school districts across the state as superintendents and other administrators begin to consider the tremendous upside and benefits digital content offers as a core instructional resource,” said Alex Morrison, vice president, Discovery Education. “Discovery Education is proud to be working with Ontario School District on our joint mission to improve student academic achievement, and we a confident it is leading the country in the right direction.”

In addition to Oregon, Discovery Education is pursuing adoptions of the Discovery Education Science techbook in Florida, Louisiana and Indiana.

For more information about Discovery Education streaming or any other products and services from Discovery Education, please visit www.discoveryeducation.com or call 800-323-9084.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com .

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