Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - July 23, 2009

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Introduces First 3D Illustrated Reading Program to Combat Major Literacy Problems among Boys

Pair-It Extreme combines years of research with cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching strategies to help reverse troubling statistics and hook students back into books.

BOSTON — July 23, 2009 — Global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has announced a breakthrough leveled reading program called Pair-It Extreme, focused on developing strong literacy skills for boys in grades 1–3. Built on compelling evidence that boys currently have three times more difficulty reading than girls, as well as the most successful researched learning methods for boys, Pair-It Extreme is the first leveled reading program to use 3D computer-generated imagery to get boys interested in reading.

"There is an abundance of research telling us how to develop a lasting interest in reading among boys," said Mike Lavelle, K–12 president, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. "Pair-It Extreme is a first-of-its-kind endeavor to make this research both applicable in the classroom and effective for the students who use it, while transforming the way boys think about reading."

Research shows that sparking boys' interest in reading, while sometimes difficult, can prove vital to their future success as well as prevent many behavioral problems. Consequently, Pair-It Extreme focuses primarily on generating and maintaining boys' enthusiasm for reading, and includes benefits for boys and girls alike. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt innovatively merges reading with boys' affinity for computer games and graphics by incorporating 3D computer-generated artwork into each book. This cutting-edge artwork enhances a series of action-adventure stories whose recurring characters use ingenuity, teamwork and critical thinking to solve problems across thematically connected fiction and nonfiction texts. Initial market feedback through focus groups received an exceptionally enthusiastic response from both teachers and students.

The Pair-It Extreme series features 120 titles with innovative Five Pillars Plus instruction, developed in collaboration with consulting author Dr. Michael F. Opitz, literacy expert and professor at the University of Northern Colorado. Five Pillars Plus instruction develops key reading strategies while engaging the whole child by including strategies for critical thinking, listening, speaking and writing. The program also includes interactive software that emphasizes vocabulary, comprehension and the link between reading and writing. Additional resources include the Home-School Exchange feature, which allows parents to be active and supportive in their child's reading development, and Critical Thinking Cards, which spark discussion and engagement for boys.

For more information about Pair-It Extreme, please visit www.steckvaughn.com/pairit.

About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company is a global education leader and the world's largest publisher of educational materials for pre-K–12 schools. The Company publishes a comprehensive set of best-in-class educational solutions, ranging from research-based textbook programs to instructional technology to standards-based assessments for students and educators. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. With origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. To learn more about Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, visit www.hmhpub.com.