Houghton Mifflin Co. News Release - December 1, 2006

McDougal Littell Makes History with Cutting-Edge Social Studies Program

Evanston, Ill.—December 1, 2006— McDougal Littell, a division of Houghton Mifflin Company, today launched American History, a new middle school social studies program that brings history to life with innovative technology, at the National Council for the Social Studies in Washington, D.C.

McDougal Littell American History is a comprehensive, easy-to-use and interactive program designed to engage middle school students in the learning process. Rooted in the essential questions of history, McDougal Littell American History helps students connect to the past with hands-on learning exercises and activities. Through groundbreaking technology unique to McDougal Littell American History, such as CCC! Video on Demand and Animated History lessons, students will make personal connections to the people, events and issues that form the rich tapestry of the American story.

"Research shows that students are more motivated to study history when they are actively involved in their learning," said Jim O’Neill, social studies marketing director, McDougal Littell. "McDougal Littell American History provides flexible print and technology resources to help teachers motivate diverse student populations by addressing different learning styles and levels."

McDougal Littell American History assessment tools offer teachers a variety of testing options to gauge student comprehension. Instant feedback on student progress and suggested prescriptive re-teaching exercises ensure that assessment not only measures student progress, but also informs instruction. Whether planning, teaching or assessing, McDougal Littell American History has the appropriate resources for differing teaching methods and philosophies, allowing teachers to meet the needs of all students.

"One of the most effective ways to differentiate instruction is to provide leveled reading support for students," said Roderick Spelman, social studies editorial director, McDougal Littell. "With McDougal Littell American History, we've framed each chapter on an essential question, embedded key questions throughout the narrative to help students focus on the most important content and developed a strong vocabulary strand to introduce and reinforce critical concepts."

The senior consultants for McDougal Littell American History are Dr. Robert Dallek, acclaimed historian of the American presidency and New York Times bestselling author; Dr. Jésus Garcia, professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and past president of the National Council for the Social Studies; Dr. Donna Ogle, professor of reading and language at National-Louis University in Evanston, Ill., and past president of the International Reading Association; and C. Frederick Risinger, retired professor of social studies at Indiana University, Bloomington, and past president of the National Council for the Social Studies.

About McDougal Littell
McDougal Littell, a division of Houghton Mifflin Company, is among the fastest growing publishers in the United States, recognized for its innovation, dedication and responsiveness to the needs of educators. Based in Evanston, Illinois, the Company publishes print and technology materials for language arts, mathematics, social studies, world languages, and science for grades 6 through 12. The Company's Web site can be found at www.mcdougallittell.com.

About Houghton Mifflin
Boston-based Houghton Mifflin Company is one of the leading educational publishers in the United States, with more than $1 billion in sales. Houghton Mifflin publishes textbooks, instructional technology, assessments and other educational materials for elementary and secondary schools and colleges. The Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers. With its origins dating back to 1832, Houghton Mifflin combines its tradition of excellence with a commitment to innovation. The Company's Web site can be found at www.hmco.com.