Discovery Press Web United States

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Silver Spring, Md. (August 13, 2014) - Charleston County School District (CCSD), the second largest school system in South Carolina, and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, announced today an expansion of their partnership that brings Discovery Education's award-winning digital science textbook to elementary and middle school classrooms district-wide.

Through this expansion, CCSD students in grades 1-8 will now have access to Discovery Education's Science Techbook^TM series. A complete digital solution that replaces traditional textbooks, Discovery Education's digital science textbook features compelling video, digital simulations and explorations, virtual and hands-on labs, and an interactive glossary with animations, audio and video. The series is currently available for K-8 and high school courses including Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Physics.

The expanded partnership continues Superintendent Nancy McGinley's five-year plan, Vision 2016, which will dramatically advance student achievement in the district through literacy improvement and teacher effectiveness. Science Techbook, which has been found to increase student achievement test scores, supports this effort by preparing students for successful reading through comprehensive literacy resources including a multimodal interactive glossary and text-to-voice capabilities. Additionally, district educators will receive extensive professional development from Discovery Education experts that will support them as they integrate the Science Techbook series into classroom instruction.

"We are looking forward to working with Discovery Education's expert team to implement high-quality digital resources that actively engage students to think, analyze and communicate like scientists," said Rodney Moore, science curriculum specialist at Charleston County School District. "This expanded partnership will help ensure every child graduates from CCSD with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in college and the global workforce."

Since 2004, CCSD educators and students across the district have had access to dynamic digital resources through Discovery Education Streaming, a comprehensive digital library of over 100,000 learning objects aligned to state and national standards.

A cloud-based application that works on any platform and classroom configuration, the Science Techbook series is built upon the 5E model of instruction that promotes inquiry-based learning, enhances literacy skills and improves student achievement.  A recent study conducted by independent research firm Merola Research, LLC found that usage of Science Techbook increased student achievement scores, including that of ELL learners on the FCAT, Florida's standardized test. Techbooks are also a substantially less expensive option per student at nearly half the cost of a traditional textbook, with additional savings derived from a lack of textbook replacement or inventory costs. 

In addition, the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) will continue to support CCSD educators in their efforts to transform students' learning experiences with digital media. A global community of education professionals, the DEN connects members across school systems and around the world through social media, virtual conferences, and in-person events, fostering valuable networking, idea sharing, and inspiration.

"We are thrilled to continue to partner with Charleston County School District to support educators in bringing the world of science to life through dynamic and engaging digital content," said Rob Warren, director at Discovery Education. "Paired with customized, comprehensive professional development, these high-quality multimedia resources will help satisfy students' scientific curiosity and accelerate learning outcomes."

For more information about the Discovery Education Science Techbook series or other services and resources from Discovery Education, 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.