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SILVER SPRING, Md., January 16, 2014 - A new study released today found that usage of Discovery Education's digital science textbook is associated with higher science achievement scores. Specifically, the research suggests that the Discovery Education Science Techbook^TM increases student science achievement and bolsters the effectiveness of instruction when teachers with one or more years of experience use it in classroom practice.

Conducted by independent research firm Merola Research, LLC, the study reviewed results on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) in science for fifth and eighth grade students in Collier County, Fla. During the 2011-2012 school year, Collier County Public Schools partnered with Discovery Education to implement Discovery Education Science Techbook, a digital textbook for their science curriculum. Included in the implementation was in-depth, customized professional development from Discovery Education's professional development team, which supported educators as they integrated the Science Techbook into classroom instruction.

The researchers concluded that students whose teachers had one or more years of teaching experience and used Science Techbook for instruction scored higher on the FCAT than students whose teachers had similar levels of experience but had not used Science Techbook for instruction.  Additionally, fifth grade English Language Learner (ELL) students whose teachers used Science Techbook for instruction were 66 percent more likely to score at the proficient level or higher on the FCAT, compared to ELL students whose teachers were not using Science Techbook for instruction.  

Other key findings from the study include:

• At the fifth grade level, on average FCAT scores were 4.36 points higher among students whose teachers had more than one year of teaching experience and used Science Techbook than for students with similar teachers who did not use Science Techbook.
• At the eighth grade level, on average FCAT scores were 16.54 points higher for students whose teachers had more than one year of teaching experience and used Science Techbook than for students whose teachers had similar levels of experience who did not use Science Techbook.
• Fifth grade ELL students with teachers who used Science Techbook during the 2011-2012 year scored about 14 points higher on the Science FCAT on average than ELL students whose teachers did not use Techbook.

"The results of this study are a testament to the fact that Discovery Education Science Techbook fosters engaging and effective digital learning experiences," said Dr. Kamela Patton, superintendent of Collier County Public Schools. "We are proud to partner with Discovery Education to provide our teachers the high-quality resources creating the dynamic, exciting learning environments we know are critical to student success."

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.

"These results continue to prove that utilization of dynamic digital resources like the Discovery Education Techbook series, along with intentional professional development, has the power to enrich instruction and advance student achievement," said CEO of Discovery Education, Bill Goodwyn. "When educators have the tools and resources to create interactive learning experiences that support a variety of learning styles, abilities, and languages, they can create an environment that supports academic success and the skills necessary for college, careers and global citizenship."

To review a full copy of the study, visit: http://www.discoveryeducation.com/collier.

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 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, 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.