The partnership will address several of the most critical challenges faced by educators, students, and parents throughout the district. Initiatives will include the creation of a St. Lucie County Parent Academy, enhancement of early childhood education, development of a comprehensive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum, and expanded access to information technology and the internet for all students to help bridge the digital divide within the district.
The partnership will also provide a high level of professional development and training for teachers in the use and instruction of 21st century technology and digital materials.
“We′re thrilled to be embarking on this unique partnership, and are committed to helping St. Lucie build a strong educational foundation for the future of its community,” said Mike Lavelle, President of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Education Group. “We are invested in the success of St. Lucie′s teachers, students and parents and believe that by providing education technology, professional guidance and parental support, we can bridge the digital divide for the benefit of individual students as well as the larger community of St. Lucie.”
This new collaboration will not only raise student achievement, but provide the local community access to valuable cutting−edge materials and software. This is manifested particularly in the creation of the Parent Academy, which gives parents the resources they need to help their kids excel in school while helping their families succeed more in society.
“This partnership is a breakthrough step, and cultural game−changer for the people and economy of St. Lucie County. Our students will be taught in ways that they have not experienced before,” said St. Lucie County Schools Superintendent Michael Lannon. “They will be equipped to meet the needs of the Florida Research Coast, as well as those that are critical for future economic development. This is about raising the entire community.”
This partnership is just the latest in a long and successful relationship between Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and St. Lucie County Public Schools. The two announced in 2009 the results of a five−year technology infusion initiative in St. Lucie schools that showed a direct positive correlation between interactive courseware solutions and student achievement in those areas. Fundamental to the success of that campaign was the introduction of HMH′s Destination Math, Destination Reading, and Learning Village platform into the classroom. The initiative helped St, Lucie move from a C−rated to a B−rated district based on Florida′s A+ Plan accountability system.
About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a global education and learning company that is leading the way with innovative solutions and approaches to the challenges facing education today. The world’s largest provider of educational products and solutions for pre-K–12 learning, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt develops and delivers interactive, results-driven learning solutions that advance teacher effectiveness and student achievement. Through curricula excellence and technology innovation, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt collaborates with school districts, administrators, teachers, parents and students. Today, HMH education products and services are used by 57 million students throughout all 50 U.S. states and 120 countries. With origins dating back to 1832, the Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. For more information, visit www.hmhpub.com.