Reno, NV (May 3, 2004) -- To further motivate reluctant readers and help struggling students master reading skills, Scholastic, the global children's media and publishing company, today launched new software and literature components for READ 180, the groundbreaking reading intervention program for students in grades Transitional 3 through 12 who are reading below grade level. The new, high-interest instructional materials will be demonstrated for the first time at the International Reading Association's 49th Annual Conference in Reno, NV from May 2-6, 2004.
 
“Research has shown that in order for struggling readers to continually learn and practice skills, they need a variety of materials that are motivational, high-interest and tied to the curriculum. The new Literature & the Arts software and Fact & Fiction Paperback Collection, coupled with READ 180's existing instruction, will give students more opportunities to learn, practice and master the reading skills that are necessary for success in school,” said Margery Mayer, President, Scholastic Education.
 
Taught using a unique instructional model, READ 180 delivers daily, intensive and individualized reading instruction through data-driven technology, high-interest literature, teacher-led instruction and ongoing assessment tools. To captivate the older struggling reader, READ 180 uses cross-curriculum software and libraries of more than 150 leveled audiobooks and paperback books that are written specifically for young adults who are reading at the elementary school level.
 
To further engage struggling readers, the new READ 180 materials include:

• Literature & the Arts Topic Software features exciting videos to help students build mental models and gain background information before they begin to read passages. As students work through the motivating, age-appropriate software on beloved authors, great books, and universal themes and ideas in literature, they gain core knowledge in English and language arts and build vocabulary, fluency, word study, comprehension and spelling, while the management system records data and adjusts individual instruction.

 
Through the new software, READ 180 students will receive reading skill instruction and practice from segments on high-interest themes such as Myths and Monsters, Tales of Adventure, Scene Stealers and Writers Who Rock. The new software will also feature animated classics, a new medium for helping students develop mental models of what they are about to read.
 

• The Fact & Fiction Collection keeps students motivated by offering more books to choose from in several genres including Contemporary Fiction, Classics, Science/Math and Social Studies/History. Each fiction and nonfiction title is age-appropriate and leveled so that students reading at various ability levels can find a book they can read and finish with success.

 
The Fact & Fiction Collection of 80 books (5 copies of 16 leveled books) offers content-rich stories that teach students about cross-curricular topics in an engaging context. New titles include It's a Dog's Life, Tom Sawyer, In Search of the Mummy King, You're on the Air: Advice from a Radio Talk Show, Weird Science: How Freaky Animals Get That Way, The Long Walk The True Story of Molly Craig, Don Quixote, First Jobs, Life After High School and Malcolm X.
 
The Literature & the Arts Topic Software can be purchased for $5,500 through August 31, 2004 ($6,000 after September 1, 2004); the Fact and Fiction Collection is $399 through August 31, 2004 ($499 after September 1, 2004). More information on Scholastic products is available at the Scholastic IRA Booth #446 in Halls 1 &2, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, by calling 1-800-SCHOLASTIC (724-6527) or visiting www.scholastic.com/read180.
 
About Scholastic READ 180
Scholastic's READ 180 program is a research-based, intensive reading intervention program for students in transitional grade 3 through high school and young adult. The program directly addresses students' individual needs through adaptive and instructional software, high-interest, age appropriate literature, and direct instruction in reading skills. It also features additional support for English Language learners and Special Needs students. The program provides robust support for educators through a complete curriculum of instructional materials, continuous assessment that helps inform instruction, reporting on student performance and professional development. Currently in more than 4,000 school districts nationwide, the program has consistently proven to be effective in helping to raise reading achievement while motivating and engaging students. More information is available at www.scholastic.com/read180.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries, and television networks; and the Company's Internet Site, www.scholastic.com.

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