CALIFORNIA’S MERCED UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT DRIVES DIGITAL TRANSITION WITH NEW DISCOVERY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP Shawnee Cohn, Discovery Education240-393-5849, shawnee_cohn@discovery.com Stephen Wakefield, Discovery Education240-463-2894, Stephen_Wakefield@discovery.com -District Empowers High School Educators to Create Authentic Digital Learning Environments with Discovery Education’s Science and Math Techbooks- Silver Spring, Md. (June 10, 2016) – California’s Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) and Discovery Education, the leading provider of digital content and professional development for K-12 classrooms, today announced the launch of a new partnership bringing Discovery Education’s award-winning digital science and math textbooks to over 6,500 students in grades 9-12. A digital textbook series, Discovery Education’s Techbooks are aligned to rigorous standards, support a comprehensive curriculum, and include professional development. The five-year partnership will support MUHSD’s efforts to create modern digital learning environments that support the success of all students. In 2014, MUHSD launched a 1:1 Chromebook initiative that has transformed teaching and learning, supported the transition to the Common Core State Standards, and personalized instruction for every student. To further support this initiative, MUHSD is empowering high school educators to deepen student engagement in classroom instruction with Discovery Education’s Math and Science Techbooks. “Merced Union High School District is committed to creating engaging digital learning environments that prepare all students for success beyond the classroom,” said Costa Aguilar, Director of Technology at Merced Union High School District. “The integration of Discovery Education’s dynamic digital textbooks into instruction and the supporting professional development will help our educators meet this goal and ensure a successful transition to dynamic digital classrooms.” Discovery Education’s Techbooks are breakthrough digital textbooks that are aligned to rigorous standards, support a comprehensive curriculum, and are updated regularly at no cost. The series encourages all learners through interactive features that change the reading level of text and enable text to be read aloud. The Techbook series saves teachers’ time with a comprehensive design that places model lessons, student activities and assessments at their fingertips. Techbooks are platform neutral and can be used in 1:1 or 1-to-many configurations and in any instructional environment. Discovery Education’s Science Techbook series empowers educators to transform science instruction. Utilizing an inquiry-based format built on the 5E model, the Science Techbook, through hands-on labs, digital explorations, an interactive glossary, and data analysis activities, helps teach students to read, write, and think like scientists. Math Techbook, the latest addition to Discovery Education’s award-winning line of digital textbooks, transforms the way students and teachers experience math through engaging instructional strategies and real-world problems that motivate and excite students with diverse learning styles. To ensure each MUHSD teacher is fully supported in their transition to the Science and Math Techbooks, Discovery Education experts will provide faculty with high-quality professional development supporting the integration of the digital textbook into classroom practice. In addition, the Discovery Education Community will support MUHSD educators’ efforts to transform students’ learning experience with digital media. A global community of education professionals, the Discovery Education Community 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. “Discovery Education is honored to be a part of Merced Union High School District’s efforts to transform students’ learning experiences,” said Matthew Cosby, Manager of Education Partnerships at Discovery Education. “We applaud Superintendent Peterson and the entire team at the district for their dedication to providing all teachers and students with digital resources that foster authentic, real-world learning experiences.” For more information about the Math Techbook, Science Techbook or other Discovery Education services, please visit www.discoveryeducation.com. About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content, professional development, and the largest professional learning community of its kind. Serving 3 million educators and over 30 million students, Discovery Education’s services are in half of U.S. classrooms, 50 percent of all primary schools in the UK, and more than 50 countries. Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that increase 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.