WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) today announced positive results from a first-year implementation of HMH Fuse™: Algebra 1 at the Pajaro Middle School in Watsonville, Calif. Following the first full academic year using the new technology, eighth grade students demonstrated increased engagement and aptitude, which translated to vastly-improved standardized test scores and proficiency levels.
“In just one year using the HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 app, the number of students in my class that scored at or above a proficient level on California Standardized Tests doubled from 38 percent to 76 percent,” said Jared Boggs, eighth grade teacher at Pajaro Middle School. “Students today are responding to teaching methods that didn’t exist in the past, and this technology allows them to learn in a way that makes Algebra fun and interactive. It captivates the students and reinvigorates the learning experience.”
Additionally, Boggs marveled at the way the app revolutionized how he teaches Algebra, enabling him to more easily work one-on-one with students to meet their unique learning needs.
HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 is designed to deliver Algebra curriculum in a way that engages tech-savvy 21st century students. Students receive step-by-step animated instruction, instant feedback on practice questions, the ability to write, record and save notes, and access to over 400 video tutorials with the touch of a finger. The app’s programming combines instruction with ongoing support and intervention, allowing teachers and students to customize learning and meet individual needs. The app also helps teachers monitor performance with real-time student-specific feedback.
“Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is committed to providing teachers and students with quality content built for a digital age. The marked increase in proficiency in Pajaro Valley shows that when implemented with the right infrastructure, it has the power to be extremely effective,” said Mary Cullinane, Chief Content Officer and EVP, Corporate Affairs, HMH. “HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 leverages an interactive tablet-based approach to create an engaging learning experience and enables students to learn at their own pace, resulting in improved outcomes for both teachers and learners.”
Thanks in part to a Model Technology Classroom Grant provided by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE), the eighth graders were given iPads® with access to the Fuse app, in addition to expanded learning opportunities at home. The grant also funded professional development training for teachers and technical support from the school district.
“We are always looking for ways to innovate beyond the traditional classroom to help engage and inspire students to reach their potential,” said Harendra Goonetilleke, Technology Integration Coach, Pajaro Valley Unified School District. “The results these students achieved with the HMH Fuse: Algebra 1 app were so dramatic, we are planning to expand its use to other classes in our district.”
To learn more about HMH Fuse, please click here.
About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (NASDAQ:HMHC) is a global learning company with the mission of changing people’s lives by fostering passionate, curious learners. Among the world’s largest providers of pre-K–12 education solutions and one of its longest-established publishing houses, HMH combines cutting-edge research, editorial excellence and technological innovation to improve teaching and learning environments and solve complex literacy and education challenges. HMH’s interactive, results-driven education solutions are utilized by 50 million students in over 150 countries, and its renowned and awarded novels, non-fiction, children's books and reference works are enjoyed by readers throughout the world. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com.