Wright Group/McGraw-Hill Expands Alliance with the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project to Include Grades 6-12

CHICAGO, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Wright Group/McGraw-Hill announced today that it has reached an agreement with the University of Chicago to publish the third edition of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP) research-based mathematics curriculum for Grades 6-12, with the first programs available beginning in 2007. Wright Group already publishes UCSMP's respected Pre-K-6 mathematics program, Everyday Mathematics.

"We are delighted to build on our successful alliance with UCSMP to offer a complete mathematics program for students from Grades Pre-K to 12. Teaching students to understand and appreciate mathematics is more urgent than ever in our global economy, and these new programs will help teachers to accomplish that goal," said Kathleen Ludwig, the Wright Group's executive editor for product development.

The new program will enable school districts to select a cohesive, research-based mathematics program for all students Pre-K-12. Now in their 22nd year of research and development, UCSMP curricula are used by more than 3.8 million students in the United States.

While Everyday Mathematics' Grade 6 program is primarily used by districts that have Pre-K-6 elementary schools, the 6-12 program will include a new Grade 6 curriculum targeted for middle schools and will update the materials that UCSMP has had for grades 7-12.

UCSMP was founded in 1983 at the University of Chicago with the aim of upgrading mathematics education in elementary and secondary schools throughout the United States. Its meticulous research and development have resulted in materials that have been proven effective in increased test scores at all levels.

"We believe, with the information explosion and advances in technology, society today demands a more sophisticated understanding of mathematics, beyond simple computation skills," said Dr. Zalman Usiskin, director of UCSMP and a professor of education at the University of Chicago. "Our research has allowed us to develop mathematics programs that emphasize problem-solving, everyday applications, reading and the use of technology to help students eventually master higher level mathematics."

About Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill publishes innovative, alternative core and supplemental literacy and mathematics programs for differentiated instruction and teacher training in Grades Pre-K-8. The research-based approach is anchored in real-world applications and is based on the assessed needs of students, combining developmentally appropriate materials with explicit outcomes. Wright Group is a part of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading Pre-K through Grade 12 educational publisher and a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies . Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education, and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's and BusinessWeek. The corporation has more than 300 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at mcgraw-hill.com. For more information on Wright Group's products, call 1-800-648-2970 or visit http://www.wrightgroup.com/.

About The University of Chicago

The University of Chicago is one of the world's great intellectual communities and centers of learning. It has achieved particular distinction through faculty scholarship, the training of graduate students, and an undergraduate education that emphasizes critical thinking and broad interdisciplinary exposure to the full range of intellectual discovery.