COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- SRA/McGraw-Hill's much-loved Reading Laboratory(R) methodology is now available for Internet-based middle and high school science lessons in a new supplementary program called SRA Science iLabs(TM).

Appropriate for Grades 6-12, SRA Science iLabs personalizes learning and provides easy management. The highly adaptable program can supplement whole class instruction, aid individual learning, offer after-school projects, or review concepts, which are searchable by topic, as needed. Used to teach core science concepts in Life, Earth, and Physical Science, SRA Science iLabs can be sorted and assigned by state standards.

'SRA Science iLabs harnesses the power of the Internet to make science engaging, accessible, and relevant for today's generation of learners,' said Dan Caton, president of SRA/McGraw-Hill. 'The proven Lab method made popular by SRA's Reading Labs makes this program a reliable and flexible way to make sure students are mastering key science concepts.'

Available at SRAiLabs.com, SRA Science iLabs differentiates instruction through customized learning paths. Students take pretests to diagnose skill levels and content knowledge needs. The program automatically assigns the science reading selections -- Science iReadings -- best tailored to students' individual needs. As students complete the Science iReadings, comprehension is checked through carefully formulated questions, which also prepare students for statewide tests. At the end of each customized unit, post-tests assess and track student progress.

SRA Science iLabs supports independent learning because the self-directed lessons allow students to work at their own pace and at different reading levels. Each student has a personal landing page -- or dashboard -- to manage lessons and tasks. The dashboard allows each student to track progress using the Scorecard feature.

The 'Exchange' feature motivates students by allowing them to redeem points earned for progress in exchange for changing the dashboard design, customizing their online avatars, playing science games, or collecting trivia cards.

NBC News Archives on Demand and National Science Teachers Association's SciLinks(TM) extensions allow students to expand learning through accessing current news, videos, and trustworthy information online.

In addition, teacher management features allow the instructor to monitor and modify student settings to give each student and class the support they need to be successful.

Build Literacy Skills During Science Lessons

Science iReadings also strengthen literacy skills. Vocabulary is previewed at the beginning of each Science iReading in a bilingual glossary that assists Spanish-speaking students with content comprehension. Key vocabulary terms are highlighted and audio-enabled in both English and Spanish. All vocabulary used throughout the Science iReadings is available to students in the glossary.

Word Study activities focus on key strategies, such as Context Clues and Synonyms, while helping students make connections between science concepts.

SRA Science iLabs provides extra writing practice with Write About Science prompts.

About SRA/McGraw-Hill

SRA/McGraw-Hill is the top provider of specialized research-based educational programs and professional development for the elementary market. Leading programs include SRA Imagine It! reading program, Direct Instruction, SRA Number Worlds, and additional core and supplemental programs. SRA is part of McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment, and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at mheducation.com. For more information on SRA/McGraw-Hill's products, call 1-888-SRA-4543 and visit SRAonline.com.

     Contact:  Lisa Tullos
               SRA/McGraw-Hill
               (614) 750-7287
               lisa_tullos@mcgraw-hill.com
               Melina Metzger
               Paul Werth Associates
               (614) 224-8114 Ext. 236
               mmetzger@paulwerth.com

SOURCE SRA/McGraw-Hill