Harcourt Buys Saxon

[Bob Schaeffer <bobschaeffer@earthlink.net>]

How appropriate!  Major test-maker Harcourt buys major drill-and-kill 
publisher Saxon.  Can (dumbed-down) curriculum alignment with the exams 
be far behind?  Gag me with a truckload of multiple-choice ovals and 
blacken my eyes with Number 2 pencils.


           HARCOURT ACHIEVE ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF SAXON PUBLISHERS, INC.
                       PRNewswire -- Juned 1, 2004

Austin -- Harcourt Achieve, a unit of global education provider 
Harcourt, announced today that it has agreed to acquire Saxon 
Publishers, Inc., a leading publisher of skills-based instructional 
materials for grades pre-K through 12 in mathematics, phonics, and early 
childhood. Harcourt, a Reed Elsevier Group plc company, said it expected 
to complete the purchase immediately following receipt of necessary 
regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.


Saxon Math is the nation's best selling skills-based mathematics program 
for grades K-12 and a leader in the "alternate basal" math segment. The 
program is based on a unique, incremental pedagogical approach that 
emphasizes practice, review, and frequent cumulative assessment. 
Incorporating 20 years of research and field experience, Saxon Math is 
one of the most thoroughly researched programs available to K-12 math 
educators. Other Saxon programs include Saxon Phonics and Spelling K-3, 
and Saxon Early Learning.

"Saxon is the undisputed leader in skills-based math instruction," said 
Harcourt Achieve President Tim McEwen. "It is an incredibly strong 
brand, with a large and loyal following that is growing everyday. At a 
time when educators want research-based solutions backed by scientific 
evidence of efficacy, Saxon stands out, with an exceptionally well 
documented record of effectiveness."

"Over the years we have been approached by many companies interested in 
acquiring Saxon. I am pleased to say we believe Harcourt has the 
experience, resources and the commitment to further our father's vision 
and to continue the success of the company he founded," said John H. 
Saxon III on behalf of the Saxon Family.

"The addition of Saxon helps balance the Harcourt Achieve supplemental 
and alternative basal portfolio, which has been weighted toward reading 
and language arts," said Julie McGee, CEO of Harcourt Achieve, 
Professional and Trade. "Mathematics is one of the fastest growing 
subject areas and the next major focus of education researchers and 
policymakers, whose attention until recently has been concentrated on 
reading. Growth in mathematics sales will also be supported by a strong 
state adoption calendar in the coming years."

"Skills-based, alternative basal programs represent an important segment 
in K-12 math education that we have not previously targeted," said 
Harcourt CEO Pat Tierney. "Saxon immediately places us in a leading 
position in that sector."

"Saxon has achieved remarkable success as a family run business," McEwen 
said. "With the publishing and marketing resources of Harcourt behind 
it, we believe there is significant upside potential."

About Harcourt Achieve

Harcourt Achieve produces learning solutions and content that 
fundamentally and positively change the lives of young and adult 
learners. Published under the Rigby and Steck-Vaughn imprints, its 
products are based on a developmental philosophy that assesses learners' 
skills, matches them to appropriate content and accelerates them to meet 
and exceed expectations. The Steck-Vaughn imprint offers easy-to-use, 
innovative learning solutions that accelerate content-area knowledge and 
reading skills, allowing learners to meet and exceed expectations. The 
Rigby imprint offers progressive learning solutions for reading 
instruction that provide differentiated instruction to match students' 
instructional levels. For more information, please visit 
http://www.HarcourtAchieve.com.

Harcourt Achieve is part of Harcourt, a global education provider 
serving students and teachers in PreK through grade 12, adult learners 
and readers of all ages. The Harcourt Education companies are Harcourt 
School Publishers; Holt, Rinehart and Winston; Harcourt Achieve; 
Harcourt Assessment; Classroom Connect; Harcourt Canada; Harcourt 
Religion Publishers; Harcourt Trade Publishers; Greenwood/Heinemann and 
Heinemann Global Library. For more information, please visit 
http://www.harcourt.com

Harcourt is a Reed Elsevier* company (NYSE: RUK)

Reed Elsevier comprises the combined businesses of Reed Elsevier Group 
plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV, together with their two parent 
companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040601/dctu062_1.html