Triumph Learning, formerly Educational Design Incorporated, has been publishing Coach test preparation books for more than twenty years, beginning with books designed to help students on the annual TEAMS test originally given in Texas.

As more states developed annual assessments based upon their state curriculum guidelines, our company followed suit by publishing customized test preparation programs for these tests as well.  In recent years, with implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) legislation, all states have developed their own tests in reading and mathematics.  They are also phasing in testing in other areas.  Triumph Learning has remained a leader in publishing test preparation resources by developing new state-specific programs as they are needed. 

State-specific Coach books are systematically developed.  First, the state’s curriculum standards and previous tests are thoroughly reviewed by Triumph editors for content.  Then the tests are analyzed for question style and format, typography, and narrative characteristics.  Testing coordinators and specialists from the individual states are engaged to review and comment on the initial samples prepared by writers; the samples are then revised based upon this input.  As writing proceeds, educators at the state department level and from the larger districts within the state are asked to review and critique the materials.

Coach books are carefully structured to match the standards and skills in each state’s curriculum.  These standards and skills are broken down into their component parts and each is explicitly taught in the student books through example, instruction, and practice.  Practice tests are included as well and, for the most part, the books are self-instructional.

In interviews conducted in spring 2004 as part of a Triumph Learning validation study, Reading/Language Arts teachers who used Coach books were vocal in their praise of Coach alignment with their state’s standards and test format, and of the length and type of reading passages, writing strategies and practice material, and helpful hints and tips scattered throughout the books.  For Mathematics teachers who were users of Coach books too, among the most frequently mentioned positive features were Coach alignment with state standards and test formats and the abundant practice material included in our books.  (Read about our Validation Study.)

Triumph Learning has expanded its publishing program in recent years, to include skill-building series that zero in on critical concepts:  constructing responses to open-ended math questions, mastering short and extended responses to open-ended questions in language arts, strategies and applications for mathematics problem solving, essential social studies content and skills, and other core topics.  These student texts are ideal tools to extend and enhance the targeted instruction in our Coach books, and we are pleased to add them to a list that has been demonstrated effective in helping to raise levels of achievement.  We look forward to working together with you to make a measurable difference in the lives of your students.  Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.

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Triumph Learning® • 136 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor • New York, NY 10016 • 212-652-0200

Triumph Learning® is a division of Haights Cross Communications®.  Haights Cross, founded in 1997 and based in White Plains, NY, is a leading developer and publisher of products for kindergarten through twelfth grade supplemental education, library, and medical education markets.  For more information, visit www.haightscross.com.