DALLAS, Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Voyager, a business unit of Cambium Learning Group, Inc. ABCD launched a new version of VocabJourney®, an interactive, web-based reading component to help students boost their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Research has shown that vocabulary deficiencies are a primary cause of academic failure in grades three through 12.

Originally offered only to students in Voyager's high school reading intervention program, Passport Reading Journeys® III, the newly enhanced version of VocabJourney, is now available to all levels of Passport Reading Journeys (grades six through nine) as well as students in LANGUAGE!®, the company's comprehensive literacy intervention program (for grades three through 12). In addition to these versions that have been designed to work with Passport Reading Journeys and LANGUAGE!, a version of VocabJourney is available to individuals, districts and schools for use as a stand-alone vocabulary intervention.  

"VocabJourney addresses a critical need not only in literacy intervention, but also in the content areas such as social studies and science where the academic vocabulary necessary to access those subject areas is often missing or deficient," says David Cappellucci, President of Cambium Learning Group.

The new version of VocabJourney uses a gaming format -- Learn, Play, Master -- to study word sets with a focus on word retention and mastery. Students set their own goals and those motivated by competition can vie for a spot on the "National Leaderboard." The Play segment involves a choice of four casual word games that vary in level of difficulty. Each level concludes with an assessment to confirm mastery and present achievements.

VocabJourney includes basic and academic word sets that teach:  

• Vocabulary commonly used in state standards and SAT study lists
• Content-specific words that provide extra practice in core subjects
• Vocabulary that addresses the needs of students who are working toward English language proficiency

Updated features and benefits of VocabJourney include:

• New, easy-to-use dashboard so students can track their progress
• Adaptive engine for word mastery
• New games: Sortegories and WordVault!
• Embedded assessments to help teachers monitor progress and differentiate instruction

To learn more about VocabJourney and sign up for a free trial visit:  http://www.voyagerlearning.com/vocabjourney/index.jsp

About Voyager

Voyager is a member of Cambium Learning Group ABCD, the leading educational company focused primarily on serving the needs of at-risk and special student populations. Dedicated to the success of every student, Voyager provides strategic and intensive comprehensive interventions that are adaptive to the needs of diverse populations. Voyager's instructional materials, support services and educational technology help accelerate struggling students to grade-level proficiency, preventing unnecessary referrals to special education. For more information, please visit www.voyagerlearning.com or call 1-888-399-1995.

Media and Investor Contact:
Shannan Overbeck
Cambium Learning Group, Inc.
214.932.9476
shannan.overbeck@cambiumlearning.com

SOURCE Cambium Learning Group, Inc. and Voyager