Pearson Test of English Now Recognized by University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Graduate College

Research University Turns to New State-of-the-Art Measure of English Language Ability to Support Growth of International Student Community

Las Vegas and New York, August 26, 2009 — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), announced today that its Graduate College will recognize Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) , the company’s computer-based English language test that measures the English language proficiency of candidates for admission who are non-native English speakers.

In its 50-year history, UNLV has grown from a small branch college into a thriving urban research institution of 28,000 students and 3,300 faculty and staff. UNLV’s Graduate College offers nearly 120 graduate degree programs, including 36 doctoral and professional degrees, to its more than 6,000 graduate and professional students. Classified as a research university by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, UNLV’s Graduate College strives to advance the university’s reputation as a premier metropolitan research university.

“As UNLV’s Graduate College continues to grow and advance the university’s academic and research missions, we are committed to providing our international students with the highest quality academic experience,” said Rob Sheinkopf, Director of Graduate Admissions and Records, UNLV. “Recognizing PTE Academic as a measure of English language ability will help us enhance and grow our overall international student enrollment.”

PTE Academic is endorsed by the prestigious Graduate Management Admission CouncilŪ (GMACŪ), owner of the Graduate Management Admission TestŪ (GMATŪ). PTE Academic launches internationally from October 2009.

“We are honored to count UNLV among the growing list of colleges and universities around the world recognizing PTE Academic,” said Mark Anderson, President, Pearson Language Tests. “We know that our state-of-the-art measure of English language abilities will help the Graduate College ensure that the international students it admits are prepared to be successful in an English-speaking academic environment.”

Pearson combined the power of international test development, in-depth research and proven, proprietary automated scoring technologies to develop PTE Academic. The test will fill a critical need by accurately measuring the English language Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing abilities of non-native speakers. PTE Academic will deliver real-life measures of test takers’ language proficiency to universities, higher education institutions, government departments and other organizations requiring academic-level English.

For more information, visit www.pearsonpte.com

About Pearson Language Tests

Pearson Language Tests (PLT) is part of Pearson plc. PLT is developing PTE Academic in collaboration with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, reaches and engages today’s digital natives with effective and personalized learning, as well as dedicated professional development for their teachers. This commitment is demonstrated in the company’s investment in innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. The company’s respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley, Benjamin Cummings, PEMSolutions, Stanford 10, SuccessNet, MyLabs, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker and many others. Pearson’s comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student at every level of education. Pearson’s commitment to education for all is supported by the global philanthropic initiatives of the Pearson Foundation. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, visit www.pearson.com

Contact

Rod Granger
Pearson
800-745-8489