NEW YORK – (April 2, 2008)—Against the backdrop of the Annual International Conference of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Pearson, the world’s leading educational publisher, today announced comprehensive new programs to help California meet the needs of its highly diverse and growing English language learner population.

This initiative includes the planned submission of an intensive intervention program for English learners and struggling readers from Pearson Longman, the global leader of programs for English language learners. Combined with several reading and language arts submissions announced last month, Pearson will be providing California learners with the first new and totally integrated comprehensive Kindergarten through high school reading and literacy package from one company for all levels.

“This growing and challenging student population deserves more than a random, piecemeal approach to instruction,” said Joanne Dresner, President of Pearson Longman. “That’s why we have developed an integrated core program series across the board for Kindergarten through grade 12. Not only have we created a seamless bridge from intervention to the basic program, but we have anchored it all in California English Language Arts Content Standards.”

Pearson Longman’s announcement comes in advance of its planned submission later this month of its programs to California’s State Board of Education as part of the state’s reading/language arts adoption process.

“As the most diverse state in the nation, California sets the pace for the rest of the country in terms of how we ensure success for English learners,” said Dresner, who noted a recent study that estimates English language learners are expected to comprise a quarter of the U.S. student population by 2025. “We envision our K-12 approach serving not just California, but as a model for the rest of the United States with highly diverse populations.”

This intensive intervention series for struggling readers and English learners falls into two programs: Longman Cornerstone (www.LongmanCornerstone.com) for grades Kindergarten through grade five; and Longman Keystone (www.LongmanKeystone.com) for grades six through twelve. Both are designed to provide explicit, intensive, and focused instruction that accelerates students’ language acquisition and reading comprehension skills, enabling them to transition seamlessly into mainstream coursework across the curriculum.

Dresner cited the value infused into the programs by such prestigious program authors as Jim Cummins, Anna Uhi Chamot, John De Mado, and Sharroky Hollie.

With a blend of proven reading and language instruction strategies – together with rich literature and cross-curricular content – English Learners, struggling readers, students with special needs, and students with interrupted formal education (SIFEs) will be equipped with the key transferable academic skills necessary for lifelong success.

The three-step lesson plan format provides a straightforward, easy-to-use roadmap for teachers to ensure their students’ academic success, while a host of teaching resources and technology support provides a comprehensive array of instructional reinforcement.

Program components include a phonics and word analysis kit; workbook; reader’s companion; fluency checkers; listening, speaking and writing workshops; California Teacher’s Edition; California Placement Test; California assessment book; transparencies; audio compact discs; CD-ROMs with and e-Book electronic student edition; video DVDs and other valuable instructional tools.

“Our programs reflect a smart, effective and methodical approach geared toward success,” said Dresner. “Everything about this program is intended to get struggling students up to speed so that they can achieve in school and the workplace.”

About Pearson:

Pearson (NYSE: PSO) is the global leader in educational publishing, assessment, information and services, helping people of all ages to learn at their own pace, in their own way. For students preK-12, Pearson provides effective and innovative curriculum products in all available media, educational assessment and measurement for students and teachers, student information systems, and teacher professional development and certification programs. The company’s respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, AGS, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker, TeacherVision and many others. Pearson’s comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

About Pearson Longman English Language Learning

Pearson Longman, a division of Pearson Education, is the leading publisher of language programs for middle school students, high school students, and adult learners in English as a Second Language, In addition to its multilevel English courses, skills texts, test prep books, and videos, Pearson Longman publishes more than 30 separate dictionaries for customers in over 150 countries. Longman Multimedia Programs provides interactive resources for teachers and learners of English

Contact:
kate.miller@pearson.com
001-80-745-8489