MetaMetrics and IIBC Helping TOEIC Test Takers in Japan Strengthen English Reading Skills

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwire - Jan 10, 2012) - MetaMetrics® has partnered with the Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) to offer two Lexile®-based resources as part of IIBC's renewed free-membership website, TOEIC® Internet Services. The Lexile English Reading Guide and Engaging English® reading service have been added to the site to provide TOEIC test takers in Japan with online access to recommended readings that support their English reading practice and the development of language skills necessary for successful workplace communication.

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is recognized as the global standard for measuring workplace English-language communication skills. The TOEIC Internet Services website allows registered members to apply for the TOEIC and TOEIC SW tests and check their results online, and provides other services to enhance test takers' speaking, listening, writing and reading skills. Last year, MetaMetrics, IIBC and TOEIC-developer Educational Testing Service (ETS) conducted a research study to match a TOEIC Reading section score with a Lexile measure from tests given exclusively in Japan.

Linking a TOEIC Reading score with a Lexile measure helps test takers practice reading more effectively to improve their English language skills and better prepare to communicate in today's global marketplace. Test takers who register for IIBC's TOEIC Internet Services receive access to the free Lexile English Reading Guide and are eligible for a discounted 90-day membership to Engaging English. Both resources allow test takers to match their TOEIC Reading score with a Lexile measure to practice reading with high-interest English articles at their ability level.

The Lexile English Reading Guide provides test takers with access to a personal library of targeted books and a limited number of daily recommended articles. Test takers can use their journal to create a reading list of their selections and track their completed readings over time. To date, more than 3,600 Japanese TOEIC test takers have registered for this free service. For more information, visit http://lerg.lexile.com/ja.

Engaging English provides test takers with unlimited access to a variety of popular English articles. The membership service integrates assessments with on-demand progress monitoring to allow users to update and track their Lexile measure in real time. Dynamic reporting features help users establish reading goals, manage their practice over time and encourages them to read more often. For more information on Engaging English and the special 90-day membership offer for Japanese test takers, visit the IIBC website at https://sp.toeic.or.jp/Usr/Pages/Entry/Login.aspx.

"Like any skill, learning the English language takes time and practice," said Malbert Smith III, Ph.D., president and co-founder of MetaMetrics, developer of The Lexile Framework for Reading. "With the addition of our Lexile resources to their TOEIC Internet Services, IIBC is providing Japanese business professionals and students with two valuable tools for maximizing their limited practice time and improving their English reading skills as they prepare for the next steps in their careers."

The Lexile Framework is a unique tool for accurately matching readers with text. Unlike other measurement systems, the Lexile Framework evaluates reading ability and growth based on actual assessment results, rather than generalized age levels. Lexile measures help readers find books, articles and other resources within their recommended Lexile range: 100L below to 50L above their Lexile measure. Reading materials within this optimal Lexile range will challenge the individual's reading ability, while still maintaining interest and learning. For more information, visit www.Lexile.com.

About ETS
At ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating assessments based on rigorous research. ETS serves individuals, educational institutions and government agencies by providing customized solutions for teacher certification, English language learning, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education, as well as conducting education research, analysis and policy studies. Founded as a nonprofit in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually -- including the TOEFL® and TOEIC® tests, the GRE® tests and The Praxis Series™ assessments -- in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide. www.ets.org

About IIBC
The Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) was established in 1986 as a non-profit organization under the auspices of the former Ministry of International Trade and Industry (currently the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) to promote internationalization for individuals and companies. IIBC continues to promote internationalization of individuals and companies by supporting the development of global human resources and to internationally facilitate mutual understanding through a range of activities including the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) programs. http://www.toeic.or.jp/toeic_en/about/index.html#a

About MetaMetrics
MetaMetrics is focused on improving education for learners of all ages and ability levels. The organization develops scientific measures of academic achievement and complementary technologies that link assessment results with real-world instruction. MetaMetrics' products and services for reading (The Lexile® Framework for Reading, El Sistema Lexile para Leer), mathematics (The Quantile® Framework for Mathematics), and writing (The Lexile Framework for Writing) provide unique insights about academic ability and the potential for growth, enabling individuals to achieve their goals at every stage of development. Connect with the organization at: http://blog.lexile.com.