Expanded Access to Lexile(R) Measures for TOEIC(R) Test Takers in Japan

DURHAM, NC--(Marketwire - Mar 22, 2013) -  MetaMetrics®, developer of The Lexile® Framework for Reading, and the Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) today announced the general availability of Lexile® measures for TOEIC® test takers in Japan. Now, all visitors to the popular Lexile English Reading Guide web site can convert a TOEIC Reading score to a Lexile measure, then compare it with the demands of various English-language reading environments. Visitors also can register for a free membership to the site. The popular online reading service, designed exclusively for TOEIC test takers in Japan, allows members to find books and online articles based on Lexile measures.

"English reading is a valuable skill in the global workplace, and it is becoming increasingly valued in many local settings as well," said Dr. Malbert Smith III, co-founder and president of MetaMetrics. "Lexile measures help developing readers set meaningful goals and have more effective practice. Indeed, we know both are key to reading improvement and success."

The Lexile Framework for Reading is a scientific way to measure readers and texts using a common measurement scale. The Lexile scale was linked with the TOEIC® Reading scale in Japan through a research study that enabled TOEIC Reading scores to be converted to Lexile measures. While readers get a Lexile measure from a test, text measures are determined by special software. Lexile measures range from below 200L for beginner level readers and texts to 1600L and above for advanced level readers and texts. With Lexile measures, readers can find books and articles at the optimal level for learning.

"Our partnership with MetaMetrics was founded on a shared commitment to helping learners in Japan," said Naotomi Umezawa, managing director of IIBC. "By opening access to these valuable Lexile learning resources, we can provide additional benefits to the TOEIC community in Japan."

"While Lexile measures effectively match readers with text, that is only part of the Lexile story," said Todd Sandvik, senior vice president of global services for MetaMetrics. "Now that Lexile measures for TOEIC® test takers are widely available, we will work closely with IIBC to introduce the many additional benefits that Lexile measures offer to companies, institutions, and educators who rely on the TOEIC test."

TOEIC is recognized as the global standard for measuring workplace English-language communication skills and began reporting Lexile measures, the most widely used measure of English reading, in 2011. Lexile measures today connect tens of millions of students to more than 100 million articles and books through extensive partnerships in government, publishing, technology and research. For more information, visit www.Lexile.com.

About IIBC
The Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) was established in 1986 as a non-profit organization 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 TOEIC programs. http://www.toeic.or.jp/toeic_en/about/index.html

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.

The TOEIC test is a product of Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, USA and TOEIC is a registered trademark of ETS, used by IIBC in Japan under license.