CONTACT:
Ben Weintraub (212-675-8567)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Helping English Language Learners In The Classroom
New report details hassle-free, effective solutions for teachers and students

Website link:
http://www.bookpunch.com


Merit Software has just released a new report "ESL Reading: Strategies for Classroom Teaching." The report addresses the challenges facing teachers when working with students from non-English-speaking homes.

The key problem is that English language learners, who are taught the basics of reading in the early grades, are faltering as they progress in school.

Teachers need help teaching higher-order thinking skills and comprehension. Students need help mastering strategies that will help them understand ideas and nuances of English texts.

The report features Book Punch, a tool that can be used in the classroom to go beyond basic instruction. Book Punch provides interactive, step-by-step writing prompts about books commonly read in schools today.

Book Punch draws on each student’s prior knowledge. Students with a wide range of English language abilities can participate in class.

Book Punch scaffolds the thinking and writing processes for students. Titles covered include modern classics such as “Stone Fox,” “Maniac Magee” and “The Outsiders.”

Using Book Punch students learn to write clear and concise responses -- making personal text connections along the way.

When teaching with Book Punch teachers use student writings as a springboard for in-class discussions.

Book Punch facilitates opportunities for students of all levels of English ability to have meaningful conversations with each other.

English language learners crave this type of interaction to solidify and advance their skills.

Additional support for English language learners is available with audio books that accompany most Book Punch titles.

Teachers have also reported that because Book Punch writing activities engage ESL students for long periods of time, they have more free time to give feedback to individual students.

Book Punch was developed based on gold standard, randomized control group research. The evidence shows that Merit improves student achievement for reading comprehension and writing when used to supplement classroom instruction.

ABOUT MERIT SOFTWARE:

Since 1983, Merit Software (www.meritsoftware.com) has been producing educational software that addresses the core competencies that students require to succeed. The emphasis is on strengthening students' ability to read, analyze data and communicate their ideas.

Merit Software's programs are known throughout the industry for providing context-sensitive tutorials for students and convenient record management features to aid teachers, tutors and parents.

Visit www.meritsoftware.com to examine the company's library of educational applications currently being used in thousands of educational facilities worldwide.

Merit's educational software has been the subject of rigorous, independent, scientific-based research. These studies have concluded that Merit's software provides an effective supplement to everyday instruction. Research findings are available on www.meritsoftware.com/research.

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