Passport Language Program boosts English Language Proficiency Levels outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Newtown, Pa., August 11, 2008 –

English Language Learner (ELL) students and teachers now have a comprehensive online tool to assess and track reading and writing proficiency and areas of improvement that are directly aligned to the accepted standards outlined in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), thanks to McCann Associates international Passport Language Program.

Powered by the Measured Success™ platform, Passport Language Program provides an online alternative to paper and pencil tests, which can be time consuming and tedious to score. Passport Language Program scores are provided instantly, even on open-ended essay questions, using Intellimetric™, the world’s leading automated essay-scoring engine.

“We are very aware of the challenges and opportunities presented by the global language community and the importance of excellent communications skills,” says Paul Edelblut, Vice President of McCann Associates. “By providing an evaluation of skills on the CEFR, the Passport Language Program helps students of all ages and languages realize their potential.”

The tests provided in the Passport Language Program were created by experts specializing in the CEFR rules and regulations and assess the following competencies:

• Listening: Ability to understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in school. Ability to understand the main point of radio and TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
• Reading: Ability to understand texts that consist mainly of common everyday language. Ability to understand the description of events, feelings, and wishes in personal letters.
• Writing: Ability to write basic connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Ability to write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

The Measured Success testing platform was developed and is administered by McCann Associates, an operating business unit of Vantage Labs (www.vantagelabs.com).

For more information on the Passport Language Program, visit Vantage’s Online Store atwww.VantageOnlineStore.com, or McCann Associate’s Web site, www.McCannTesting.com

About McCann Associates

McCann Associates has designed and delivered custom-developed high-stakes and diagnostic professional assessments for public and private organizations since 1959, with an emphasis on employment screening and career advancement evaluations for public safety occupations. For nearly five decades, more than 1 million prospective police officers, firefighters and EMTs can point to a McCann assessment as the beginning of a successful and fulfilling professional career.

Today, McCann Associates has expanded its focus to meaningfully impact the lives and careers of college students, prospective employees and professionals. McCann now offers customizable web-based assessment programs that allow for item and test creation, test delivery, scoring, reporting, remediation, data management and account management. Learn more atwww.McCannTesting.com.