TOEIC® Program Launches New 'Why English Matters' Website

- Web-based documentary series spotlights the importance of English communication in international business

PRINCETON, New Jersey, April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The TOEIC Program recently launched Why English Matters, a new content-based website that seeks to build awareness and share information about the important role that English-language proficiency plays in the global economy.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please visit: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7056051-ets-toeic-program-why-english-matters-website-documentary-series 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140409/MM94981
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120110/DC33419LOGO 

Why English Matters features a new video documentary series that explores the role of English through interviews with human resource managers and decision makers from leading global organizations. The site also features related research and news articles about the impact of effective English communication skills for the international workforce.

"Since English is the official language of more than 70 countries, it is crucial for businesses that operate in a global economy to maintain a labor pool that is composed of competent English language communicators," said David Hunt, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ETS's Global Division.  "Through the Why English Matters site, we can provide these important stakeholders with the most relevant, up-to-date information and resources for developing and maintaining a capable English speaking workforce."

The website was designed to engage all types of individuals, groups and organizations looking to leverage the power of English in the global economy, including companies, business leaders, human resources managers, news organizations and academic institutions.

"The website's use-friendly platform was designed to make it easy for visitors to share the knowledge and materials that it holds," said Shelly Punchatz, ETS's Executive Director of Marketing. "Visitors to the site can share information through social media platforms in order to cultivate conversations around the importance of English language learning."

Content on the site will be updated regularly in order to further the discussion of how English-language proficiency is vital for growth in workplaces all over the world.

Visit Why English Matters at www.whyenglishmatters.com.

About the TOEIC Tests
For more than 30 years the TOEIC test has been the global standard for measuring workplace English-language communication skills. The TOEIC assessment family, including the TOEIC Listening and Reading test, the TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests and the TOEIC Bridge™ test are used by nearly 14,000 businesses, organizations, and government agencies in 150 countries. In 2012, almost seven million TOEIC tests were administered worldwide, solidifying the TOEIC Program as the largest and most widely used English-language assessment for the workplace. For more information on the TOEIC tests and other services provided by the TOEIC Program visit www.ets.org/toeic.

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