For Immediate Release
Contact: Traci Barnett
Tel: (714) 990-4332
Email: tbarnett@ballard-tighe.com

Ballard & Tighe Publishes African American Writers Who Inspired Change
in Honor of National Black History Month

— New Title in the Successful Explore the Ages Nonfiction Reading Series —

BREA, CA – (February 13, 2006) – Ballard & Tighe, publisher of instructional and assessment materials for limited English proficient (LEP) students, has announced the availability of the latest title in its Explore the Ages series of historical nonfiction reading books. This series of engaging reading books makes social studies content comprehensible for all students — including English language learners and students reading below grade level.

Ballard & Tighe is proud to introduce its latest offering, African American Writers Who Inspired Change, during National Black History Month. Written by Allison Mangrum, the book uses compelling narrative and stunning visuals to reveal the triumphs and struggles of some of America's most inspirational writers — Phillis Wheatley, Frederick Douglass, Frances Harper, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Wright. This book opens to students the inspiring world of African American literature and includes excerpts from the writers' works, comprehension and critical thinking questions, definitions for higher-level vocabulary, hands-on writing activities, and resources that take students beyond the book.

Ballard & Tighe recognizes that providing students with comprehensible materials will allow all students equal access to the core curriculum. Addressing this need is an important factor for educators working to meet the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). NCLB mandates that all students, including English language learners, have access to the mainstream academic curriculum and are able to meet state content standards.

“Teachers can rely on this series to help build students’ language skills and increase social studies content knowledge. We know that learning is most effective when students are active participants in the learning process. Our Explore the Ages nonfiction reading books address academic content in a fun and exciting way that captures the students’ interest. By incorporating visually appealing illustrations, helpful resources, and fun games and activities, we designed these books with the specific goal of making history come alive for students in grades 5-12,” said Dorothy Roberts, Ballard & Tighe’s president.

The other five titles in the Explore the Ages series are: Leaders Who Changed the World; Renaissance Artists Who Inspired the World; Women Who Ruled; Writers Who Inspired the World; and Daring Explorers Who Sailed the Oceans. Priced at $19.95 each with quantity discounts available, the books are available from Ballard & Tighe and through major online booksellers. For more information, call (800) 321-4332 or visit www.ballard-tighe.com.

About Ballard & Tighe
Dedicated to making a difference in education, Ballard & Tighe publishes highly regarded materials that extend from assessing, identifying, and instructing students with limited English proficiency to transitioning these students into mainstream classrooms. The company, headquartered in Brea, CA, was founded in 1976 by Wanda Ballard and Phyllis Tighe, pioneers in the field of ESL (English as a Second Language). Currently, Ballard & Tighe provides testing, instructional, and educator training products and services to more than 2,200 state, regional, and local school systems throughout the United States and internationally. Ballard & Tighe’s staff of seasoned educators and technical product developers is exclusively focused on delivering language assessment, English language development, and social studies materials, as well as online professional training that will help ensure academic success for today’s increasingly diverse student population. For information, visit the Ballard & Tighe web site at www.ballard-tighe.com or call 800-321-4332.

About the Author
Allison Mangrum received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA. Her special interest in college was African American literature. She is a writer and editor and has contributed to the development of a wide range of educational materials for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Her recent children's book, Jobs from A to Z, was published in 2004.