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  For Immediate Release Custom-Designed for Emerging English Language Learners — Ballard & Tighe Publishes New IDEA Picture Dictionary 2 Reference Tool; Extends Successful Line of Testing and Instructional Materials — BREA, CA – October 6, 2003 – Ballard & Tighe, publisher of tests and instructional materials for limited English proficient (LEP) students, has announced the availability of its new IDEA Picture Dictionary 2 reference text. Geared for intermediate to advanced English language learners, the fully illustrated dictionary features nearly 1,400 carefully selected concrete and abstract words, including nouns, verbs, prepositions and adjectives. A colorful image that communicates word meaning and usage accompanies each entry. “Picture dictionaries are vital for English language learners and emerging readers,” said Dorothy Roberts, Ballard & Tighe’s president. “They help students gain the confidence they need to access standard dictionaries.” Each entry in Ballard & Tighe’s new IDEA Picture Dictionary 2 features a clearly written definition, a carefully selected and engaging illustration, and a sample sentence that uses the word in context. A phonetic key shows students how to pronounce each word. Along with concrete entries, the new picture dictionary includes abstract words that intermediate and advanced English learners regularly encounter in their language arts, social studies, science and mathematics classes, for example. To make entry selections, Ballard & Tighe researchers reviewed a variety of state educational standards to identify words older students generally encounter in their “content” coursework. “It’s easy to depict concrete words like ‘ball,’ ‘giraffe,’ and ‘book’ in a picture dictionary, but portraying abstract concepts like ‘monarchy,’ ‘courage,’ and ‘equation’ is a more challenging, though vitally important task that delivers real educational benefits,” Roberts said. A pronunciation key at the beginning of the text introduces dictionary users to vowel sounds, consonant sounds, and the International Phonetic Alphabet. Complementing the main section of the book are 10 fun and practical appendices, including: a selection of maps; listings of presidents and state facts; science resources including a map of the solar system; and mathematics learning aids such as geometric shapes, units of measurement, and Roman and Arabic numerals. A highlight of IDEA Picture Dictionary 2 is a unique language arts resource, titled “Idioms Are Way Over My Head,” that cleverly illustrates and interprets 30 English language idioms that are commonly used in American society. In addition, special “Dictionary Detective” and “Sounds Like Fun!” activities appear throughout the text. These inclusions help students build their understanding of word sounds and put their newly acquired dictionary skills to work. Teachers can visit www.ballard-tighe.com/dictionaryactivities to find downloadable activity sheets to use with students at various stages of language development. Priced at $18.95 with quantity discounts available, IDEA Picture Dictionary 2 is the newest offering in Ballard & Tighe’s reference line for limited English proficient (LEP) students. IDEA Picture Dictionary 1, introduced in 2001, is designed for English learners at the beginning stages of language development. In this product family, Ballard & Tighe also includes the Explore Geography Picture Dictionary, which is designed as a resource for language development as well as social studies classrooms. “Our customers throughout the United States tell us that Ballard & Tighe picture dictionaries should be on every classroom shelf,” Roberts added. “It is essential that students have reference materials like these that satisfy their special learning needs in a way that is clear, accessible and helpful.” About Ballard & Tighe 
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