Pearson Longman Cornerstone is a multi-level program designed for elementary English learners and struggling readers whose academic achievement is two or more years below grade level. Longman Cornerstone explicit, intensive, and focused instruction accelerates students' language acquisition, reading comprehension, vocabulary and oral and written communication skills. Through this focused instruction, students will quickly begin achieving academic success through the elimination of "word poverty," which is a proven predictor of future academic achievement. Pearson Longman Cornerstone blends rigorous, research-based reading and language skills instruction together with a balance of content-area readings and age-appropriate, high-interest stories. In addition, this series incorporates the focused and purposeful instructional principles of Understanding by Design, which allow students to demonstrate their understanding and mastery of skills through multiple formal and informal assessment opportunities. Through this process, students will be equipped with the key transferable academic skills necessary for lifelong success.