Academic vocabulary is vocabulary that is used in academic settings such as in classrooms and seminars. As academic vocabulary is used in instruction, texts, and assignments, it is pertinent for English Learners (ELs) to acquire knowledge of these words in order to succeed in school. Teachers have to tie academic vocabulary with the Common Core standards approved by the Department of Education. Teachers working with EL students oftentimes do not know where to begin doing this, but thanks to educational programs and training such as The Latino Family Literacy Project teachers have access to resources and tips regarding implementing Common Core standards. Read on to learn more about academic vocabulary and the Common Core in the classroom.
Common Core: Academic Vocabulary Words
Common Core Academic Vocabulary words are segmented into three separate tiers – Tier 1 (Basic Vocabulary), Tier 2 (High Frequency/Multiple Meaning, and Tier 3 (Subject-related).
- Tier 1: Tier 1 consists of basic vocabulary and common words. Tier 1 words include frequently used single-meaning vocabulary words.
- Tier 2: Tier 2 consists of vocabulary that is used in the classroom and is considered general academic vocabulary words. Tier 2 words tend to have multiple meanings, multiple synonyms, or more concise definitions.
- Tier 3: Tier 3 consists of technical vocabulary that is critical to understanding concepts that are taught in the classroom. In general, these terms are not used outside of academics and are limited to specific academic areas, and tend to be more informational. Tier 3 vocabulary should be taught during lessons that contain those words.
Common Core: English Language Arts
The Common Core English Language Arts (ELA) standards are a broad framework detailing the learning expectations of students. District administrators and teachers should use these ELA standards as a springboard for crafting their own curriculum. The Common Core State Standards Initiative offers a guide to the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts for teachers and administrators to review. This invaluable asset places an emphasis on the ability of students to read and comprehend complex informational texts in science and social studies, as well as literary texts. ELA standards challenge students to refer back to texts read, which encourages critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving.
Common Core: The Latino Family Literacy Project Connection
The Latino Family Literacy Project is an invaluable asset for teachers and school administrators looking for a way to implement academic language development with its research-based family reading programs. The project offers online webinars that help prepare teachers and school administrators in providing the highest quality literacy and language instruction to EL students – this includes teaching academic vocabulary via parent involvement and techniques that really work.