In developing curriculum in our district, many of our collegial groups underestimate the power of teaching academic vocabulary. Many experts agree that vocabulary can be the pathway to student success. Robert Marzano states:
"Given the importance of academic background knowledge and the fact that vocabulary is such an essential aspect of it, one of the most crucial services that teachers can provide, particularly for students who do not come from academically advantaged backgrounds, is systematic instruction in important academic terms.
In terms of research of what works for higher student learning many experts agree, including Marzano, that vocabulary is essential:
Marzano goes on to say:
"Teaching specific terms in a specific way is probably the strongest action a teacher can take to ensure that students have the academic background knowledge they need to understand the content they will encounter in school. When all the teachers in a school focus on the same academic vocabulary and teach it in the same way, the school has a powerful comprehensive approach. When all the teachers in a district embrace and use the approach, it becomes even more powerful".
Getting schools, collegial groups, and individual teachers to teach academic vocabulary in a systematic way will lead to student growth and achievement. Our district uses NWEA MAP to track student growth from Fall to Spring in Reading, Math, and Science. We have found that teachers who create opportunities for students to learn academic vocabulary in their RIT band and above leads to significant growth rates.
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