Research
This evidence-based article discusses effective vocabulary instruction containing many elements, including
- Teacher-directed explicit instruction in student-friendly word meanings and related words and in morphology
- Text-based instruction that includes classroom discourse focused on new vocabulary
- Multiple exposures to key words and concepts in rich content-based contexts
- Active student engagement, including using, listening for, and writing new words and concepts
Related Resources:
Booklets
Effective Instruction for Middle School Students with Reading Difficulties: The Reading Teacher’s Sourcebook
Booklet with lessons and materials for teaching older struggling readers.
Presentations
Establishing an Intensive Reading and Writing Program for Secondary Students (Revised), Presentation slides (PDF of presentation)
Presentation slides to support the use of Establishing an Intensive Reading and Writing Program for Secondary Students (Revised), a professional development guide that provides in-depth background knowledge about adolescent literacy, specifically related to struggling readers and writers.
Links & Websites
Resource Series for Teaching Adolescents with Reading Difficulties
The Texas Education Agency's Texas Gateway provides professional development material, Building Blocks for Teaching Adolescents with Reading Difficulties, developed as a part of the Texas Adolescent Reading Academies, or TALA.
Booklets
Effective Upper-Elementary Interventions for Students with Reading Difficulties: Vocabulary and Comprehension
Booklet with step-by-step lessons for teaching vocabulary and comprehension.