School-wide Vocabulary Implementation Development Process

Vocabulary development is crucial to all OCPS students. In an effort to ensure research-based vocabulary instruction, the Curriculum Services department, using the work of Robert Marzano and Isabel Beck, has developed a process by which a school can create a list of essential words and terms for each content area in each grade level.

Several of Dr. Marzano’s Effective School factors deal with vocabulary. Specifically, students should be involved in a school-wide program of wide reading that emphasizes vocabulary development and the need for direct instruction in vocabulary terms and phrases that are important to specific subject matter content.

In her research, Isabel Beck also identifies the need for direct instruction in vocabulary. In determining which words should be directly taught she classifies words into three tiers. An example might look like this: Tier 1 = country, Tier 2 = address (multiple meanings stressed) and Tier 3 = Federalist.

The attached word list of 40-100 words per content area were developed for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12 for the following subject areas: Math, Science Language Arts, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Fine Arts and Technology. You will soon be able to order a copy from print services or view them on our web site.

The steps to creating a viable list of content/grade specific vocabulary at the school level would be as follows:

· Identify a leadership team to implement the process. Suggested members might include: an administrator, the CRT/LRS, the reading coach and department chairs or grade level leaders.

· Provide staff development on research-based vocabulary instruction.

· Leadership team meets with departments or grade levels.

· Departments/grade levels create Essential Word List (up to 30 per grade level or content area), embed terms within content order or instruction and articulate vertically and horizontally.

· All content or grade level teachers implement Essential Word List and research-based vocabulary instruction.

· Ensure parent awareness of Essential Word List.

· Provide follow-up staff development (e.g., modeling).

Remember, Curriculum Services is willing to assist you with this process. For more information please contact Diane Knight at x4142 or knightc@ocps.net.