Science is a great time to focus on language development in the elementary classroom. Participation in science requires that students use language to present claims, engage in argumentation, and partake in science and engineering process skills. Over the years, the authors have noted the importance of vocabulary in students' ability to participate…

This article explores how the research-based practice of using mentor texts can support students' writing within their subject areas. Specifically, this article examines the writing demands of the Common Core Writing Standards and how using mentor texts helps teachers meet these writing standards. We share guiding principles for using mentor…

Developing a large and rich vocabulary is central to learning to read. Children must know the words that make up written texts in order to understand them, especially as the vocabulary demands of content-related materials increase in the upper grades. Studies have documented that the size of a person's vocabulary is strongly related to how…

As a result of the implementation--and rigor--of the Common Core State Standards, many educators are looking for a different teaching approach to make content accessible to all students. Successful implementation of these standards for deaf and hard of hearing students can be achieved through what Christy Neria calls the "Five E's."…

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) spell out for teachers what their students must learn in order to be authentically literate. By focusing on the capacities of students, the CCSS does not advocate one particular pedagogical approach over another for achieving these goals. Teachers are given wide latitude to exercise their professional…

The College and Career Ready Standards of the CCSS articulate a range of expectations regarding what students should be able to do with regards to academic vocabulary: (1) Interpret technical, connotative, and figurative meanings of words and phrases; (2) Analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone; (3) Determine or clarify the meaning…

The purpose of this document is to serve as a resource for states, districts, professional organizations, teacher education programs, teachers, and others as they develop policies and programs to prepare, license, support, evaluate, and reward today's teachers. A systemic approach and supportive infrastructure are essential to successful…

Education is the key to young people becoming full partners in shaping a global future and in shaping the nation's future. Quality basic education for young people is key to maintaining Alberta's standard of living and ensuring competitiveness in the world market. The education system must focus on what all students need to learn and be able to…

The essential meaninglessness of the phrase "Minimum Competency" is discussed and it is placed in the larger context of "The Basics." It is argued that "The Basics" as taught in preparation for minimum competency tests (MCT) are not basic either in the sense of being essential skills or enabling skills. Using research findings and common sense,…

THIS BOOK CONTAINS PRINCIPLES AND GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USE BY CALIFORNIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND THE FACULTIES OF INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS IN DEVELOPING ENGLISH PROGRAMS. THE "FRAMEWORK" IS DELINEATED IN FOUR MAJOR SECTIONS OF THE BOOK. THE INTRODUCTION DEFINES ENGLISH AS A SUBJECT AND SETS FORTH THE FRAMEWORK'S PURPOSE AND RELEVANCE FOR…

The primary purpose of the 2004 Mississippi Business and Technology Framework is to promote business and economic literacy, both successful domestic and international functioning, diverse practice of interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, technology as a tool for managing information, and lifelong learning skills that foster flexible…

This curriculum guide is intended to assist educators to maximize the performance of gifted students and others in required subject areas and is keyed to initiatives of the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBE). Part 1, the introduction, describes the guide's development, states the guide's purpose, specifies the students to be served, and…