x Westward Expansion: Supplemental Guide | Preface
Vocabulary Instructional Activities
Vocabulary Instructional Activities are included to build students’ general
academic, or Tier 2, vocabulary. These words are salient because
they appear across content areas and in complex written texts. These
activities support students’ learning of Tier 2 words and deepen their
knowledge of academic words and the connections of these words to
other words and concepts. The vocabulary knowledge students possess
is intricately connected to reading comprehension, the ability to access
background knowledge, express ideas, communicate effectively, and
learn about new concepts.English Language Learners and Students with Disabilities
The Transition Supplemental Guide assists education professionals
who serve students with limited English language skills or students with
limited home literacy experience, which may include English Language
Learners (ELLs) and students with special needs. Although the use of
this guide is not limited to teachers of ELLs and/or students with special
needs, the following provides a brief explanation of these learners and
the challenges they may face in the classroom, as well as teaching
strategies that address those challenges.English Language Learners
The Transition Supplemental Guide is designed to facilitate the academic
oral language development necessary for English Language Learners
(ELLs) and to strengthen ELLs’ understanding of the core content
presented in the domains.
When teaching ELLs, it is important to keep in mind that they are a
heterogeneous group from a variety of social backgrounds and at
different stages in their language development. There may be some
ELLs who do not speak any English and have little experience in a
formal education setting. There may be some ELLs who seem fluent
in conversational English, but do not have the academic language
proficiency to participate in classroom discussions about academic
content. The following is a chart showing the basic stages of second
language acquisition; proper expectations for student behavior and
performance; and accommodations and support strategies for each
stage. Please note that ELLs may have extensive language skills in their