“The definitive primer on how to teach academic vocabulary. Drawing on the latest and best research, the book delves into the subtleties of language without leaving the reader behind. The authors offer numerous lesson plans, strategies, and classroom vignettes that ground their work in the daily teaching and learning of the classroom. Invaluable for teachers and preservice teachers in every content area, the book unlocks the secrets behind successful vocabulary instruction. This book could be the centerpiece of a professional development program on vocabulary development at a middle or high school. It would be a wonderful text in a college teacher preparation course on content-area reading.”

—Timothy Dohrer, PhD, Director, Master of Science in Education Program, Northwestern University


“Trusted voices in adolescent literacy provide teachers and school literacy leaders with a much-needed guide. The authors weave current knowledge about vocabulary development into their consideration of how teachers can meet the rigorous vocabulary expectations of the Common Core standards. Especially welcome are chapters that infuse vocabulary practices and strategies into specific disciplines: social studies, math and science, and English language arts instruction. The wealth of online resources highlighted by the authors is extremely useful.”

—Doug Buehl, MS, author of Developing Readers in the Academic Disciplines


“Understanding and using academic vocabulary is the most essential component in mastering disciplinary knowledge. This book addresses such practical issues as how to select words for instruction, how to help students acquire word-learning strategies, the elements of a successful vocabulary program, and what strategies work for different content areas. Middle and high school teachers will find essential guidance for helping students become more proficient in learning academic language. This would be an excellent 'book study' for teachers and administrators, and a terrific text for undergraduate teacher education courses. I am delighted to see a book on this important topic.”

—Judith L. Irvin, PhD, Executive Director, National Literacy Project; Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (Emerita), Florida State University


“This important work focuses on the essential role of words as tools that help students gain access to content and concepts in the classroom. The book not only explores instructional approaches that support older students’ vocabulary development, but also addresses the various ways that words are used across disciplines. A 'must read' for preservice teachers, those already in the classroom, and instructional leaders.”

—Evelyn Ford-Connors, EdD, Associate Director, Donald D. Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic, Boston University School of Education