Abstract: The authors look back on their participation in three successful multiyear research studies focused on multifaceted vocabulary instruction and distill four overarching lessons that provide practical guidance to schools and teachers interested in implementing effective comprehensive vocabulary instruction.
Abstract: State education leaders across the country are rightly prioritizing efforts to improve elementary student reading outcomes. However, too often these initiatives do not focus enough on the key component to strong implementation and long-term sustainability: effective teachers. Only when state leaders implement a literacy strategy that prioritizes teacher effectiveness will states achieve a teacher workforce that can strengthen student literacy year after year. This report outlines five policy actions states can take to ensure a well-prepared teacher workforce that can implement and sustain the science of reading in classrooms across the country. For each of the five policy actions, a set of indicators are identified that show whether a state is strategically and coherently implementing each policy action. The indicators are presented under each policy action to provide explicit guidance for state education leaders, policymakers, and advocates.
Abstract: The purpose of this review was to identify research evidence to inform the SOR for multilingual learners (MLs). We reviewed 30 systematic reviews related to reading and reading instruction for MLs conducted primarily in K-5 U.S. classrooms. Results identified four broad clusters of components related to English reading comprehension as well as instructional practices and programs effective in addressing each component. Clusters included oral language, phonological awareness, decoding and oral reading fluency, and reading comprehension. Notably, oral language and reading skills in both MLs' first language and in English were essential components of the SOR for MLs. Implications for theory and research as well as policy, curriculum, and instruction are provided.
Abstract: This article provides a theoretical and empirical argument in support of explicit language instruction. It proposes on theoretical grounds that certain features of a language are sufficiently complex and subtle that learners are unlikely to be able to decipher their full conceptual meaning on the basis of exposure alone. It further proposes that the kind of explicit instruction that has been assumed in much of SLA research - based on structural rules of thumb - is inappropriate and that an alternative approach, grounded in principles of sociocultural theory is an effective means of promoting development, which in the theory calls for both explicit conceptual knowledge and extensive and intensive communicative practice. The approach, or model, is referred to as Concept-based Language Instruction (C-BLI). Empirical support for explicit instruction using C-BLI is derived from pedagogical studies using the model. In addition, evidence from L2 neuroscience ERP research is considered as well as evidence from cultural evolution. The principles of C-BLI are compared to those supporting Dynamic Usage-Based instruction which emerges from L2 research informed by Complex Dynamic Systems Theory.