Unit Guide

Explicit Instruction of Academic Vocabulary in A Pullout Reading Intervention Class as A Response to Intervention in Secondary Schools

Michelle Morton

This year long adaptable curriculum unit focuses on the explicit teaching of academic vocabulary in high school. Written as a possible response to intervention, this unit gives teachers the most powerful words to teach and gives brain based techniques and strategies to instruct students on the definitions of these words. In addition a pre and post test are included for use of proof of mastery. Multiple modalities are targeted in the instruction and a power point is referenced for teacher use. The flexibility of this unit makes it perfect as a “do now” in a 90 minute block or a lesson in a shorter 30 or 45 minute period. In either case, the need for this vocabulary instruction in high schools is well supported and may be a way to start to close the achievement gap between poverty stricken students and those living above the poverty line.