Develop Academic English
Develop academic English competence beginning in the primary grades.
Academic English is the language of school-based learning and entails understanding the structure of language and the precise way that words and phrases are used, including content-specific vocabulary. More nuanced and de-contextualized than conversational English, it requires a high degree of precision in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Starting in kindergarten, academic English should be taught explicitly in specific blocks of time throughout the day — during content area instruction, reading instruction, and English language development. Students should learn the structure of the language, grammar, how words and phrases are used. They need to learn the technical vocabulary in content areas (e.g., "perimeter" in math) as well as general academic words like "compare and contrast." Teaching strategies include daily instruction, supplemental curricula to accompany core reading and mathematics series, and professional development.
Starting in kindergarten, academic English should be taught explicitly in specific blocks of time throughout the day — during content area instruction, reading instruction, and English language development. Students should learn the structure of the language, grammar, how words and phrases are used. They need to learn the technical vocabulary in content areas (e.g., "perimeter" in math) as well as general academic words like "compare and contrast." Teaching strategies include daily instruction, supplemental curricula to accompany core reading and mathematics series, and professional development.
Multimedia Overview
Teaching Academic English to English Learners
This overview explains the concept of academic English and why it is important. It emphasizes teaching academic language throughout the day, in content area classes, English language development classes, and reading classes. (7:52 min)