Pasco School District

Common Grade-Level

Vocabulary ProjectPasco School District

Strategic PlanGoal 1 – Teaching &

Learning

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

Philosophy

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

Research has shown that the instruction of common academic grade level vocabulary provides a gateway for students to access further learning and improve achievement, regardless of language or socio-economic background.

Philosophy

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

Common grade level vocabulary provides

opportunities for shared instructional strategies

that increase performance outcomes and ensures consistent, district wide instruction.

Philosophy

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

To this end, the Pasco School District has established, published, and adopted common grade level vocabulary in each content area to be directly taught and assessed.

RationalSatisfies the District Strategic Plan Goal

One: “Create a personalized learning environment where students achieve rigorous standards through quality instruction. By 2010 establish and publish grade level learning targets and vocabulary for each content area” (1.4.4).

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

RationalAddresses the achievement gap among students whose backgrounds are vastly different as the achievement of ELL and mid to low SES students is impacted by lack of vocabulary. (Mayo & Boyd)

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

RationalAcquiring important academic vocabulary is critical to understanding any subject. (Marzano)

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

RationalTackles achievement issues related to student mobility. (Marzano & Pickering)

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

Rational“…the strongest action a teacher can take to insure students have the academic background knowledge they need to understand the content they will encounter in school.” (Marzano & Pickering)

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

Our Process

Collaborate with content and grade level staff district wide

Consult with State Grade Level Expectations and Standards

Select 30 words per content, per grade level which are essential for further learning and understanding

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development

Next Steps – Publish on District Website

Publish vocabulary lists by content and by grade level

Publish research based strategies for vocabulary instruction

Include in Curriculum Documents

April 18, 2023

Pasco School District ~ Curriculum and Professional Development