English Language and Common Core
Part 1
Continuum of Second Language Acquisition
The process of acquiring a second language involves the gradual scaffolding of familiar vocabulary and concepts helping ELLs deepen their word knowledge. ELLs become better equipped to expand their knowledge from concrete to abstract, from explicit meanings to more obscure implicit meanings.
Tier 1 Words
Tier 1 words may be simple words but ELLs may find them difficult because of spelling (rough), pronunciation (sheep/cheap), and unfamiliar background knowledge (snow).
Tier 2 Words
Tier 2 words are more specific than Tier 1 words. These words are more sophisticated and/or specific such as amble vs walk. Idioms and Phrasal Clusters are included in Tier 2 words.
Tier 3 Words
Tier 3 words are content-specific words that label content discipline concepts, subjects, and topics. These are infrequently used academic words. Cognates and false cognates are included in Tier 2 and 3.
The Language Strand in Common Core Standards
The Common Core Strands include reading, writing, speaking and listening. Language includes conventions, word knowledge, and vocabulary acquisition and usage.