Tier+II+Vocabulary

Vocabulary A key component to improving literacy skills in students is building a strong vocabulary. There are ways to increase students vocabulary in content area classes, such as Social Studies. Research proves that focusing on "Tier II Words" in content area classes dramatically improves literacy skills and academic performance. Included is a brief explanation of Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III Vocabulary Words.


 * __Tier I:__** Tier I vocabulary words are commonly used words used in spoken language generally used in high frequency. Some examples of Tier I words are: butterfly, ladder, car, train.

__**Tier II**__: Tier II vocabulary words are more complex and abstract than Tier I words. These are words that students might know the general concept, but need more specific details when connecting them to the content. Researchers suggest teachers focus on Tier II words and teach fewer words, but with frequent usage. Some examples of Tier II words are: principle, federal, establish.

__**Tier III:**__ Tier III vocabulary words are very complex and content specific. These words are used in a much lower frequency in general vocabulary usage. They are mostly found in content specific textbooks. These words are central to building knowledge within the content area classroom. Some examples of Tier III words are: bicameral, embargo, imperialism.

__**Tier II Vocabulary Words for Each Unit of Study:**__
 * Unit 1-Thinking Like a Historian**
 * Unit 2- Framing Our American Democracy**
 * Mock Trial Simulation**
 * Unit 3- Manifest Destiny**
 * Unit 4- Sectionalism Division Revision**
 * Unit 5- Industrialism**
 * Unit 6- Chicago History**
 * Unit 7- Imperialism**