Review By Jade Caines, Emory University, for Michigan State University Libraries
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In today's climate, accountability is paramount. Specifically, within education, high-stakes standardized exams are commonly used to measure student knowledge of key domains. Undeniably, reading comprehension is necessary for successful performance on these exams. But how does vocabulary development affect reading comprehension abilities? Research shows that poor reading comprehension skills often stem from low vocabulary skills. Vocabulary Power, a program of lessons targeting students who use African American Vernacular English, aims to address this gap through research-based strategies and practices for improved reading abilities.
The national debate over African American Vernacular English (AAVE), affectionately called "Ebonics," dates back to 1996 when the Oakland School Board brought attention to instructional barriers schools faced in teaching African American school children Standard American English (SAE). Vocabulary Power addresses these barriers by providing 20 weeks of lessons to help students bridge the gap between AAVE and SAE.
The program includes a teacher manual and a student workbook. Many of the books used in each lesson incorporate African American cultural elements or are written by African American authors. This distinguishes Vocabulary Power from other vocabulary development programs. By making each text relevant to AAVE-speakers, student engagement will increase, thereby improving word retention and reading comprehension. Below are some of the books used in Level 1, targeting students at a third-grade reading level.
Richard Wright and the Library Card by William Miller
The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron
Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter
The teacher's manual begins with a brief introduction that previews key instructional strategies used throughout the program. Next, the authors describe a sample 5-day schedule that details how teachers should use the vocabulary program. Each week consists of 5 days of vocabulary instruction with a different text each week over a 20-week span. Day 1 previews the lesson, allowing teachers to display the 15-word list for that week. Students recite the new words collectively and write them down in their student workbooks. Next, the teacher reads the words and definitions aloud, as students read silently. Students then take turns reading sentences containing the vocabulary words aloud. Finally, for homework, students will study the words and definitions and complete vocabulary activities.
Day 3 and 4 follow a similar format, interweaving key reading strategies such as making predictions and using context clues. Furthermore, students develop vocabulary skills through identifying multiple meanings and analyzing prefixes and suffixes. Engaging vocabulary activities vary from crossword puzzles to bingo. On the final day of the week, students are given a 15-item assessment. The items include matching exercises, identifying words that do not belong in a given list, and multiple choice items. Each week follows the same format for a total of 20 weeks--the program is very repetitious, making teacher usage easier and student success more likely. Every 4 weeks, students spend a week reviewing for a 28-item multiple choice exam.
Vocabulary Power is a unique vocabulary development program. Few vocabulary curricula target students who use AAVE and develop other important reading comprehension strategies. Also, each lesson previews the next week's vocabulary words within classroom activities, familiarizing students to upcoming words. Finally, this program steers away from rote memorization, giving students an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of vocabulary through word etymology. These practices can improve word retention and reading abilities, lessening the gap between students who use AAVE and students who use SAE.
The activities are varied and engaging. Vocabulary development is not simply a boring, mundane process that students eventually dread. Unlike other programs, Vocabulary Power engages students, increasing their intrinsic abilities to learn new vocabulary words. Overall, this program gives power to students who are historically overlooked. Every teacher who instructs students who use AAVE will greatly benefit from this tremendous resource.
Reviewed by Jade Caines, Emory University.
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