Academic Language

Academic Language 

Academic Language is the language used in textbooks, in classrooms, and on tests. It is the language used in the world of work. It is different in structure and vocabulary from the everyday spoken English of social interactions. Many students who speak English well have trouble comprehending the academic language used in high school and college classrooms. The challenge for English-language learners is to learn both conversational and academic language concurrently. Low academic language skills have been shown to be associated with low academic performance in a variety of educational settings.

• Academic language is the verbal clothing we don in classrooms and formal contexts to demonstrate cognition and to signal college readiness.

• No student comes to school adept in academic discourse. 

• It requires thoughtful instruction.

Review the Academic Language Powerpoint below.

Print and use the Academic Language Toolkit as you plan lessons.

Know, Understand and Use Marzano's High Yield Strategies Daily.

Use the Transitional Phrases handout with your students.