Reading Comprehension Skill Development and Instruction for Adolescent English Language Learners: A Focus on Academic Vocabulary Instruction

Abstract

This chapter describes the reading comprehension development of ado lescent ELLs. and the nature of their difficulties in this domain. We first describe the ELL population in U.S. secondary schools today—the diversity within the group and its academic achievement. We then discuss the elements and nature of the reading process itself to provide readers the foundational knowledge to understand the challenges faced by adolescent ELLs. We also highlight a series of research-based instructional practices that support the literacy development of adolescent ELLs. In particular, we focus on the importance of academic vocabulary instruction, as a key element of academic language instruction, for promoting these students' advanced literacy skills. We conclude this chapter by delineating a literacy research agenda that will address and answer many ol the pressing questions posed by today's educators and policymakers.