2025 Kansas MTSS & Alignment Symposium

When it comes to teaching vocabulary in content areas (including mathematics) there are many options for how to help students learn new and often complex terms and concepts.  Using the analogy of ordering drinks, appetizers, main course, dessert, and coffee/more drinks at a restaurant, Michael Kennedy from U.Va will discuss a range of evidence-based practices for successfully teaching vocabulary to students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and all students.  At the restaurant you order what you’re hungry for, and depending on if it is a special occasion, you might order something special.  Teaching vocabulary works the same way.  Sometimes we are hungry for a full multiple course meal, which would be when using a combination of practices to introduce and reinforce a key term or concept the student needs for the entire year and beyond.  Other times, you don’t need multiple courses, go right to the main course and that’s enough.  Attendees will leave with access to free links and resources.