Abstract
This project addresses the issue of Spanish Speaking English Language Learners having difficulty acquiring the academic vocabulary necessary to becoming successful in reading comprehension. Although schools have utilized vocabulary systems in the past, the new Common Core standards have left teachers without tangible supplemental materials or resources specifically targeted for 7th grade academic vocabulary while incorporating the rigor of the Common Core standards. This handbook provides a miniature curriculum for teaching 7th grade academic vocabulary with specialized instructions for English Language Learners embedded within the curriculum. My research documents our nation’s academic challenges in meeting the needs of our Latino/Hispanic population. I found a large array of explanations as to why these challenges have not been met. It also exposes the ravaging cycle of effects visited upon students when the problem have not been properly addressed. Moreover, my research sheds light on productive solutions to aid in resolving the nation’s conundrum of supporting our Spanish English Language Learners. This project adds to literature of the educational community of literature a handbook that is practical and ready to use in a 7th grade English Language Arts class that has Spanish speakers within it. It serves as a supplemental resource utilizing best practices and addresses the vocabulary acquisition of all students, including Spanish speakers. It delivers fun and interactive activities that promote academic language discourse as well as worksheets that can be copied and distributed for use.