TIERS

Without
TEARS
Intentional Planning Using Strategic Words
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020

MS. VEERASAMMY, 2ND GRADE - PEER COLLABORATIVE TEACHER

2019-2020 INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
"If we develop teachers' ability to strengthen data-driven
foundational skills in core instruction, then all students will be
able to successfully engage in critical thinking and application
through real world literacy tasks."

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ICEBREAKER

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Participants will demonstrate
understanding of the purpose of word
tiers.

Participants will demonstrate

understanding of tier 1 words.

Participants will demonstrate

understanding of tier 2 words.

Participants will demonstrate

understanding of tier 3 words.

Participants will demonstrate

understanding of the overall benefits of
focusing on tier 2 words.

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WORD TIERS

Every lesson is a language lesson regardless of the content.

Academic outcomes are hugely influenced by whether
language is taught arbitrarily or with intent.

The purpose of this professional development is to

explore word tiers.

Word tiers can guide educators in choosing

target vocabulary.

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 Word Tiers

The divisions between the word tiers are not

precise.

Thinking about tiers is a way to guide choosing what

words will be targeted for instruction.

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 Word Tiers
Tier 1: Very basic words that rarely require direct
instruction

Tier 2: Useful words; add quality and productivity

to a student’s language ability

Tier 3: Low frequency; very content specific

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 Let’s Glance at Tier 1 & 3

Because we will focus on Tier 2 words,

we will briefly look at Tier 1 and Tier 3 words
first.

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Add Video Title Here

Add Video Here

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TIER 1 WORDS

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TIER 3 WORDS

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In your baggies you will
find 10 words. You will have
one minute to sort the words
Into two columns:
Tier 2 words, & Tier 3 words

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TIER 2 WORDS

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TIER 2 WORDS

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TIER 2 WORDS

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EXAMPLES OF TIER 2 WORDS

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CHOOSING WORDS FOR DIRECT INSTRUCTION

“There will never be enough time to teach every word that your students will need.
In fact, doing so would be boring and inefficient. Some words are easy to pick up
from the context of a reading, a short explanation, or a translation. Others are
learned through natural exposure...It takes only a short time to explain a word,
but expect to take considerable time for students to practice using the word,
negotiate meaning, and reflect and comment on word use.
As a general rule, it is more useful to explain, recycle, and practice a small number of
well-chosen words than it is to give a longer list a quick treatment.”

(Zimmerman in Word Knowledge)

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IDENITFYING TIER 2 WORDS

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CHOOSING TIER 2 WORDS FOR INSTRUCTION

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EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION

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SUMMARY

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Based on our data, we have identified Hallmark 4 as our focus.
These are our following menu options:

March 16, 23, 30th

1. Intentional Planning Using Strategic Words
2. Speaking & Writing Using Target Words
3. Using Target Words in Writing

Everyone must sign up for one of three workshops

Please sign up on your way out

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THANK YOU!