← Back to Vol. 02 Issue No. 01 — February
Abstract
Academic language is a significant component of learning that can promote or interrupt student learning, motivation, and achievement at the middle grades level where language complexity increases. Classrooms in the United States are culturally and linguistically diverse. Students bring an array of dialects from culturally-situated discourse communities that differ greatly from the academic language used within the school context. For the most part, promoting academic language has been part of the language arts discipline, as every student learns to understand some form of academic language. In language arts, language development is considered a critical point of access for learning; however, this approach must be expanded to all disciplines. Broad research confirms language provides access to more complex concepts and cognition and supports academic success. Educators from all disciplines must employ strategies that teach students effective code-switching and academic language. This paper provides a survey of research and best practices to enhance academic language in middle level students and increase academic success.