PL9L1 Summary of Research

Reading Rockets

NICHD

National Reading Panel (NRP)

The NRP emphasized the critical role of vocabulary in reading development. It concluded that effective vocabulary instruction involves both direct teaching of specific words and indirect methods such as encouraging wide reading. The panel noted that instruction should include multiple exposures to new words in various contexts to ensure deep learning. The NRP findings suggest that vocabulary instruction should be an integral part of reading programs, adapted to the age and abilities of learners.

National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature on Reading and Its Implication for Reading Instruction

National Early Literacy Panel (NELP)

Although not as directly focused on vocabulary as the NRP, the NELP provided insights into early literacy development, emphasizing the importance of vocabulary as a predictor of later reading proficiency. The NELP findings support the introduction of vocabulary concepts early in a child's education, fostering an environment rich in language exposure and interaction.

Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel

Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Practice Guides

The IES practice guides recommend explicit vocabulary instruction as part of a comprehensive literacy strategy. They support the use of direct explanations and student activities that involve interaction with words to enhance understanding and retention. The guides also stress the importance of selecting vocabulary that is useful across content areas and crucial for understanding text.

Reading Rockets

IES Practice GuidesReading Rockets