What does the term "tiered vocabulary words" refer to?

Tiered vocabulary words refer to the categorization of words based on frequency and complexity, which is essential in vocabulary instruction. This approach allows educators to differentiate instruction by providing students with words that match their language development and comprehension levels.

The concept of tiered vocabulary typically comprises three tiers. The first tier includes basic, everyday words that most students are familiar with. The second tier features more sophisticated words that are used across various academic subjects but may not be common in daily conversation. The third tier consists of domain-specific words that are subject-specific and typically require additional instruction to fully understand.

Using tiered vocabulary helps teachers effectively target instruction to meet the diverse linguistic needs of students, facilitating better comprehension and retention of vocabulary in context. By focusing on the frequency and complexity of words, educators can ensure that all students are engaged and can build a robust vocabulary over time.