CCSS

The curricular content, activities, and routines in Word Intelligence are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). A focus on academic and content vocabulary helps prepare students for the demands of complex informational text.

Word Intelligence aligns with the following CCSS:

  • Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Anchor Standards 4, 5, and 6
  • Craft and Structure Standard 4
  • Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6–10
  • Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Anchor Standard #4



  • Unit 1 of Word Intelligence provides a scaffolded orientation to word-learning strategies including use of context clues, morphemic analysis (analyzing word parts), and appropriate use of the dictionary.

  • 15 high-utility prefixes, suffixes, and roots are explicitly taught in Unit 1, with an additional 25 affixes taught in later units.

  • Students learn and practice two key strategies for unlocking the meaning of unknown words: the Intelli-STARS and Intelli-CLUES strategies.

  • Lessons in dictionary use provide students with an explicit technique for figuring out which dictionary definition is the one that applies to a word in a specific context.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Anchor Standard #5



  • Students are provided with multiple exposures to each word, so they develop a rich understanding of each word’s use.

  • Related words are identified and used in rich contexts. Target words are used in relation to each other so that students understand each word’s nuances.

Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Anchor Standard #6



  • Each edition of Word Intelligence teaches 450 specific words—more than any other vocabulary program!

  • 60% of the words are drawn from Dr. Andrew Biemiller’s list of teachable vocabulary for students in the middle grades

  • 20% of the words are selected as key academic words in the social studies/history content area

  • 20% of the words have highly specialized meanings but are necessary for understanding the passages

Craft and Structure Standard #4



  • All words are presented within the context of content-area text, and students learn the meaning of the word specific to the text.

  • Teaching notes provide extensive information about word connotations and usage.

Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies 6–10



  • Each content unit contains includes four historical text passages from U.S. or world history.

  • Each passage is under 400 words and contains 10–15 target vocabulary words.

  • After the teacher read-aloud, students engage in interactive text activities with a partner, focusing on understanding word meanings, finding central ideas, and understanding the information presented in the text.

  • Readings are taken from a wide variety of sources, including primary source material.

  • Passages provide an opportunity to learn words in the context of academic text and support knowledge-building in history and social studies content.

Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity



  • Because of the large number of new vocabulary words in each passage, text complexity is high.

  • Passage difficulty ranges from grade 9 to 11. All passages are introduced by a teacher read-aloud. Students read passages multiple times as various group, partner, and individual activities are completed.

Click here for a downloadable chart displaying Word Intelligence alignment with the CCSS.