Just Words

Alignment with Evidence-Based Recommendations 

Just Words® is a research-based word-level intervention program that develops proficient readers and spellers. Phonics and word analysis are explicitly taught to support decoding of individual words and fluent reading of connected text. Students practice reading phrases, sentences, and short passages with sufficient accuracy, fluency, and prosody to support reading for meaning. Students learn comprehension strategies like visualizing and replaying a story in their heads and retelling the passage aloud. 

Conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling are also key areas of focus. 

The 45-minute lesson supplements a comprehensive ELA curriculum. The instructor manual provides explicit instructions on implementing each lesson. 

Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices 

Just Words is approved by the California State Board of Education as meeting the state’s social content standards. This demonstrates the program’s alignment with expectations on accurate and equitable portrayal of the cultural and racial diversity of society; contribution of minority groups; and people in varied, positive, and contributing roles. 

English and bidialectal learners benefit from the program’s focus on word structure and direct, explicit instruction of how English works via word patterns, syllable types, morphology, vocabulary, and ample practice opportunities. Guidance in the instructor manual and online Wilson Academy support the application of existing linguistic knowledge and experiences to access grade-level content. 

Key instructional principles support learning for all, including multilingual and bidialectal learners: 

• integration of listening, speaking, reading and writing; 
• explicit modeling; 
• visual, physical, and kinesthetic methods to enhance verbal explanations; and 
• student interaction in supportive groups.