For many years, vocabulary has not been considered an important topic by leaders in reading
education (Cassidy & Wenrich, 1997-98; Cassidy & Cassidy, 1998-99; 1999-2000; 2000-01; 2001-02;
2002-03). Indeed, both teachers and teacher educators note that vocabulary instruction has almost
disappeared in many classrooms and become a neglected area in teacher education and professional
development programs (Brabham & Villaume, 2002, p. 264). Traditionally, for many content area
teachers, vocabulary instruction has meant assign, define and test. For many classroom teachers,
vocabulary instruction has meant identify, discuss and assume. These teachers have used word lists,
dictionary definitions and discussion rather than multi-dimensional, semantically focused and interactive
encounters with words that theory and research suggest are most effective.