Explains why insufficient background knowledge is a chronic cause of low achievement, and describes how a carefully structured combination of two approaches--sustained silent reading and instruction in subject-specific vocabulary--can help rescue low achievers and boost the academic performance of all students.

The importance of background knowledge -- Six principles for building an indirect approach -- Tapping the power of wide reading and language experience -- Building academic background knowledge through direct vocabulary instruction -- Six steps to effective vocabulary instruction -- Defining an academic vocabulary -- Setting up a schoolwide or districtwide program -- Technical notes -- Vocabulary -- Mathematics terms -- Science terms -- English language arts terms -- History -- General history terms -- U.S. history terms -- World history terms -- Geography terms -- Civics terms -- Economics terms -- Health terms -- Physical education terms -- The arts -- Arts general terms -- Dance terms -- Music terms -- Theater terms -- Visual arts terms -- Technology terms.