Vocabulary is a pivotal component of a student's background knowledge, and the research indicates that vocabulary instruction can be an effective means for increasing it. This booklet describes the positive outcomes that result when a school- or district-wide vocabulary program is strategically developed and intentionally implemented. The information and resources contained herein will set the stage for you to create and implement a systematic approach to vocabulary instruction and can serve as further impetus for learning more about how vocabulary instruction becomes and essential part of classroom instruction. The booklet includes three sections: (1) Section One is a brief overview of research on vocabulary development, including a rationale for helping students develop a rich vocabulary; (2) Section Two details four research-based principles for vocabulary development; and (3) Section Three provides strategies for translating research on vocabulary instruction into classroom practice. (Contains 5 figures.)