Clues: Using Generative Strategies to Improve the Science Vocabulary of Secondary English Learners With Reading Disabilities

English learners (ELs) with reading disabilities (RDs) have been among the lowest performers on academic achievement tests that assess vocabulary. To meet academic demands and prepare for college or careers, ELs with RDs clearly need support in terms of vocabulary acquisition; however, relevant research is scarce. This study investigated the effects of the CLUES strategy, a generative vocabulary strategy, on the ability of students to analyze and define unknown science terms relating to biology. The study further evaluated students’ ability to maintain vocabulary gains over time and to generalize the CLUES strategy. The results showed that participants benefited from the use of the CLUES approach to define novel science terms and maintain their ability to use this strategy over time. The participants themselves generally expressed satisfaction with the CLUES strategy and recommended it to their peers.