This report summarizes the initial findings from the 2004-2005 evaluation study of the program titled Building Academic Vocabulary (BAV). The theory and research supporting the development of this program are articulated in "Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement" (Marzano, 2004). Briefly, the basic assumption underlying the BAV program is that teaching standards-based academic terminology using a specific six-step process can enhance students' abilities to read and understand subject-area content and ultimately help students build a store of academic background knowledge that enhances academic achievement. (Contains 6 tables and 7 technical notes.)