Children who have limited expressive vocabularies are at risk of further language delays and reading comprehension difficulties, which may significantly impact their educational achievement. This presentation will discuss current issues and effective practices central to the development of language supports for students with AAC needs. We will discuss core language competencies required for participation in academic and social contexts. The presentation will also address the challenges faced by practitioners, targeting both AAC skills and curricular content at the same time. It will include guidelines, strategies, and tools necessary to address student needs, demands of the curriculum, the nature of social contexts, and required technology within the school environment.