An Integrated Approach to Teaching Reading and Writing
Discover the transformative power of Collaborative Literacy—a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that builds strong and knowledgeable readers and writers, creates vibrant and caring classroom communities, and empowers teachers to deepen their knowledge and expertise.
By weaving together the latest in literacy learning research with social-skills development and embedded professional learning, Collaborative Literacy gives educators the tools they need to support students through their literacy journey.
Now Expanded with Designated English Language Development and Small-Group Comprehension
Beyond the Science of Reading
How we teach matters as much as what we teach. To achieve lasting success for our students, effective instruction requires the integration of three interrelated areas of research: literacy science, learning science, and instructional science.
- What we teach: We teach all components of literacy science.
- How we learn: We apply cognitive and learning science about how humans acquire and retain new knowledge and skills.
- How we instruct: We organize, sequence, and deliver instruction in ways that maximize learning.
Literacy Science
Collaborative Literacy includes all of the essential instructional components for cultivating proficient readers and writers. The curriculum is firmly rooted in the scientific research on how skilled reading and writing develop and their underlying processes.
Read the review of Collaborative Literacy by The Reading League Compass to learn about the curriculum’s strong alignment with the Science of Reading.
Learning Science
Collaborative Literacy applies cognitive science to create an optimal environment for student learning. The program uses research-based practices to ensure students master and retain new learning and to create the conditions in which students feel engaged and supported to take the risks necessary for learning.
Instructional Science
Collaborative Literacy puts instructional science into action. Grounded in the research on how effective teaching is designed, the program translates that research into clear and actionable classroom practice by organizing, sequencing, and delivering instruction to support lasting learning.
Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students
Comprehensive, research-based reading instruction that systematically develops both foundational skills and comprehension
Whole-class, student-centered, research-based writing instruction that teaches process and conventions across genres
High-quality, high-interest fiction and nonfiction texts selected not only to support the instructional focus of each lesson, but also for equitable representation
Knowledge building beyond prescribed topics — students learn how to ask questions, read widely, make connections, and synthesize information so they have the lifelong skills to build knowledge about any topic
English learner pre-teaching, extension, and point-of-need supports in core instruction that help teachers provide scaffolding and prepare English learner students to participate confidently
Designated ELD component that builds English proficiency through rigorous, strategic instruction — tightly connecting daily language lessons to core content
Integrated social-skills development that creates a supportive classroom community and nurtures students’ sense of responsibility for their own learning and behavior
Embedded, continuous professional learning that empowers teachers to expand their content knowledge and deepen their pedagogical expertise as they teach
Formative and summative assessments that support instructional decision-making for the class, groups of students with similar points of need, and individual students
Introducing the Dynamic Duo: Being a Reader and Being a Writer
There’s an undeniable reciprocity between reading and writing. For this reason, Collaborative Literacy comprises two dynamic programs—Being a Reader™ and Being a Writer™.
While each program can be taught on its own, when used together as Collaborative Literacy, a deep connection between reading and writing is formed.
Being a Reader
- Differentiates and teaches phonics and foundational skills to mastery
- Develops comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and independent thinking
- Uses open-ended questions and facilitated discussions to deepen understanding
- Provides daily time and support for independent reading practice
- Includes a designated English Language Development (D-ELD) component
Being a Writer
- Provides student-centered writing instruction in process, genres, and conventions
- Uses collaboration and peer feedback to foster an engaged writing community
- Includes time in each lesson for students to apply skills through independent writing
- Improves writing fluency
Research-Based and Standards-Aligned
Collaborative Literacy is the result of years of research on literacy development, best practices in literacy instruction, and child development. Explore research for our programs and use our correlation tool to download a comprehensive alignment to your state standards.
High-Quality Trade Books and Decodable Texts
Lessons are built around a collection of authentic, high-quality fiction and nonfiction texts that span a range of genres, while also ensuring wide appeal and equitable representation. See Being a Reader and Being a Writer.
The Learning Portal
For Teachers
- Manage Program Resources: Access all your teaching materials and digital tools in one organized location.
- Simplify Prep Work: Download and print student consumables, worksheets, and reproducibles with a single click.
- Go Paperless: Build, assign, and grade digital assessments that provide instant feedback for your students.
- Stay Informed: Receive real-time updates on instructional pacing, curriculum news, and teaching tips.
For Leaders
- Ensure Curriculum Fidelity: Gain full visibility into how program resources are being utilized across your school or district.
- Drive Data-Informed Growth: Access high-level assessment reports to track student progress and identify areas for intervention.
- Streamline Communication: Instantly broadcast instructional updates and pacing notifications to ensure all classrooms remain aligned.
- Optimize Operations: Reduce printing costs and administrative overhead with centralized, paperless workflows and reporting.
Professional Learning
At Collaborative Classroom, we know that how we teach matters as much as what we teach. Our curricula and professional learning empower educators to take charge of instruction and learning through embedded and digital resources, along with a variety of professional learning pathways designed to fit any schedule.
One-on-One Virtual Professional Learning
Collaborative Coach pairs individual educators with their own expert coach for fully personalized, program-specific professional learning.
Through a flexible, video-based cycle of 1:1 learning with their coach, each educator deepens their teaching practice and grows their understanding of the Collaborative Classroom curriculum they are implementing in a safe and supportive environment.
Custom Professional Learning
To meet your organization’s unique needs, we offer custom professional learning plans that weave together a variety of formats to achieve your implementation goals. When shaping your plan, we consider your available time, funding, and resources alongside short- and long-term instructional priorities, who will be involved and how they’re supported, educators’ prior professional learning experiences, and any relevant technology considerations.
Program Add-ons and Alignment Across K–12
Collaborative Classroom Literacy Kit (K–3)
Supplemental manipulatives kit to support engaging, hands-on, instructionally aligned independent work. Each kit supports up to six students.
SIPPS for Aligned Intervention
With SIPPS® both new and striving readers quickly develop the accuracy and automaticity needed for fluent, independent reading. Nationally recognized and evidence-based, SIPPS is a powerful supplement in any literacy block.
Individualized Daily Reading (IDR) Essential Collection
For additional books for a classroom’s library, the optional IDR Library: Essential Collection includes 120 titles per grade—over 30 tied to unit topics—making it easy to provide engaging texts that match students’ interests, appeal to curiosity, and build knowledge.
Aligned Early Literacy Instruction
Whether you’re looking for a complete curriculum for 3- and 4-year-olds, a targeted literacy program, or professional learning to empower your educators, our proven offerings support joyful learning and strong outcomes for early childhood.
Pilot Collaborative Literacy in Your School
Learn about piloting the Collaborative Literacy curriculum in your school or district.