Across the country, many young people face challenges meeting grade-level reading proficiency. These national trends are pronounced in New York City, where the diverse needs of our students call for innovative solutions.
ExpandED Schools recognized this as an opportunity to build on our expertise in running literacy programs for middle school students, supporting hundreds of middle school students for over a decade. Building on these learnings, this year we developed Lit C.R.E.W. (Literature Connect, Read to Research, Explore, and Wrap Up), a new initiative designed to enhance literacy engagement and skill development and meet the diverse needs of both educators and students.
We developed Lit C.R.E.W. by researching and piloting reading methods with input from literacy stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with evidence known as the Science of Reading. The program focuses on project-based learning, allowing students to apply their reading and writing skills to real-world applications.
The program is structured around four key areas, each designed to engage students and deepen their literacy skills:
- Connect: Students connect to engage around central themes.
- Read to Research: Students go over readings, gather information, and explore different viewpoints.
- Explore: Hands-on activities help students dive deeper into related topics.
- Wrap-Up: Students reflect, share their projects, and collaborate through feedback.
At the heart of Lit C.R.E.W. is a commitment to meaningful collaboration with educators. Together, we set goals, design tailored programs, and ensure the initiative meets the unique needs of their school. To support this, we hold regular check-ins, where we discuss goals, address challenges, and resolve logistical issues.
In addition, we organize three formal meetings throughout the year—at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year—to track progress, assess the implementation of the literacy model, and offer further support or resources. We also conduct two formal observations per year to see the Lit C.R.E.W. program in action. These touchpoints ensure our ongoing engagement and support for the success of the Lit C.R.E.W. program.
Lit C.R.E.W. cultivates critical thinking by guiding students to analyze and integrate ideas from diverse sources. It sparks creativity by empowering students to design projects aligned with their interests, fostering a sense of ownership and driving innovative problem-solving. By connecting literacy skills to real-world applications, students develop a deeper understanding of how reading and writing shape their everyday lives.
Launched this fall, Lit C.R.E.W. has seen significant growth. Thanks to funding from the New York City Council, the program now spans more than 20 schools and afterschool programs, positively impacting over 500 students. With the dedication of our seven-member team and support from the New York City Council, Lit C.R.E.W. is expanding literacy education—empowering educators and inspiring students to excel both in and beyond the classroom.
