Collaborative Literacy

Name: Collaborative Literacy
Brand: Center for the Collaborative Classroom

by Center for the Collaborative Classroom

ElaGrades K–6

About This Curriculum

<cite index="8-2,8-3">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</cite>.

What makes it unique: <cite index="1-14">Integration of literacy instruction with social and emotional learning (SEL) enables students' development as readers and writers who think critically, while simultaneously fostering their growth as caring, collaborative, and principled people</cite>.

Collaborative Literacy: Research-Based K-5 ELA with Social Learning Focus

Collaborative Literacy is a comprehensive K-5 ELA curriculum from the Center for the Collaborative Classroom that integrates literacy instruction with social-skills development. The program combines three components (Being a Reader, Making Meaning, and Being a Writer) and emphasizes building classroom community alongside reading and writing skills.

Best for

K-5 teachers seeking research-based literacy instruction with integrated social-emotional learning, particularly in schools that value collaborative classroom communities and comprehensive teacher support

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 1 concern · 4 neutral

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum includes embedded professional learning and comprehensive teacher support materials to build educator expertise.

The program 'empowers teachers to deepen their knowledge and expertise' through 'embedded professional learning' and includes detailed implementation handbooks and teacher manuals

Systematic PhonicsStrength

The curriculum includes foundational skills instruction with phonics and word study components for early grades.

Learning List noted 'attention to foundational skills instruction through the phonics and word study strand' and Being a Reader 'develops early literacy skills'

Vocabulary BuildingStrength

The program provides strong vocabulary instruction that goes beyond surface-level memorization to build deep understanding.

The Reading League highlighted 'vocabulary instruction goes beyond memorization to foster deep understanding'

Writing InstructionStrength

Writing instruction is integrated throughout with a dedicated Being a Writer component providing structured writing development.

The Reading League identified 'seamless integration of reading and writing as a significant strength' and the curriculum includes a specific Being a Writer component

Text ComplexityConcern

EdReports found the curriculum only partially meets expectations for grade-level text complexity and quality.

EdReports rated Gateway 1 (Text Quality & Complexity) as 'Partially Meets Expectations'

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum incorporates background knowledge as a component but may not systematically build domain knowledge across content areas.

The Reading League found the program 'effectively incorporates critical components of Scarborough's Reading Rope, including background knowledge'

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum supports explicit instruction with teacher manuals and structured lessons, though it also emphasizes collaborative learning approaches.

The program includes 'grade-level implementation handbooks, teacher manuals' and supports 'differentiated instruction through small-group settings'

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes regular assessments and practice opportunities but specific retrieval practice methods are not clearly detailed.

The program has 'Group Assessments conducted every four weeks and Mastery Tests' plus 'Independent Application materials allow students practice opportunities'

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

The curriculum includes book clubs and small group reading sets, suggesting engagement with complete texts alongside other materials.

Learning List notes 'Small group reading sets and book clubs provide differentiated instruction'

Sources: edreports.org, thereadingleague.org