For some students, the disconnect between classroom literacy instruction and real-world application leads to disengagement. However, when the Science of Reading is integrated into Community-Connected Learning, literacy moves from a static subject to a dynamic tool for impact. In this session, you will explore a pedagogical framework that embeds evidence-based literacy practices, such as background knowledge and complex language structures, into student capstone projects.
You will examine how students can apply decoding and comprehension skills to navigate technical texts, conduct interviews, and publish findings for a public audience while tackling authentic community challenges. You will explore a framework for community-connected capstones that integrates these strategies for high school learners and engage in practices that help you imagine projects for your own school. Whether focusing on food insecurity, local history, or environmental justice, you will leave with a roadmap for designing capstone experiences that turn "learning to read" into "reading to lead."
