New Curriculum Review: American Reading Company’s (ARC) Research Labs
Updated: 6 days ago
American Reading Company’s (ARC) Research Labs is a project-based reading, writing, and research program for students in grades K-12. Resources are available in print format and address the instructional shifts of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Instruction is organized in a workshop structure that provides opportunities for whole class, small group, and one-on-one instruction. Learning List reviewed resources for grades 1-5.
Research Labs presents instruction in four 9-week modules that address narrative, argumentative, and informational writing and genre study (e.g., short story, novel). Each writing module frames a “Unit of Study” in social studies or science that integrates reading, writing, and research skills.
Through a close reading of a complex “Central Text” for the unit, the class begins to explore and engage with the topic. Using leveled texts provided in the “Unit Research Library,” students independently investigate and decide on a research topic and a set of research questions. Each module contains “Writing Cards” that guide students in the writing process (e.g., drafting, revising, editing) as well as graphic organizers and rubrics that help students organize their thinking. Lessons include opportunities for formative assessment through one-on-one conferences between students and teachers. Each module ends with a final project that students publish and present to the class. Rubrics are provided to help teachers evaluate students’ writing and to support students in assessing their own work.
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About American Reading Company*
We believe that all students deserve the opportunity to achieve reading success using proven resources and methods like foundational skills instruction, daily reading and writing practice, and books that build knowledge while reflecting each child's world. ARC partners with schools and districts to establish, scale, and sustain high performing continuous improvement systems where students, educators, and their communities flourish. This is our work, our mission.
*Information in this section is provided by or adapted from American Reading Company.
