Project Reach EACH is a US Department of Education Jacob Javits grant that aims to bring both recognition and resolution to improve literacy and reading comprehension for the continuum of diverse learners (English learners, gifted, special education, twice exceptional, and general education students) in heterogeneous classrooms. Research participation includes curriculum units and professional development with teachers and coaches.
Ideal For: 3rd grade teachers, coaches, administrators
Project Reach EACH Overview
Project Reach EACH has been designed by the University of Southern California to bring both recognition and resolution to
a) low statewide literacy scores related to reading comprehension for students in the fourth grade,
b) under-representation of student’s of economic, linguistic, cultural, and academic diversity in California’s gifted programs,
c) segregated services implementing differentiated and challenging reading curriculum for the gifted that inhibit access to such curriculum for all learners in the classroom, and
d) lack of understanding of giftedness by general education teachers.
The project goals, articulated below, aim to address these issues:
Improve literacy and reading comprehension for the continuum of diverse learners (gifted, special education, twice exceptional, and general education students) in heterogeneous classrooms.
Increase recognition of gifted behaviors among diverse learners and their possible identification through non-traditional methods inherent within the design and implementation of a differentiated reading comprehension curriculum.
Design and deliver professional development of various types to all classroom teachers.
Affect changes in policies and procedures in the California state frameworks and other essential documentation to change perceptions and practices relating to gifted education (identification and services)
Project Reach EACH Curriculum
The curriculum developed for Project Reach EACH were designed to increase reading comprehension and appreciation for EACH student in the classroom.
The third-grade curricular activities have been grouped into nine categories based on the characteristics of gifted learners, the elements of the standards for gifted and talented education, and advanced reading comprehension skills and strategies. Given the individual differences among students in the typical classroom, we are proposing that these characteristics, while they comprise descriptors of students who are gifted, are also present among all learners, including special education (SPED) students and English learners (ELs).
Project Reach EACH’s approach is to develop a personalized literacy programs for each student. The individual reading activities and lesson groupings are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for reading – literature, informational text, and foundations as well as the standards for gifted and talented education (Acceleration, Depth, Complexity, Novelty). While there is variability among students it is proposed that the standards and the curriculum planned for students who are identified as gifted will benefit all students. While the curriculum and standards are the same across all learners, the supports provided each student will vary depending on each learners need.
Get Involved
Are you a teacher, coach, or administrator that would like to implement Project Reach EACH in your school? We are looking to expand to work in schools across California during the 2021-2022 school year. Please review the project eligibility below or contact us to learn more:
Eligibility Criteria:
- California Title 1 School that serves academically, economically, culturally, and linguistically diverse students
- 3rd grade classroom (schools that have 3+ teacher participants will be given priority)
- Heterogeneous grouping (inclusive of typical, gifted, SPED, and ELs)
How to get involved:
Contact Alyssa Lopez to indicate your interest and provide the following information: district name, school name, and contacts of principal and interested teachers