As the world of education continues to evolve with digital transformation and emerging teaching methodologies, one organization stands out in its commitment to fostering literacy, learning, and a love of reading among young learners: Scholastic Inc. Scholastic has been a cornerstone of educational resources for nearly a century, offering a wide range of enrichment materials for schools, educators, and families. Its resources encompass books, digital tools, educational programs, and comprehensive curricula designed to support students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth.
This article delves into the history and mission of Scholastic, the vast array of educational resources it offers, and the impact it has made on student enrichment and literacy. We’ll explore Scholastic’s innovative programs for literacy development, its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the ways it addresses key challenges in education today, from digital learning to social-emotional development.
1. Scholastic’s Legacy: A History of Commitment to Education
Founded in 1920 by Maurice R. Robinson, Scholastic began as a publisher of educational magazines intended for high school students. Over the decades, Scholastic grew from a small publication company to a global leader in children’s publishing, with a focus on fostering literacy and critical thinking skills among young readers. Scholastic’s mission has always been to provide educators, families, and students with high-quality resources that inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Scholastic’s impact on literacy and education is particularly notable in its partnerships with schools across the United States and around the world. Through book fairs, reading programs, and classroom magazines, Scholastic reaches millions of children, providing them with access to engaging content that cultivates curiosity and a love for reading.
2. Comprehensive Educational Resources for All Learning Levels
One of the factors that set Scholastic apart is the breadth and depth of its educational resources. Scholastic’s offerings span multiple subjects, learning levels, and formats, ensuring that there is something for every learner.
a. Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs have become cherished traditions in many schools. The Book Clubs allow teachers to distribute book catalogs to students and families, offering affordable books that foster reading habits at home. Scholastic Book Fairs bring the excitement of a bookstore to schools, providing students with the opportunity to choose their own books and develop a personal connection to reading. These programs not only make books accessible but also encourage children to explore new genres and authors, enhancing their love of reading.
b. Classroom Magazines
Scholastic’s classroom magazines, such as Scholastic News, Storyworks, and Science World, cover a range of topics, from current events and science to reading comprehension and critical thinking. These magazines are tailored to various grade levels and provide educators with engaging, curriculum-aligned content that reinforces literacy and subject knowledge. Through articles, activities, and discussion questions, Scholastic’s classroom magazines encourage students to think critically, explore different perspectives, and stay informed about the world around them.
c. Digital Learning Resources and Platforms
With the rise of digital learning, Scholastic has expanded its offerings to include digital platforms and e-learning tools. Scholastic’s digital resources include reading programs, interactive eBooks, and online learning platforms that support literacy, math, science, and social studies. Scholastic Literacy Pro, for instance, is an online reading assessment and growth platform that allows teachers to monitor student progress and provide personalized reading recommendations. Scholastic Teachables offers downloadable activities, lesson plans, and printable resources that support teachers in creating engaging classroom experiences.
d. Guided Reading Programs
Scholastic’s guided reading programs are designed to support differentiated instruction, helping educators meet the diverse needs of their students. Programs such as Scholastic Guided Reading and Leveled Bookroom offer a wide range of leveled books, teacher guides, and assessment tools that allow teachers to provide targeted reading instruction based on each student’s reading level. These resources help students develop critical reading skills, build confidence, and progress at their own pace.
3. Literacy Development and Reading Comprehension Programs
Scholastic has always placed a strong emphasis on literacy as the foundation for academic success. Its literacy programs are designed to help students build essential reading and comprehension skills, enabling them to become proficient readers who can understand and analyze complex texts.
a. Scholastic Literacy™
Scholastic Literacy™ is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum designed to build foundational literacy skills in students from kindergarten through grade 6. This program includes high-quality texts, structured lessons, and assessments that guide students through each stage of reading development. With a focus on phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, Scholastic Literacy™ provides teachers with the tools they need to support students in becoming strong, confident readers.
b. READ 180®
READ 180® is one of Scholastic’s flagship programs for struggling readers, designed to provide intensive, personalized reading instruction. This blended learning program combines adaptive technology, teacher-led instruction, and independent reading to help students make significant gains in reading proficiency. READ 180® is particularly effective for students who are reading below grade level, providing targeted support to close achievement gaps and build essential literacy skills.
c. System 44®
System 44® is a foundational reading program developed for students in grades 3-12 who are reading well below grade level. Focusing on phonics and decoding skills, System 44® helps students develop the foundational skills needed to become proficient readers. The program uses a combination of digital tools, small-group instruction, and independent practice to provide a comprehensive approach to literacy intervention.
4. Scholastic’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Scholastic recognizes that diversity and inclusion are essential for creating a more equitable education system. The company is dedicated to providing resources that reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all students, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued, and represented.
a. Diverse and Inclusive Books
Scholastic’s publishing division offers a vast selection of diverse books that celebrate different cultures, perspectives, and identities. Through imprints such as Scholastic Press, Orchard Books, and Graphix, Scholastic publishes books that address a wide range of themes, including social justice, empathy, and resilience. These books not only help students understand different perspectives but also promote inclusivity and cultural awareness in the classroom.
b. Culturally Responsive Teaching Resources
Scholastic provides culturally responsive teaching resources that support educators in creating inclusive learning environments. These resources include lesson plans, discussion guides, and activities that help teachers address topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. By fostering open conversations and encouraging empathy, these resources empower educators to promote a sense of belonging and respect within their classrooms.
c. Initiatives for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an essential component of student development, and Scholastic has integrated SEL into many of its programs and resources. By focusing on skills like empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, Scholastic’s SEL initiatives help students build the skills they need to succeed both academically and socially. Resources such as Scholastic News and Storyworks often feature stories and activities that encourage students to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and understand the perspectives of others.
5. Support for Teachers and Professional Development
Scholastic understands that teachers are at the heart of student success and is dedicated to supporting educators through a range of professional development resources, training programs, and teaching materials.
a. Scholastic Teachables
Scholastic Teachables is an online platform offering a wealth of teaching resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, and printable activities for pre-K through grade 8. Teachers can use Scholastic Teachables to find standards-aligned resources that complement their curriculum, saving time and providing inspiration for classroom activities. This platform also offers differentiated resources, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to meet the diverse needs of their students.
b. Professional Development and Training
Scholastic provides professional development programs that equip educators with the skills and knowledge needed to implement effective literacy instruction. These programs cover a range of topics, including differentiated instruction, guided reading, and culturally responsive teaching. Scholastic’s professional development sessions are led by experienced educators and literacy experts who provide practical strategies for improving student outcomes.
c. Educator Networks and Community Support
Scholastic fosters a sense of community among educators through initiatives like Scholastic Book Clubs and Scholastic Book Fairs, which bring teachers, students, and families together to celebrate reading. Scholastic also provides online communities and social media networks where teachers can connect, share resources, and find support from their peers.
6. Adapting to the Digital Age: Scholastic’s Digital Transformation
As technology has transformed the educational landscape, Scholastic has embraced digital innovation to enhance its offerings and reach more students. Scholastic’s digital resources are designed to support remote learning, blended learning, and in-person instruction, providing students with flexible and engaging learning experiences.
a. Digital Learning Platforms
Scholastic has developed a range of digital learning platforms that provide interactive, multimedia-rich content. Scholastic Literacy Pro, for instance, offers digital reading assessments, progress monitoring, and personalized reading recommendations, making it easier for teachers to track student growth and tailor instruction. Scholastic F.I.R.S.T. (Foundations in Reading, Sounds, and Text) is a digital phonics and early literacy program designed for young learners, offering adaptive lessons that build foundational reading skills.
b. Interactive eBooks and Digital Libraries
Scholastic’s digital library includes a vast collection of eBooks, audio books, and interactive read-alouds that allow students to access literature from any device. Scholastic’s eBooks cover
