Read Naturally began developing its first programs in 1989. When the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were widely adopted two decades later, we didn’t need to retrofit our programs to align with the new recommendations. They already did. That’s because Read Naturally has consistently relied on the best research available to develop and improve our tools. Because the CCSS are similarly rooted in educational research and best practices, it’s no wonder our programs are a perfect match.

Over the past couple years, our blog has featured several posts on the ways Read Naturally programs align with the CCSS. In case you missed them, here are the highlights:

  • Read Naturally programs require students to do a close and careful analysis of text. According to the CCSS, students must be able to recall details and infer from text. Students must also analyze the text to build arguments and draw conclusions. Sherlock Holmes and the CCSS describes how our programs specifically address these requirements.
  • The CCSS specify that students should have the ability to analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics. Drawing comparisons in this way helps students build knowledge and think critically about the different approaches of various texts. Comparison Questions in Read Naturally Levels Align with CCSS Requirements (complete with a free resource to download!) is all about how our programs support this type of comparative analysis.
  • The CCSS place a strong emphasis on increasing text complexity as a key requirement in reading. Read Naturally Passages Align with CCSS Requirement for Increasing Text Complexity explains how Read Naturally programs support this need.
  • To determine appropriate text complexity, the CCSS provide difficulty ranges based on the Lexile® Framework for Reading. All Read Naturally Live and Read Naturally Encore levels meet the Lexile ranges recommended by the CCSS in 2012, as described here. 
  • The CCSS emphasize the importance of developing reading endurance. This article describes how our programs build reading stamina, and this one elaborates on how our system of switching from one-minute to whole-story timed readings supports this goal.
  • Like the CCSS, Read Naturally programs stress the importance of vocabulary. Vocabulary Knowledge Rating and Read Naturally (with another free resource!) offers a creative way to incorporate the CCSS Vocabulary Knowledge Rating strategy into the vocabulary features of your Read Naturally program.

But wait! There’s more!

  • Our programs are intentionally challenging without being frustrating.
  • Our programs feature nonfiction, high-interest passages.
  • Our programs are student-centered, allowing students to monitor their own progress.

Need more information? Click here for additional details on Read Naturally and the CCSS, including specifics on our individual programs.

We’re pleased with how well our products align with the educational standards of today’s schools, and we will continue to develop high-quality, research-proven tools. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions or comments on this topic. We’d love to hear from you.

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