• THINKING PRO

    Curriculum Journey

    A place-based, research-informed experience that builds real-world literacy and critical thinking.

  • A Purposeful Path to Deeper Learning

    THINKING PRO is a high-impact enrichment unit designed for grades 8–12 (and adaptable for enrichment in grades 6–7 or GED programs). It equips students to:

    • Think critically and analyze informational texts
    • Read deeply and annotate with purpose
    • Write persuasively using evidence and reasoning
    • Engage civically with local issues that matter

    Built around the principles of place-based learning, THINKING PRO uses local news to connect academic instruction with students’ lived realities—making learning relevant and motivating. Every element is powered by a reliable instructional process rooted in cognitive science and reading pedagogy, and guided by a nonpartisan approach that builds skills without ideology.

    Interactive videos—designed to adapt to each learner’s pace and ability level—model key strategies, offer guided practice, and provide instant feedback to support mastery.

  • How THINKING PRO Is Delivered

    broken image

    THINKING PRO is a fully digital curriculum unit, designed to support blended learning and fit naturally into today’s classrooms. It’s not a printed textbook—it’s an interactive experience that builds on the teaching skills educators already use every day.

    Here’s how it works:

    • All instructional content, assignments, videos, and rubrics are housed online—accessible to both teachers and students via secure login
    • Students complete most work on devices, including writing, research, and creative tasks, using their own software tools
    • Teachers can project or print materials for classroom use and discussions, but no physical books or handouts are required
    • The platform includes built-in tools for progress tracking, grading, and student support, making it easy to manage and adapt
    • Training and coaching are included, supporting every teacher’s comfort level with integrating the platform into their practice

    This format adapts to a wide range of teaching styles and classroom needs—whether you're just starting to explore blended learning or expanding on familiar digital routines. THINKING PRO meets educators and students where they are, and helps both grow with confidence.

  • The Student Journey: From Awareness to Impact

    Instruction follows the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, leading students from structured guidance to independent application. Along the way, they move from understanding to action, applying their skills to real-world topics they care about.

    [More: Professional Development]

    Media Mindfulness

    Students explore local news stories, reflect on how they feel, and consider whether the information is useful or relevant to them. They begin to take the driver’s seat in their news consumption, developing awareness instead of being passive consumers of overwhelming or negative content.

    Interactive Videos

    Students learn through 20 self-paced, gamified videos that model essential literacy and thinking strategies. The videos adapt to each learner’s pace and ability level, using guided practice and feedback to promote growth and mastery.

    Reading & Writing Application

    Through annotation and structured writing tasks, students apply critical reading strategies to complex informational texts. This repeated practice deepens their understanding and strengthens their ability to analyze and respond to diverse content.

    Text-Based Group Discussions

    Students participate in guided, text-based discussions using local news articles and scaffolded dialogue formats. These sessions build comprehension and reasoning skills while encouraging thoughtful peer exchange and multiple perspectives.

    Capstone Project

    Students may select a cause individually or work in a group to investigate a local issue that matters to them. They engage in collaborative problem solving or independent inquiry, research 3–4 related sources, and develop:

    • An argument-based essay, grounded in evidence and shaped by the student’s cause, goal, strategy, and personal brand—how they want to be seen by others (e.g., trustworthy, fair, kind)
    • A creative artifact (e.g., infographic, campaign message, letter to an official) to raise awareness and invite civic engagement
    • Adjustable Rigor: Teachers can tailor the project’s complexity—controlling essay length, number and type of sources, and topic scope. Options include local news, primary sources, informational texts, or college-level readings to match instructional goals and learner readiness.

    A Step in the Journey

    Here’s a closer look at how one section unfolds in practice:

    This section begins with a media mindfulness activity, prompting students to reflect on recent news they've encountered. Students then watch a video modeling how to identify claims in a text. They apply this strategy by annotating the claims in an article they've selected about their cause. In small groups, students discuss their articles and the claims within them. Finally, they make progress on their Capstone Project by writing about their goal for a better future for their community.

    Choose a Journey

    THINKING PRO offers three flexible versions—each a different journey built on the same instructional foundation. Whether you're strengthening skills, replacing a unit, or supporting academic recovery, there's a pathway designed to meet your goals. All versions share a common core: a research-based video suite that anchors students in real-world thinking.

    [Compare: Versions]

  • Instructional Practices that Drive Student Growth

    THINKING PRO supports research-based teaching practices that build student independence, confidence, and academic skill. Grounded in the Gradual Release of Responsibility model, the curriculum is designed to shift from teacher-led instruction to student-driven learning over time.

    Teachers bring THINKING PRO to life through:

    • Modeling instruction to teach and reinforce essential reading, writing, and thinking strategies
    • Mentoring projects by guiding students through checkpoints and individualized feedback
    • Moderating discourse by intentionally building a classroom culture of dialogue that supports expression, exchange, and feedback over time

    A growth mindset approach is embedded throughout — encouraging students to take intellectual risks, learn from feedback, and build confidence as they develop complex skills across reading, writing, and thinking.

    [More: Training & Coaching]

  • THINKING PRO Competency Framework

    In most classrooms, reading, writing, and critical thinking are taught in isolation. The THINKING PRO curriculum unit takes a different path.

    Our framework mirrors how professionals — like nurses, scientists, lawyers, engineers, and civic leaders — solve real-world problems: by gathering reliable information, analyzing it carefully, and communicating solutions with clarity and purpose.

    Students follow that same step-by-step process as they explore local issues, build evidence-based arguments, and share their ideas through meaningful projects. It’s an approach that connects academic skills to real-life impact — and shows why thinking, reading, and writing truly matter.

    The framework is organized into three performance domains:

    • Gathering & Organizing Information
    • Interpreting & Evaluating Information
    • Integrating & Communicating Information

    From idea to impact, this structure gives students a purposeful path forward—building confidence, deepening learning, and preparing them to engage with the world beyond school.

    [More: Full Competency Framework]

  • Standard Alignment

    THINKING PRO — as a skill builder — is aligned with the learning outcomes of major national curriculum standards. Detailed cross-walks are available upon request.

    broken image

    NCTE/ IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

    broken image

    Common Core State Standards

    College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards

    broken image

    NCSS National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies

    broken image

    WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework

  • Professional Learning

    broken image

    THINKING PRO’s professional development program empowers educators with the skills and confidence to bring this curriculum to life. Through flexible training, personalized coaching, and a transferable teacher certificate, our PD supports stronger instruction and deeper student learning. Grounded in real-world literacy and student-centered strategies, the program helps educators succeed — from first-time use to long-term growth.

    [More: Training & Coaching]

    Cookie Use
    We use cookies to ensure a smooth browsing experience. By continuing we assume you accept the use of cookies.
    Learn More