ReadWorks

ReadWorks is a free website offering research-based strategies and resources for differentiated reading instruction, specifically comprehension. There's a range of fiction and nonfiction texts, activities, and assessments as well as an online platform teachers can use to track student progress. Teachers can add students manually or via Google Classroom by sharing a class code or importing their students. Teachers will find class demo videos, current research, classroom protocols, tips, and suggestions that help to implement or improve reading instruction. Once classes are created, teachers can begin curating reading assignments using various filters, such as grade level, topic, and content type. Teachers can easily assign passages, corresponding vocabulary activities, and full or express standards-aligned question sets to an entire class, small groups, or individual students. An easy-to-use Assignments & Progress dashboard makes it simple to grade student responses, track progress, and provide direct feedback. Multiple-choice questions are automatically graded, but teachers will have to grade short-answer questions and, if they wish, provide written feedback. 

Students have access to reading tools such as vocabulary aids, annotation tools, and accessibility features, including read-aloud if the teacher has enabled it. Students can also curate their own reading library based on topics of interest. This lets them strengthen their knowledge and comprehension as well as keep track of what they have read and their reactions to each text.

Full Disclosure: ReadWorks and Common Sense Education share a funder; however, that relationship does not impact Common Sense Education's editorial independence and this learning rating.

The content-rich ReadWorks platform easily lends itself to differentiation and supports students' development of vocabulary skills and background knowledge. Convenient features such as the ability to curate lists, view assignments over time, and assign to individuals and groups make it easy to target instruction and monitor student progress. The Article-A-Day feature lets teachers in virtually any content area support student literacy, and abundant filters help teachers find just-right content for their students. Plus, different types of activities allow for some customization in terms of how teachers assess student comprehension. Partnerships with organizations like the Museum of Modern Art, The History Channel, and The National Wildlife Foundation make for regularly updated, quality content. 

In addition to its regular content, the site includes access to ebooks and StepReads passages, which provide struggling readers with a more accessible, less complex version of authentic nonfiction or literary texts. Teachers can use StepReads to scaffold lessons and support students' needs without sacrificing quality. Special Collections include texts on SEL topics, holidays, and events and content from featured partners, and many passages also include an audio option for those who struggle with written text or simply prefer to supplement their reading with audio. Reading passages offer vocabulary lists, definitions, examples, and topics that are particularly relevant to ELLs, while flexible viewing options, accessibility features, and annotation tools on the student side make for a more inclusive reading experience. Plus, since students can curate their own library of content, they have opportunities to engage with content that is meaningful to them. All in all, ReadWorks is an excellent way for teachers to promote development of students' reading skills across content areas.