Literacy Lab

The Literacy Lab at Evanston Township High School is a referral-based support program designed to help students strengthen their reading and literacy skills. The goal of the Literacy Lab is to accelerate student growth through personalized, research-based instruction.

What is the Literacy Lab?

The Literacy Lab provides small-group and one-on-one reading instruction to students who would benefit from targeted support. Students are referred to the program by ETHS faculty based on classroom observations, reading assessments, and other academic data. Instruction is provided by specially trained reading teachers who tailor each lesson to meet the needs of the individual student.

Most students receiving Literacy Lab support will participate during a study hall, free block, or lunch period. Scheduling is flexible and arranged to minimize disruption to core classes. Some students may already be enrolled in a Tier II academic intervention course—such as Reading or Learning Strategies. In those cases, Literacy Lab sessions may take place during those classes to provide additional, targeted support.

Referral Process

Students are referred to the Literacy Lab based on demonstrated academic need. While intervention may be recommended, participation in services is always optional. Students and their families can choose whether to accept the support.

Here’s how the referral process works:

1. Staff Recommendation
   A teacher, counselor, or other faculty member submits a recommendation for literacy intervention based on demonstrated academic need identified through academic performance, classroom observations, or assessment data
    
2. Review of Student Need
   The Literacy Coordinator and Reading Specialists review the referral and analyze relevant data, including standardized test scores, reading assessments, academic records, and past interventions.
    
3. Determination of Eligibility
   Based on the review, the Literacy Lab team determines whether the student requires additional literacy support that can be addressed through intervention. The decision is based on documented needs and the intensity of support appropriate for the student.
   
   Yes: Recommendation and Family Outreach
   If the student is identified as needing targeted literacy intervention, the Literacy Lab team contacts the student’s parent/guardian to explain the recommendation, explain the support services, and invite the student to participate. Participation is optional but strongly encouraged for eligible students.
   
   No: Literacy Lab Placement Deferred
   If the Literacy Lab is not recommended at that time, the team may recommend other support options and continue to monitor the student’s progress. A referral may be made again in the future if new data indicates an increased need.