MSI Cross-Disciplinary Literacy Instructional Focus
“Read. Think. Communicate. Create.”
Purpose: To strengthen literacy across all content areas by embedding reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills into authentic, student-centered, and project-based learning experiences. This focus supports MSI’s commitment to innovation, equity, and whole-child development.
Core Literacy Objectives Across Disciplines
| Literacy Element | Focus | Implementation Example |
| Reading for Meaning | Students analyze and evaluate texts (literary, informational, data, multimedia) for purpose, perspective, and evidence. | ELA: Theme analysis in novels Science: Reading scientific articles and interpreting data SS: Analyzing primary sources Math: Understanding real-world math problems, interpreting graphs |
| Writing for Purpose | Students write to explain, argue, narrate, and reflect—using discipline-specific formats. | ELA: Argumentative essays Science: Lab reports, claims-evidence-reasoning SS: Historical narratives, position papers Math: Justifying solutions with written reasoning |
| Academic Vocabulary Development | Emphasis on tier 2 & 3 vocabulary in all subject areas through direct instruction and context-based usage. | WIN Groups: Vocabulary games and word study Specialty Courses: Vocabulary in tech & arts contexts Passion Projects: Students use domain-specific language in presentations |
| Speaking & Listening | Students engage in structured discussions, presentations, and collaborative work to deepen understanding. | Innovation Days: Team pitches & feedback rounds Electives: Peer critiques, collaborative dialogues FIAO Clubs: Theater, Debate, and Leadership circles |
| Research & Inquiry | Students investigate real-world problems, gather and evaluate sources, and synthesize information to inform action. | Passion Projects: Inquiry-driven, multi-source research Social Studies: Inquiry-based DBQs Science: Research and experimentation in Specialty Programs |
Integrated Program Connections
📌 WIN Periods
- Targeted ELA/Math interventions include reading comprehension and written math reasoning.
- Enrichment like Robotics or DJing requires technical reading, sequence writing, and creative expression.
🎨 Elective Courses
- Writing recipes (Culinary), analyzing lyrics (Music Tech), creating budgets (Financial Lit), storytelling (Media & Editing), and persuasive speaking (Chess strategy).
🚀 Specialty Programs
- Coding requires reading technical syntax and writing logical sequences.
- Visual Arts and 92NY Percussion support narrative expression and performance-based communication.
🤝 After-School Enrichment
- Students engage in storytelling (Theater), analysis (Math Olympiad), and real-world reporting (Media Club).
💡 Innovation Days & 🔥 Passion Projects
- Literacy lives here through design briefs, written proposals, reflections, presentations, and peer feedback—all aligned to PBL frameworks.
- Students synthesize knowledge across disciplines and publish, perform, or present their work to authentic audiences.
Guiding Literacy Instructional Mantras at MSI
- 💡 Innovation: Use literacy to design, imagine, and problem-solve.
- 🤝 Collaboration: Talk it out. Listen in. Learn together.
- 🧠 Discovery: Ask bold questions. Seek new sources.
- 🎯 Integrity: Cite sources. Support claims with evidence.
- ⚖️ Equity: Make every student’s voice heard and valued.
Assessment & Feedback
- Celebrate growth through student showcases, portfolios, and public exhibitions.
- Use common literacy rubrics across subjects (writing, speaking, presenting).
- Embed self-reflection tools (graphic organizers, exit slips, feedback protocols).
- Common Discussion Protocols
- Common note taking etc.
Middle School of Innovation 