As children head back to school, Scholastic Education is launching an augmented, more customized literacy solution service for US school districts to strengthen student achievement both inside and outside the classroom.

The service combines Scholastic’s popular teaching and learning programs into one comprehensive literacy improvement program focusing on four key areas: instructional reading and writing; professional learning; family and community engagement; and independent reading.

The first key area features research-based programs, including print and digital content and a brand-new instructional curriculum entitled Guided Reading: Lecturas Cortas for English language learners.

For the professional learning segment, new books will launch throughout the year beginning with Every Child a Super Reader from literacy expert Pam Allyn and renowned educator Ernest Morrell. Scholastic also plans to publish Page-to-Stage Writing Workshop by Newbery Medal-winning author and educator Kwame Alexander.

The third area expands Scholastic’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) program to include district and state-wide learning support programs to build comprehensive community plans for helping children inside and outside school. Additionally, Scholastic has partnered with family and community engagement expert and senior lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education Dr. Karen Mapp to provide a three-day workshop series to district leaders, school staff, parents and community members.

Rounding out the newly customized service will be more independent reading support through classroom libraries and magazines, including digital learning supplements such as eReading subscription services Storia School Edition, BookFlix, TrueFlix and FreedomFlix.

The service boost in this area comes after Scholastic’s Kids & Family Reading Report found that while 33% of children ages six to 17 said their class has a daily designated independent reading period, only 17% have this opportunity every or almost every school day.