Term
Spring 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Facilitator(s)
Julia Reimer, Karen Moroz
Content Expert
Dana Lynee Curry Bradach
Abstract
The research question guiding this project is: How can professional development for middle school teachers support the implementation of literacy across the curriculum at the middle school level? The project addresses the issues arising on students falling behind in literacy skills as they make the transition to secondary education where there is less focus on foundational skills. This work builds upon the existing literature focusing on literacy education and how literacy can be used at the secondary level across all contents. This includes research on disciplinary literacy, reading, writing and speaking skills associated with literacy improvement. The methodology involved designing a professional development program for secondary educators of all contents to embed and enact literacy strategies in their classroom. The project features five 90-minute sessions for secondary educators at any grade level/content to learn, engage, discuss, test out, as well as plan for the implementation of the literacy strategies introduced. The project creates meaningful engagement opportunities for all stakeholders: administration, educators, and support staff. By incorporating literacy strategies in non-English/Language Arts classrooms, the professional development opens the doors for literacy learning and growth at every level and every content of a student’s educational career resulting in higher academic achievement through literacy growth. This work contributes to supporting and creating literacy across the curriculum initiatives that are accessible to all educators through an engaging and collaborative professional development.
Project Type
Professional Development
Keywords
Interdisciplinary Teaching, Literacy, Staff Development, Teachers/ Teaching
Recommended Citation
Grandgenett, Katie, "Building Teacher Capacity: Using Professional Development to Implement Literacy Across the Curriculum in Middle Schools" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1183.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1183
Type
text
Publisher
Hamline University
Format
application/pdf
Source
School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations at Hamline University